05/28/2026
“For the kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk,it is living by Gods power"
1 Corinthians 4:1–21
Pastor Dan Friesen
Wednesday Church Service Key Notes 📝
Brothers and sisters, Paul calls us to remember who we are: servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Here’s the recaps on Wednesday Church Service : God is saying to us about judgment, motive, limits, ministry, finances, and the posture of our hearts.
1. The Lord alone is Judge (vv. 3–5)
⚖️ Paul reminds us that ultimate judgment belongs to the Lord. Human appraisal is partial; God reads the heart and will bring everything into the light. That means two things for us:
- We should not live for human approval. Aiming to please people shifts our motive and weakens our witness.
- We must live with humility and integrity, trusting God to sort all things in His timing.
2. God sees private motives and secrets (vv. 5)
📸 Nothing is hidden from God. Secret motives—pride, envy, self‑promotion—are visible to Him. This is not to condemn but to purify: God’s scrutiny is an invitation to honest self‑examination. Ask: Why am I serving? For applause, for comfort, or for Christ?
3. Stay within what is written — submit to Scripture (implied)
✍️ Paul’s warning against going beyond the written word is a call to obedience. Scripture sets the boundaries of faith and practice. When we stay within God’s Word, we stay within God’s truth and protection. Innovation without biblical anchoring risks drifting into what pleases men rather than God.
4. Do what God has asked us to do — faithful stewardship (vv. 1–2)
👨✈️ We are stewards: entrusted with the gospel and the life of the church. That means faithful service, not showmanship. Faithfulness looks like consistent prayer, teaching, pastoral care, and obedience to Christ’s commands — done humbly and lovingly.
5. Finances support the mission
🏦 Proper stewardship includes how we handle money. Giving is practical worship: finances enable ministry, feed the poor, support those who preach the gospel, and care for the church family. Give obediently, generously, and with clear priorities that reflect Christ’s heart.
6. Come in a gentle spirit (vv. 21 and throughout Paul’s tone)
🕊️ Paul contrasts force with gentleness. The kingdom advances not by browbeating but by humble witness. Approach one another with a spirit of gentleness, not domination. Correct, teach, and encourage as servants who belong to the Lord.
7. Be still and know that I am God — a posture of trust
This is a command to stop trusting our schemes and start resting in God’s sovereign care. Stillness is not passivity but a receptive posture: listening, trusting, obeying.