Verse: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
3 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.
4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.
5 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.
Devotion
If you’re following our devotional series, you’ll recall that just a couple of days ago, Christian exhorted us to use judgment to discern those who might lead us astray with false teachings. On the surface, today’s passage might seem to contradict that advice, as it clearly states that we should not judge, but allow God to do so.
This is a wonderful example of the importance of context, so I’d like to use it to draw an important distinction. Christian’s advice to us was to use the tools at our disposal (Scripture, the Holy Spirit) to determine whether a teacher was indeed a servant of Christ and a faithful steward of the mysteries of God. The goal being to not be led astray.
On the contrary, today’s passage is regarding the judgment of the quality or worthiness of those who are already known to be servants and stewards. In Chapter 1, Paul mentions himself, Apollos, Cephas (the apostle Peter), even Christ himself! The Corinthian church had become divided as a result of different factions aligning themselves with one or the other of these teachers.
Paul’s exhortation then is simple…it’s not a competition! We don’t need to choose sides behind our favorite pastor, theologian, author, apologist. Whether you prefer to read/listen to Timothy Keller, John Mark Comer, John MacArthur, Christian Dunn, or any other servant of Christ, don’t do so exclusively, and don’t look down on others for preferring someone different than you. As long as they are faithfully stewarding the Gospel message, let God reward them accordingly when the time comes.
Paul tells us that even though he wasn’t aware of any reason why someone would take issue with his teachings, he didn’t even judge himself. This is because he knew what Jeremiah 17:9 tells us: “The heart is deceitful above all things.” If Paul, who obviously knew himself better than anyone else did, refused to judge himself, how could anyone else?
So, by all means, test the teachings of your favorite writers and speakers. Make sure they line up with Scripture. But don’t waste your time focusing on who is doing it best, or where you should place your loyalty. Place your loyalty with Christ and allow these servants of his to strengthen and undergird your faith, and to unite you with your fellow believers, not to tear you apart from them.
Prayer
God, give me wisdom to discern those who speak the truth from those who are misleading. And once I have, help me to learn from that truth to become a better follower of you, not just a follower of theirs.
Amen.
Author: Dave MacDonald
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