Living for God’s Judgment

1 Corinthians 4:1-5

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.

The Supremacy of God’s Opinion

The goal of these verses is to emphasize God’s opinion and commendation above human judgment. That word “commendation” literally means praise—God’s praise of us. We must recognize God’s praise and opinion of ourselves above others’ praise or criticism.

The Corinthian church was divided, aligning with Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or Christ. They exalted preachers, creating factions. Paul corrects this: regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. The message matters more than the messenger, pointing to Christ crucified.

Paul clears the record: we are merely servants who plant and water; God gives the growth. Do not judge servants by human standards. The ultimate concern is God’s examination and what He says about us.

We must live more concerned about God’s view than others’. This is especially challenging in our age, where we crave approval. Both praise and criticism from others distract us.

Defending Truth, Not Self

Scripture calls us to defend the gospel and truth, not ourselves. We defend the hope within us, not our moral record. Worship exalts God, not our achievements. Testimonies emphasize God’s work, not our effort—we were dead in sin until God regenerated us.

Overemphasis on self—“me, I”—misses the point. Let God defend His truth; it defends itself. Focus on God defending you, on His commendation—His praise.

We chase human praise or fish for compliments under false humility, which is pride. True focus is on the Lord who judges righteously.

Three Judgments: Others, Self, and God

Judgments come from others, self, or God. Only God’s matters. Do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes to bring hidden things to light and disclose heart purposes. Then each receives commendation from God.

Compliments are fine—say thank you and move on. But God knows all, even hidden sins behind facades. Focus on eternal priorities: build with gold, silver, precious stones, centered on Christ crucified.

1. Relinquish Care for Human Judgment

Stop caring about human judgment, whether from church, friends, or courts. Pursue a blameless reputation—not sinless, but honest about sin and pursuing grace. Paul was unaware of anything against himself yet called himself chief of sinners. He welcomed examination but deemed it small, focused on being found faithful as Christ’s servant and God’s steward.

Serving Christ makes others’ opinions insignificant. Galatians 1:10: “Am I now seeking the approval of man or of God? ... If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Steward God’s mysteries—manage His truths accurately, believing and representing them rightly, not altering doctrine for popularity.

2. Relinquish Care for Self-Judgment

Paul does not even judge himself. Pursuing servanthood and stewardship shifts focus from self to Christ.

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!

Psalm 139:23-24

The psalmist invites God to search and correct—not self-searching, but God-focused: “Lord, find and eradicate sin, lead me everlasting.”

3. Renew Care for God’s Opinion

God knows you fully and will praise faithful stewardship. Imagine God saying of you, as of Job: “Have you considered my servant?” In Christ, we receive commendation based on His work.

Consume yourself with Christ’s service and God’s mysteries—truths sought but revealed only by Him. They satisfy the soul. Then others’ praise or criticism becomes inconsequential, self-judgment forgotten.

How much time do you spend on others’ opinions versus God’s praise? Make concern for God’s opinion your way of life, a joy, anticipating His commendation.