Author: Charlie Garrett

Sunday, 18 May 2014

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5

Paul has been speaking of matters of doctrine and he is continuing on in this regard. It is similar to what Jesus said in one of the most misapplied verses in all of Scripture, Matthew 7:1, 2 –

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Jesus was not implying that we weren’t to make judgments against others on matters of morals, ethics, or adherence to the word of God. In fact, within just a few short sentences of His words, he noted to us that we are to be firm and steadfast in making right moral judgments. Paul cites a similar thought in Romans 2:1 –

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.”

Our judgments and our decisions are to be based on what God decides rather than on our own perverse machinations. Understanding this, Paul begins with “therefore.” This is given in anticipation of us returning to see why he will now state what he states. He just finished indicating his belief in his innocence concerning proper doctrine, but just because he felt innocent, it didn’t mean he actually was. Instead, the Lord would determine that.

Because of his uncertainty in this matter, even though he felt convinced, he now adds to that thought by saying “judge nothing before the time.” Again, this isn’t asking us to not make right judgments but to exercise care in our determination of why someone is taking a particular course of action. A good example of this is when Jesus sat and spoke with prostitutes and other “sinners.” If one were to judge by mere appearances, they would think He was like them because of His association with them. However, the appearances would be faulty.

In like manner, Paul made his presentations, Apollos made his, and Peter made his. Divisions arose among those in Corinth based on who they approved of, but in fact all three were working towards the same end. Making such limited judgments only caused harm, not edification. In the end, each will receive his reward when “the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveals the counsels of the hearts.”

These two thoughts parallel each other. “The hidden things of darkness” are those things we conceal. What we may put forth as our motivation for a deed may actually not be at all what truly motivates us. The “counsels of the heart” refers to this same concept. Our heart directs us, it guides our emotions and our desires, and it is what we cannot search out in another, only the Lord can (as the Bible shows numerous times and in both testaments.)

And so it is the Lord who will do the searching and it is the Lord who will judge us for rewards and losses. At that time “each one’s praise will come from God.” This word “praise” is from the Greek epainos and denotes the idea of a reward which is due. When the Lord does His great search of our hearts, motivations, and doctrine, He will pronounce the sentence fairly and with justice based on that.

Life application: Truly, we cannot know the motivations behind the actions of another. At times we might feel certain, but in the end we may actually be proven wrong. Therefore, let us withhold such judgments, allowing the Lord to do His work without our prior interference.

Great and awesome God! How good it is to know that You have everything under control. I don’t need to worry about the things the world finds troubling. I don’t need to feel stress or concern about the sad direction of nations, governments, or society in general. In the end, these things are temporary, but You O God are eternal. In what shall I worry? My hope is in You, the Living God! Amen.

Saturday, 17 May 2014

For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. 1 Corinthians 4:4

The sense of this verse is hard to understand in some translations. However, the NIV does a good job of it –

“My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.”

Paul, speaking of his work as an apostle, and in his ministerial duties in handling the mysteries of God (see verse 1 for context), felt convinced that he had done and was doing his best in presenting it properly. However, he acknowledged that just because he “felt” he had a clear conscience in no way implied that he was without guilt in the matter.

This verse is an important one in presenting to us, and the world at large, the fact that guilt has nothing to do with how we perceive our standing before God. We may be (and are because of the fall of man) guilty of an offense against God whether we realize it or not. This is no different than turning onto a road with a 35 mile-per-hour limit and going 45 even though we saw no sign at the point where we turned onto it. Ignorance of the law is no excuse and feelings of innocence are irrelevant.

Paul understood that God is sovereign and that if he had done something wrong in his gospel ministry, even unknowingly, he bore the responsibility for his actions. In the end, he states his affirmation that “He who judges me is the Lord.” We are His subjects and to Him we are accountable. Therefore, doctrine really does matter. People who dismiss this precept and arrogantly state that “doctrine doesn’t matter” will face much loss at the judgment seat of Christ.

The Bible is a book of doctrine and it has been given to us for our learning, guidance, and instruction. When we fail to handle it properly, we are offending God who gave it.

Life application: Better to spend your time with your nose in the Bible in expectation of approval before Christ, than to ignorantly walk through your Christian life, hoping for a light sentence at the judgment of rewards and losses on that great Day.

Lord God, Your word shows me that ignorance of Your law is no excuse. Whether my conscience is clear concerning my doctrine, it doesn’t mean I am innocent in regards to it. You have spoken and it is up to me to properly handle what You have given. And so Lord, open my eyes to the truth of the word; give me a desire to approach it carefully and with respect. And thank You for allowing me to know Your mind through it! Amen.

Friday, 16 May 2014

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 1 Corinthians 4:3

Verse 3 begins with “but” to indicate a contrast in what he just said about being “found faithful” in the previous verse. In Paul’s eyes, “it is a very small thing that” he should be judged by anyone except the true Judge of all righteous deeds and actions. The idea of being “judged” here implies the examination one would go through preliminary to a trial being held.

Speaking to those in Corinth, to him being found in this state had absolutely no importance at all when coming from “you or by a human court.” He had already found them worldly and carnal and so noted it to them in the preceding chapter (see 1 Corinthians 3:3, 4). They had divided allegiances between individual teachers and were not focused on Christ. If this was so (and he showed them that it was), then any such inspection of his work by them would ultimately be irrelevant.

