Greetings Flag Branch members and friends and thanks for taking the time to join me for some Fine Points from yesterday’s service and message “Waiting On The Facts”.
Premature judgements occur whenever someone makes decisions concerning other people without knowing all the facts. There were those in Corinth who were making judgements concerning Paul, Apollos, Peter and others concerning their ministries. These judgements were causing divisions among them and causing them to form groups or parties based on the minister they ascribed to.
Paul wanted them to know that these ministers were all servants and stewards of Christ and all on the same team. Furthermore, their opinion or judgement of him and his ministry mattered very little to him. The same was true of his opinion or judgement of himself.
As the steward and servant of God, only God was qualified to judge him because of two important reasons. First, he was the Lord’s servant and steward. It is to and for the Lord he worked and served and to him and only him did he have to answer.
Second, neither he or anyone else knew how much or if the Lord was satisfied with his work because only the Lord knew everything about him including his motives and intent of his heart. In light of these things, we must refrain from passing judgements on people including those we love, revere, admire and respect.
For while they may appear to us one way, the truth of the reason something appears a certain way and the motive or intent behind why it appears so may be something unknown to us. Therefore, our judgement is incorrect because it was made without knowing all the facts.
We must wait on the facts as Paul told the Corinthians and then and only then will we know the whole truth. God is the only one with these facts and we must wait on him before judgement is pronounced. This is why as much as I would love to say and make good conclusions about those I love and admire and have worked with and have seen the good they have done, I am not qualified to make such pronouncements. Not for those closest to me nor for myself.
We can not be sure of our own standing with God much less that of someone else. What we can and should do is to do all we can and know to do so we can at least say as Paul say “I am not aware of anything against myself and my conscience is clear” as to my relationship and standing with the Lord. But as Paul said even that does not make it so.
This is why we must wait on the facts and the pronouncement of the Lord Himself to say “well done”. Not just for me or you, but for every person who must stand before the judgement seat of Christ.
Remember to visit our website to see our latest news, announcements and worship activities and opportunities. Be sure to download our mobile app on your phones and mobile devices. Don’t forget to read and listen to my Sunday School preview that comes out on Thursday. Get a jump on Sunday School by reading the SS Daily Bible Readings at our website or by clicking the link. As always, remember to fear God and keep His commandments
Pastor Jordan
