Summary - I Corinthians 4:1-5

Then and Now:
Again Paul first presents the teaching principle, moves it to the practical, discusses its implications and then presents the right action.
A. As workers in the kingdom, we need to be seen as trustworthy servants or managers in the household.
B. One element of that trust is the way we treat fellow workers. Their work and motives should not be judged as the Corinthians are judging Paul.
C. The Lord is the one who judges us all - and that day will come. Wright reminds readers that beliefs about the day of judgement reflect our knowledge of God, the creator and his plan for our salvation. Wright also discusses Paul's purpose in telling the Corinthians two things. First, judgement can't come in the middle - before a job is completed. Second, he (Paul) will not submit to the Corinthians judgment. He'll wait for the Lord to do it.
D. Final reminder again sends hope back to Paul's hearers: Everyone in the kingdom, when motives are revealed, will receive praises in the judgement.

Now: Paul's teaching is a good structural model for today's servants to follow. Telling fellow workers about their behavioural problems is not the same as judgement. The procedures involved in working to improve anyone's spiritual qualities require analysis, but they do not include a decision about punishment.