Background: Why would early Jewish Christians create a “retaliatory environment” where judging each other’s eternal destiny was even thought necessary? a) Barnabas & Ananias, both appear zealous for the Law
b) The churches of Galatia when they became zealous for the Law
Do not Slander & Judge – argument #1: Speaking slander and judging is a violation of the Law, so a people zealous for the Law are actually undermining the very position they are trying to achieve when they do it. 4:11
Do not Slander & Judge – argument #2: Judging another’s eternal destiny or rewards assumes God’s unique role as Law-giver & Judge. And he cannot share this role with anyone but Jesus Christ. All human judgments about destiny & rewards are not knowledgeable enough to be reliable. 4:12
What is a Believer’s Judgment? What will its tone be like – creating anxieties untold in a believer’s mind or in the context of perfect love & acceptance? a) 1 Peter 4:17 – God’s judgment begins with the household of God b) Revelation 11:18 – A believer’s judgment is not about destruction, but is God’s vehicle for rewarding his saints for their service, be they small or great.
c) II Cor. 5:10; 1 Cor. 3:12-15 – A believer’s judgment is based on truth and not all life’s activities will be rewarded or dignified. But even with some loss, believers will experience joy immeasurable.
d) Happiness in the age to come will not be primarily determined by more or less rewards (which will actually happen), but be the privilege to see God in an ever-inspiring way and to watch the out-playing of the glory of Jesus Christ in both the millennium and the final estate.
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Tom Sorensen is one of the elders at Littleton Bible Chapel. He has a background in retail management in the home furnishings industry for 24 years. In the late 1990's he moved out of retail management and into semi-retirement and does product sourcing work in Asia. He has a...