1Corinthians:4

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* Let a man so consider us , as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God . * Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful . * But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court . In fact , I do not even judge myself . * For I know of nothing against myself , yet I am not justified by this ; but He who judges me is the Lord . * Therefore judge nothing before the time , until the Lord comes , who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts . Then each one 's praise will come from God . * Now these things , brethren , I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes , that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written , that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other . * For who makes you differ from another ? And what do you have that you did not receive ? Now if you did indeed receive it , why do you boast as if you had not received it ? * You are already full ! You are already rich ! You have reigned as kings without us--and indeed I could wish you did reign , that we also might reign with you ! * For I think that God has displayed us , the apostles , last , as men condemned to death ; for we have been made a spectacle to the world , both to angels and to men . * We are fools for Christ 's sake , but you are wise in Christ ! We are weak , but you are strong ! You are distinguished , but we are dishonored ! * To the present hour we both hunger and thirst , and we are poorly clothed , and beaten , and homeless . * And we labor , working with our own hands . Being reviled , we bless ; being persecuted , we endure ; * being defamed , we entreat . We have been made as the filth of the world , the offscouring of all things until now . * I do not write these things to shame you , but as my beloved children I warn you . * For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ , yet you do not have many fathers ; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel . * Therefore I urge you , imitate me . * For this reason I have sent Timothy to you , who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord , who will remind you of my ways in Christ , as I teach everywhere in every church . * Now some are puffed up , as though I were not coming to you . * But I will come to you shortly , if the Lord wills , and I will know , not the word of those who are puffed up , but the power . * For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power . * What do you want ? Shall I come to you with a rod , or in love and a spirit of gentleness ?

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