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Summary of Paul’s discussion on
judging others:
-
“do not go
on passing judgment before the time”
This is a PRESENT ACTIVE
IMPERATIVE with the NEGATIVE PARTICLE, which usually means to stop an act already in
process (cf. Matt. 7:1-5). These factious groups or the adherents of the false teachers had already judged Paul. Paul must
have had many critics at Corinth through the years (cf. II Cor. 10-12).
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“but
wait until the
Lord comes” The Second
Coming is certain; the time and manner are uncertain. True evaluation
must wait until the right moment (cf. Matt. 13:24-30,36-43).
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“who will
both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness”
Even believers will give an
account of their motives, plans, and attitudes (cf. 3:13; John 3:17-21; Rom. 2:16; II Cor.
5:10).
-
“and disclose the motives of
men’s
hearts”
This is crucial. This is why only
God can judge fairly. Believers are only responsible for what they do understand, but they are
always responsible for their attitudes and motives. Faithfulness will be rewarded (cf. 3:8,14,15), unfaithfulness judged (cf.
3:16-17). See Special Topic: Heart at 14:25.
-
“and each man’s praise will come to him from God”
This is a recurrent theme (cf. Job
34:11; Ps. 62:12; Eccl. 12:14; Jer. 17:10; 32:19; Matt. 16:27; 25:31-40; Rom. 2:16; 14:12; I
Cor. 3:8; II Cor.5:10; I Pet. 1:17; Rev. 2:23; 20:12; 22:12) based on the principle of Gal. 6:7.
(1)
Discussion Questions:
1. Why are believers not to judge themselves nor allow others to do
so?
2. How does this relate to our Christian witness? (2)
_________________
(1) Dr. Utley; Free Bible Commentary;
http://freebiblecommentary.org/pdf/EN/VOL06.pdf p. 56 ff.
(2) cf p.64
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