Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 4
1 Corinthians 4:3-5 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Here is the problem with making judgments of another’s service for God – we do not know the whole story. The apostle said it was a very small thing that he was judged of the Corinthian believers. They were not able to see his faithfulness or lack thereof. They only knew a part. Have you ever thought about the fact that our knowledge of another person’s situation is very limited? But God sees everything!
Paul said he would be judged by the Lord. Now he is not talking here about a judgment of sin or condemnation. He is talking about the scrutiny of his ministry and service to God. The Bible is clear, we are to do good works and our good works either gain reward or loss. But, good works are not a part of salvation. They flow from the salvation that we receive as a free gift. When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, we will have our ministry analyzed.
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Paul says be careful making judgment calls about a person’s ministry. Let God handle that! He knows everything. He knows the thoughts we think and the reasons behind what we do. He knows our abilities and our limitations. He will look over all those things and render an accurate judgment.
Please note what Paul says at the end. Then every man shall have praise of God. At the judgment seat of Christ, there will be rewards for faithful service to the king. This is not the Great White Throne Judgment where unbelievers will be sentenced to the lake of fire. This is the Bema Seat where there will be reward. Do not live for the praise of men. Live for the praise of God. Aim your life and service to the judgment seat of Christ and be faithful to the king!
In Christ,
Rody
