Judge Nothing Before the Time

1 Corinthians 4:1-6

INTRODUCTION: This is a common passage, but the manner in which we often view the passage was not actually intended to be the focus initially. In fact, our rush to judgment about the import of the passage actually sheds light on the intended purpose. Who, or what, have we judged with limited knowledge.

I. THE ACCOUNTING SUGGESTED (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)

A. The Suggestion (1 Corinthians 4:1)

1. The call to account—“Let a man so account of us,”
a. To count
b. To sum up
c. To value or estimate
2. The twofold account
a. Ministers of Christ
b. Stewards of the mysteries of God
3. The purpose of the account (1 Corinthians 4:6)
a. Paul’s adoption of the account
b. The lesson of the account

B. The Requirement (1 Corinthians 4:2)

1. A steward defined
2. A steward characterized

II. THE JUDGMENT CONSIDERED (1 Corinthians 4:3-4)

A. The Judgment of Others (1 Corinthians 4:3)

1. It is A VERY SMALL THING to be judged of you.
2. It is A VERY SMALL THING to be judged of man’s judgment.
3. It would appear Paul had come under judgment by some of the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 18; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 1 Corinthians 3:1-10; 1 Corinthians 4:17-21).

B. The Judgment of Self (1 Corinthians 4:3-4)

1. I judge not mine own self (1 Corinthians 4:3).
2. I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified (1 Corinthians 4:4).
3. Paul’s faithfulness was not based upon his own judgment. Even if he saw nothing deeming him unfaithful, he was not justified thereby.

C. The Judgment of the Lord (1 Corinthians 4:4)

1. He that judgeth me
2. Is the Lord

III. THE REALITY AHEAD (1 Corinthians 4:5-6)

A. The Judgment Ahead (1 Corinthians 4:5-6)

1. The timing (1 Corinthians 4:5)
a. Before “the time”
b. Until the Lord come
2. The unveiling (1 Corinthians 4:5)
a. The Lord will bring to light the hidden things of darkness.
b. The Lord will make manifest the counsels of the hearts.
3. The praise (1 Corinthians 4:5); Note: There are two ways of viewing this passage.
a. At this point, men will not praise men, but will recognize that all praise belongs to God.
b. Instead of evaluating self or others, God will be the One evaluating man. Therefore, men will receive praise (acknowledgement of value) from God.

B. The Lesson Here (1 Corinthians 4:5-6)

1. Therefore (1 Corinthians 4:5)
2. That ye might learn (1 Corinthians 4:6)
a. Not to think of men above that which is written
b. And that no one of you be puffed up for one against another

CONCLUSION: One day, could be soon, the hidden things and the counsels of man’s heart will be brought to light. This is both a warning to reserve judgment and a warning to walk with God with a pure heart.