1 corinthians 4 (NMV)
1 This is how you should regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries God has revealed.
2 Now, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
3 But to me, it is of little importance that I be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.
4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.
5 Therefore, do not judge anything before the appointed time, wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will reveal the intentions of the hearts. Then each person will receive their praise from God.
6 Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn through us not to go beyond what is written, and that none of you will become arrogant by taking pride in one person over another.
7 For who makes you superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign without us, and I wish you really did reign, so that we might reign with you!
9 For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the line, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to people.
10 We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.
11 Up to this present hour we are hungry and thirsty, poorly clothed, brutally treated, and homeless.
12 We labor, working with our own hands. When we are insulted, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;
13 when we are slandered, we respond with kindness. We have become like the world's garbage, the scum of all things, even now.
14 I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children.
15 For even if you had countless instructors in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For in Christ Jesus I became your father through the good news.
16 So I urge you, imitate me.
17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you. He is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach them everywhere in every church.
18 Some of you have become arrogant, as though I were not coming to you.
19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not just what these arrogant people are saying, but what power they really have.
20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
21 What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod of discipline, or in love and with a spirit of strength restrained in obedience to God?