Live for the Only Judgment That Matters | 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

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Our text today is 1 Corinthians 4:1-5.

We all make judgments every day. We should. Wise judgment is part of following Jesus—choosing what’s right, resisting what’s wrong, and evaluating what’s healthy or harmful.

But Paul is talking about something very different here:

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 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. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 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. — 1 Corinthians 4:1–5

There’s a difference between making wise judgments and pronouncing eternal judgment—and the Corinthians confused the two.

They weren’t just evaluating behavior. They were assigning motives, ranking leaders, critiquing hearts, and acting like they could see what only God sees.

Paul says, “Your judgment—and even my own self‑evaluation—is too small to define me.”

Human judgment is horizontal. God’s judgment is eternal.

Paul isn’t telling believers to stop using discernment. He’s telling them to stop pretending they can see what only God sees.

You can evaluate actions and doctrine. You should evaluate behavior. But you cannot evaluate a person’s motives or eternal standing. That belongs to God alone.

Live for God’s approval, not human applause.

People will misjudge you. You’ll even misjudge yourself—thinking you’re doing great when you’re not, or failing when God says you’re being faithful. But none of that settles anything.

The final evaluation belongs to God. He will expose motives, reveal what’s hidden, and reward faithfulness no one ever saw. And when He speaks, He will get it right.

So live for that moment. Live for His verdict.

DO THIS:

Release one place where you’ve been overly self‑critical or overly concerned about someone else’s opinion. Say: “Lord, I want to be faithful—You handle the final judgment.”

ASK THIS:

1. Where am I confusing wise judgment with eternal judgment?
2. Whose opinion has too much influence over my confidence?
3. What would change if I lived for God’s verdict instead of people’s reactions?

PRAY THIS:

Lord, help me judge wisely but never assume Your role. Teach me to live for Your approval, trust Your timing, and surrender every final judgment to You. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“Only Jesus”