1 Corinthians 4:3-5 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yes, I judge not my own self.… I. MINISTERS OF CHRIST MUST EXPECT TO BE MADE THE SUBJECTS OF HUMAN JUDGMENT. They are like a city set on an hill, and every action they perform will be weighed, and every word they speak will be examined. Nor can there be any doubt about the right of men to judge the ministers of Christ. Ministers come to them professing to be commissioned from God, to deal with them about the concerns of their souls, and have they not a right to examine the truth of their statement, their qualifications for their work, and the manner in which they discharge the duties of their high office? That the right of judging ministers is often grossly abused cannot be denied. But this can never be assigned as a reason why they should be deprived of it altogether. Those who hear the gospel are commanded to prove all things, and to hold fast only that which is good. II. THOUGH THE JUDGMENT OF MAN SHOULD NOT RE ENTIRELY OVERLOOKED, IT IS A MATTER OF COMPARATIVELY SMALL IMPORTANCE. Many ministers pay far too little attention to the good opinion of their people. But though the judgment of man should not be overlooked, yet it is a matter of comparatively small importance. The opinions which men form about ministers are often prejudiced, unjust, and fluctuating; and it is not by their judgment that they shall be tried at the last day. Their applause need not flatter our vanity; their condemnation need not make us sad. III. MINISTERS MUST NOT REST SATISFIED WITH THE FAVOURABLE OPINIONS WHICH THEY MAY BE INCLINED TO FORM OF THEMSELVES. Paul says, "I judge not mine own self." This expression must refer to his ministerial character. As a believer in Christ he knew much of himself, and bitterly bewailed the existence of sin within him. But as a minister of Christ he was not conscious in himself of having been negligent, partial, or unfaithful. He was able to make solemn appeal to the elders of Ephesus (Acts 20:18-21). But though he knew nothing of which he could accuse himself, "yet," he says, "am I not hereby justified." The opinion which I have of myself does not determine my character, nor shall it determine my condition. But if Paul did not justify himself, how shall we justify ourselves? Who will have the presumption to compare himself in zeal, in faithfulness, in ability, in diligence, in success, with this holy apostle? Are we not commonly blind to our faults? Are we not equally prone to overrate our virtues? But however much we may be disposed to conceal our faults from ourselves and others; however much we may be disposed to overrate our virtues, still the opinion which we may form of ourselves will have no influence in determining our everlasting condition. The Lord shall judge righteous judgment. It is not impossible that we may be proud even of our faults, and may think that a ground of self-justification which in the sight of God is a ground of condemnation. We should tremble at the thought of deceiving ourselves. If men deceive us as to the affairs of this world, future watchfulness and diligence may repair all the damage which we have sustained, but if we deceive our own souls the consequences may be eternally ruinous. IV. WE MUST LOOK CHIEFLY TO THE JUDGMENT OF GOD, AND UNDER AN ABIDING SENSE OF ITS JUSTICE AND IMPARTIALITY ENDEAVOUR TO REGULATE OUR OWN CONDUCT. 1. He is perfectly acquainted with our character and conduct. What is the judgment of our own mind when compared with the judgment of Him whose "eyes are in every place, beholding the evil and the good"? 2. The opinion which He forms of us determines our character. We are in reality what He sees us to be. Prejudice, passion, interest, partiality, can have no influence upon His mind: He sees things as they really are. The world may approve — but what is this if the Lord condemn? 3. His judgment shall fix our everlasting condition. In the present world the wheat and the tares grow together. But when the Lord shall come to judgment, the unclean shall be separated from the clean, the unfaithful from the faithful ministers of Christ; and upon each a different sentence shall be passed. V. IT BECOMES US TO REGULATE OUR WHOLE BEHAVIOUR BY THESE SOLEMN AND IMPORTANT TRUTHS. If we daily remember that we shall be judged by the Lord, we shall be — 1. Excited to faithfulness. We must boldly and resolutely publish the whole counsel of God. We must "reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all long-suffering, and doctrine," whether men will hear or whether they will forbear. 2. This will prove a powerful antidote to trifling with the concerns of immortal souls. 3. The remembrance of this will render our conduct the more becoming. 4. The remembrance of this will support us under the unjust censures and calumnies of men. The reproach which you bear for Christ will ultimately redound to your glory. "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him." 5. The remembrance of this will support us under that neglect into which our talents and performances may undeservedly fall. Ministers of the most eminent talents and faithfulness and piety are often neglected. That love of novelty which is so prevalent in the human heart, and which, if not laid under proper restraints, is attended with such serious consequences, is apt to render the labours of the same individual tiresome. When this temper of mind is produced prejudice, and not reason, becomes the judge. But when this happens, and it has happened often and will certainly happen again, a faithful minister rejoices that it is but a light matter to be judged of man's judgment, but that He that judgeth him is the Lord. (W. S. Smart.) Parallel Verses KJV: But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. |
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