The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Corinthians 4:1-5, “Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

2 In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.

3 But to me it is a very small thing that I should be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.

4 For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.

5 Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.”

The Corinthian Church was a mess! They argued among themselves, each thinking he was greater than

the other because of whom he followed – Paul or Apollos or Cephas (Peter). Paul himself said they were

“fleshly” (1 Cor. 3:3). He emphasizes that the three were mere servants of Christ. The word he uses (huperetes)

means “under rowers,” the slaves that were in the lower part of the boat and rowed the oars that kept the

boat moving through the water. Further, he calls themselves “stewards” (oikonomos), “managers of the house.”

And stewards were required to be faithful, trustworthy.

Moreover, Paul tells them that as carnal, fleshly men, they are not worthy to examine him. In fact, he doesn’t

even examine himself. He says he’s not conscious of anything wrong in his own life, but that doesn’t mean

he is not guilty or without sin. It’s God’s business to examine him, not the fleshly, carnal members of the

Corinthian congregation. So there!

Recently, news has come forth of some serious charges against leaders of large churches. Arguments arise

as to whether they are guilty of the crimes with which they are charged. The LORD alone knows whether these

leaders (servants, stewards) are guilty. It is quite possible that the people bringing charges agains these

leaders are just as guilty as the ones whom they charge. “Don’t pass judgment “before the time,” Paul says.

Wait for the LORD, who is the Supreme Judge! When He comes, He will reveal the whole truth, even the

“hidden things” and “motives of the heart.” The LORD alone will bring it all to light, and each man will

be praised accordingly to what he deserves.

In the meantime, we will do well to live cleanly and honestly, being faithful in service to the LORD Jesus. We

want Him to say to us, “Well, done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joys of the LORD.”

We pray faithfully for you, and trust you are praying for us,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”