A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God's mysteries. In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful. It is of little importance to me that I should be evaluated by you or by any human court. In fact, I don't even evaluate myself. For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. Therefore don't judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. 

- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (HCSB)

The concept of divine judgment has often been misused by some to overpower or manipulate potential believers. Yet, this same principle that holds us accountable to a higher power also cautions us against placing judgment upon others, for that is the prerogative of God. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he uses judicial language to address a community rife with divisions and internal judgments. He underscores the importance of unity within the Christian community, emphasizing that it is God’s role to assess the faithfulness and dedication of each individual. The church, in its true essence, should reflect a harmonious unity under the gospel.

Daily Life Application:

• Remember that you are a servant of Christ and the gospel, and your worth is not defined by others’ judgments.
• Be mindful of the potential harm of passing judgments on fellow believers, as it disrupts the unity and peace of the community.
• Focus on your own faithfulness and commitment to God and trust in His final judgment rather than relying on the fleeting opinions of others.
• Seek unity and understanding within your Christian community, avoiding rivalries and divisions that can detract from the message of Christ.

Questions to Ponder:

• How can we prevent ourselves from judging others and ensure we maintain the unity of our Christian community?
• In what ways can we ensure our actions and decisions reflect faithfulness to God’s word?
• How does understanding God as the ultimate judge influence our interactions and relationships with others?
• What steps can we take to restore unity and harmony in a community divided by judgments and rivalries?

Continue Reading:

• 1 Corinthians 1:10–11 – To understand the rivalries and divisions Paul addressed.
• 1 Corinthians 4:1–5 – For a deeper insight into how some Corinthians viewed Paul and their own self-worth.
• 1 Corinthians 12:3b–13 – To delve into the theological foundation of Paul’s appeals for unity among the Corinthians.
• Matthew 7:1-5 – Jesus’ teachings on judging others.
• Romans 14:1-13 – Paul’s guidance on not passing judgment on the disputable matters.

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Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Used by Permission HCSB ©1999,2000,2002,2003,2009 Holman Bible Publishers. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.