What should be noted is that the term “human court” is the Greek anthrōpinēs hēmeras – man’s day; meaning the time from sunrise to sunset. It is translated as “court” because Paul is contrasting “the day of man” to the “Day of the Lord.” This sentiment is seen in 1 Corinthians 3:13 –

“…each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.”

The brevity of human life and the lowliness of our knowledge in comparison to that of God finds man insufficient to make accurate and reasonable judgments concerning such awesome matters as Paul was blessed to impart by God’s Spirit.

And so this wasn’t just the case with those in Corinth, but with any human court. If a human court were to make an investigation into Paul’s imparting of “the mysteries of God” which he spoke of in 4:1, they could never correctly investigate the matter anyway. Such information and revelation would be beyond a human court’s ability to properly discern. And to prove this he continues on with words concerning himself.

He was so sure that such an investigation would come up short, that he exclaimed, “In fact, I do not even judge myself.” In his words, instead of the word krino – judge, he uses the term ankrino – examine. In other words, he is unable to examine these things himself, even though they were relayed through him. The mysteries of God were revealed to him by the Spirit of God. As he is a creature created by God, how could he examine something which was of a higher Source than himself? It would be impossible!

As the Pulpit Commentary notes, This “verse discourages all morbid self introspection. It also shows that St. Paul is not arrogantly proclaiming himself superior to the opinion of the Corinthians, but is pointing out the necessary inadequacy of all human judgments.” He, like they, was wholly unqualified to judge such high spiritual matters through earthly investigations.

Life application: Because the Bible is surely the word of God, having validated itself throughout history – both internally and externally, we must accept what has been received without judgment upon it. We are insufficient to judge what God has spoken. We may find it difficult, not suited to our taste in certain areas, or contrary to what we desire, but we must never attempt to find fault in it. God is God and God has spoken. Let us accept His word as it is written.

Your word is so precious to me Lord. Many times I’ve seen others in distress decide to pull it out and read its contents in order to find hope and encouragement there. Me… I will never wait until the time of anxiety arrives. I intend to stay ahead of the game, keeping it fresh in my mind and secure in my heart at all times. In this, I will be ready for any day of evil which comes my way. Thank You for Your word!! Amen.

Thursday, 15 May 2014

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.1 Corinthians 4:2

Verse 2 begins with “moreover.” This builds upon verse 1 which said, “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” In addition to this, or “moreover,” Paul now notes that “it is required…” Literally, this phrase is “it is sought for” or “it is expected.” If one is a steward of another, then they are responsible to their master. Certain things must be accomplished, certain qualities are looked for, and certain standards must be maintained.

In such a state it is required “that one be found faithful.” His words here certainly reflect the mindset of Jesus’ words in Luke 12:42, 43 –

“And the Lord said, ‘Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.'”

The logic is that 1) Jesus Christ is the Master; 2) He selects His stewards; 3) He gives His instructions for proper stewardship (these are found in the Bible); 4) He will search out our works, attitudes, and results to determine our faithfulness.

Life application: Have you received Jesus Christ as your Savior? If so, you have become a “steward” or “servant” of Christ. Are you learning His instruction manual? Are you executing your duties according to that manual? This is our one shot at doing these things before we stand before His judgment seat. Make sure to do them diligently and correctly!

How great, splendid, and awesome You are, O God. You placed the galaxies in the heavens and set them in motion. And yet you are aware of every bumblebee that goes about its business of collecting nectar to make honey. How can such wisdom and power be! How magnificent are Your ways. Thank You for allowing me to be a part of Your wondrous creation and to behold Your revealed glory with my two unworthy eyes. Amen!

Wednesday, 14 May 2014

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Corinthians 4:1

Paul has penned many words concerning divisions in the church, especially those based on following particular individuals. However, he understood the human proclivity toward this kind of action. And so, having shown that Christ is the foundation and every other person is merely building upon that foundation, he now goes to the task of defining exactly how individual ministers should be perceived. Though they are not to be exalted, they have a particular distinction which is of note.

And so he begins chapter 4 with “Let a man so consider us…” He is referring to Cephas, Apollos, and himself, along with any others who come to add upon the foundation. These are to be considered “as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” Paul elsewhere calls himself a “bondservant of Christ.” In Romans 6, he shows that we are all slaves to something. We are either slaves to sin (as Jesus Himself noted in John 8:34) or we are slaves to God and to righteousness. Therefore, his terminology that they are “servants of Christ” is inclusive of all believers.

In this state, they are to be regarded as equals by the Corinthians. All are under one Master and therefore all owe their allegiance to Him alone. But he continues by stating that despite their common status, they are also “stewards of the mysteries of God.” They, as apostles and teachers, carry the details of the faith for instruction and building up of the body. In this capacity, they are to be noted for their efforts. However, this type of note is to be shared among all who are in such a position. There shouldn’t be unhealthy divisions within the category.

And there are many categories within the faith. Paul gives several lists throughout his writings, such as one which is coming up in 1 Corinthians 12:27, 28 –

“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.”

Life application: The Bible asks us to give honor where it is due. In 1 Timothy 5:17, for example, elders are to be given “double honor” for their service. However, this is a form of respect, not a point of exaltation and division within the body. Be careful to keep the integrity of the body through the exaltation of Christ alone.

There is a place where I can go
At any time of day or night
When my soul feels worn down
And I need the Lord to make things right

Heavenly Father, because of Jesus, I know that I have continuous access to Your throne of grace. Help me to use this glorious blessing always, never forgetting that You are with me in the trials as well as in the times of joy. Thank You for the bubbling-over fountain of life and love that I have available to me. Thank You for Jesus.  Amen.