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“Judge nothing before the time” (1 Cor. 4:5) can be a difficult principle for thinking, experienced disciples to follow-through on; especially regarding other believers. At the beginning of chapter 4, the principal is clearly laid out that a steward is to be responsible. Paul says this:

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

As a believer, each one is accountable directly to Christ. Even if there are certain earthly roles involving hierarchy, Christ is still ultimately the one to do the judging of His people. Paul emphasizes that even though he has nothing to be accused of, it doesn’t make him justified; and he doesn’t stop there, he goes on to include this:

“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 NKJV

Paul didn’t seek the praise of men or fear criticism, because it was obedience that motivated him. It was also the standard that held his words and pen in check.

How are you doing regarding feelings toward other believers? Does your prayer life include praying for other Christians and church leaders? Judge nothing before the time…

The differences between natural and spiritual aren’t always easily discerned. And quite often, it takes time to prove which is which. In 1 Corinthians chapter 3, the true foundation of a redeemed life is described. It’s specifically built on Christ and His teachings, not a variation of them or a “Jesus-plus” system. In the first century, many were attempting to add to, delete from, and make changes to the basic tenants of faith in Christ. Paul called it a “carnal” approach, or a catering to the flesh. Consider:

“Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 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.” – 1 Corinthians 3:12-13 NKJV

As a disciple, the goal should be to seek out the lasting truth, not a trendy or socially acceptable creed. There’s always a carnal-based idea floating around church circles looking for a receptive ear, but the mature believer knows prayer and time are required to discern the difference.

Trends come and go; are you committed to searching out what’s lasting based on scripture, time and prayer? Are you willing to make decisions based on what that reveals? For the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire…

The common bond between Christians of course is Christ. Yes, it’s an obvious truth, but often ignored in times of disagreement. In the early church, leadership challenges quickly emerged and the apostles were put to the test. Members of the fellowship were forming strong opinions about various ministers, and in the city of Corinth they were even dividing into groups. Paul firmly addressed the situation; however, before he penned the rebuke he wrote this:

“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9 NKJV

As believers, we’re called into a common fellowship with Christ because He is the one by whom we’re saved. Paul goes on to say in the verses following that there shouldn’t be divisions by people saying “I am of Paul” or “I am of Apollos”, etc. In today’s church life, the focus can also get centered on leaders more than Christ, but ultimately, the believer is called to be a disciple specifically of Christ and no other. There will be helpful people along the journey, but Christ alone will prove to be the flawless model, and in Him alone are we made complete (Col. 1:27-29).

Are you specifically looking to Christ as your model today? Is your pattern based on His temperament, His attitude, and His way of speaking? Or is it based on another follower who’s a closer match to you? In Him we’re made complete…

Ever seen phrases like “Enriched with…” or “Fortified with…” on food products? For example, vitamins, minerals or fiber are included to provide something not naturally occurring. In a similar way, Christ has provided many things not naturally occurring in us to better carry out His mission. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, there is a verse that describes it:

“…I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you so that you come short in no gift…” – 1 Corinthians 1:4-7a NKJV

Notice what he says, “You come short in no gift”. That wasn’t a cliché to help the original readers feel better about themselves, it was a declaration about the all-sufficient power of Christ in them. They had all they needed for overcoming the wretchedness of the city and for thriving in kingdom service. They may not have been utilizing them, but the gifts were there all along.

Do you realize you’re enriched? Have you stopped to consider that God knew exactly how to “fortify” you at salvation? He not only forgives, and sanctifies; He enriches and places into service. If you’re in Christ, you have what you need and “come short in no gift”. Be thankful. And walk in that power today…