The text is divided into two headings. 1 Cor 3:18 begins with the words, “Let no one deceive himself.” As such, it teaches us how to regard ourselves when it comes to relying upon for wisdom. Instead of the message we tend to rely on the person who delivers a message. We assume certain things when we hear certain names – and often assess their message without even hearing it. Hence it is possible to cheat oneself out of the full range of ministerial resources which God has provided, or on the other hand, accept falsehood merely because we respect its source. The reality is that personalities divide God’s church. In order to demolish this kind of party spirit, Paul states that all things are theirs – all ministers belong to the church, and that they, all together, belong to Christ – just as Christ belongs to God. The model for the church’s unity is found in the Trinity!
Chapter 4, verse 1 begins with, “This is how one should regard us,” and thus provides instruction as to how we are to regard others – particularly leaders – in the church. Pastors and leaders in the church are to be regarded as servants of Christ and stewards of the mystery of God. Pastors and teachers are not to propagate their own fancy, but are stewards of God’s property – this foolish message of a crucified Messiah. They are not called to be original, but faithful to preach God’s Gospel. It does not matter what other men say about a Christian leader – human verdicts hold no sway with God. This is incredibly liberating to the minister, as it releases him from the pressure of man – the minister’s aim is to please God, and as long as he preaches His message, he will be approved on judgment day.
