What can I say? Today is yet another opportunity to talk about God. This week I want to talk about how we DO things. I remember my pastor talking about how God told him not to judge anything that came out of his mouth while he was under the anointing.
I have only heard him mention anything about this, and I never really bothered to study it out, but in reading this morning, I came across the scripture where God tells us to do this exact thing.
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.
1 Corinthians 4:3-5 KJV
Today, I want to break down each verse and see what God is telling us about being part of His ministry.
No Person’s Judgement Matters (verse 3)
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known
1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV
Some people will justify bad things happening in their life based on this scripture. The truth is that the DEVIL is the author of everything bad that happens (John 10:10). This verse is really talking about not knowing everything that is happening in the spirit realm and natural realm.
Paul here is saying that I don’t even judge MYSELF let alone allow YOU to judge me.
(If you remember, that’s what got Joseph put into slavery.)
Safety? In the Multitude of Counselors
No the facts remain that people cannot judge what you do or say because they don’t understand what God has told you.
Justification not by Knowledge (verse 4)
Thank the Lord we aren’t justified by our knowledge. It’s not a test that we have to study for. You don’t have to make an A+ score in the game of life to get into heaven. No God came while we were yet sinners and died so that we could enter into a relationship with Him by faith.
Romans 4:5 talks about that if we operate by faith then our faith is counted as righteousness just like Abraham. Last week’s post was all about being justified by faith and not by works.
Thank God we can’t work our way to heaven because the question would always linger “Am I good enough?”
I don’t want to reach the end of my life afraid of what is to come. Nor do I want to try to earn love. Is it true love if you have to earn it?
Think about your own relationships. If you have to give your “friend” things to make them stay, are they really a friend?
Let God Judge (verse 5)
This is crucial. Paul says, “Judge not before the time.” When you judge yourself you BIND God’s hands to judge it. How do I know this?
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
1 Corinthians 11:31-32 KJV
This operates in the negative and the positive. What do I mean?
When you do something wrong, say “Father I judge myself. I shouldn’t have done that and I repent (make an about face) and turn from my wicked ways.”
But when you go to serve God and make a mistake or speak something out by the Holy Spirit and it offends someone, DON’T JUDGE IT. For as it says in our primary text, God will bring the counsel of the hearts and hidden wickedness of the hearts out and then He will praise you for speaking the truth in boldness.
Wrapping Things Up
Remember “There is therefore NOW no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…”
God isn’t looking for an excuse to condemn you.
But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
1 Corinthians 11:32 KJV
A father corrects the children he loves. So does our heavenly Father correct those whom He loves.
Don’t allow your desire for perfection and excellence to get in the way of operating and doing what God tells you to do. Don’t judge your mistakes for man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks at your heart.
Keep your heart with all diligence for out of it flow the issues of life and make sure you diligently seek the Lord in humility. If you do that, then God can use you.
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