Twin City church of Christ Blog
“March 20, 2024 - The Judgment that Matters”
Categories: 2024 Reading DevotionalsThe Judgment That Matters
Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Rather than venerating men like Peter, Paul, and Apollos (1 Cor 1:12), Paul wants the Corinthians to “regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God”(1 Cor 4:1). Both of these relationships—servants and stewards—imply that these men will have to answer to their master for their actions. “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful”(1 Cor 4:2). A steward is one who is given authority over another’s money or possessions and expected to discharge his master’s will. A “faithful” steward is one who pleases his master and proves himself trustworthy.
So who determines how well a servant or steward is doing his job? Certainly not his fellow-servants. “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me”(1 Cor 4:3-4). The Corinthians have been judging Paul and Apollos and Peter by their own criteria of spirituality and wisdom; Paul says that their judgment “is a very small thing” that does not move his needle. Yet Paul acknowledges that even his own self-judgment is not the standard; he is not conscious of unfaithfulness but knows he is not his own judge. There is one judgment that matters: “it is the Lord who judges me.” The point? “Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God”(1 Cor 4:5). Jesus’ judgment includes hearts and secret things. Let’s wait for the judgment that matters.
Paul is not saying that we should never judge or evaluate ourselves and others. We will see that shortly (1 Cor 5:3, 12-13, 6:1-5). When others are sin, Christians should be able to tell and act accordingly. The judgment described here is criticism of how other Christians discharge their duties, live out their faith, and present the gospel. Rather than criticizing and separating, let’s wait for the judgment that matters.
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One Thing to Think About: What does Jesus think about my choices?
One Thing to Pray For: The patience and grace not to judge my brothers in matters like these
