"I do not even judge myself."

[12strings]

What exactly is Paul saying here:

1 Cor. 4:1 - This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 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. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 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.

Focusing on the Bolded phrase, What is Paul's point here as it relates to self-examination?

 

[kyredneck]

....Focusing on the Bolded phrase, What is Paul's point here as it relates to self-examination?

1 Cor. 4:1 - This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 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. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 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.

 

[Allan]

What exactly is Paul saying here:



Focusing on the Bolded phrase, What is Paul's point here as it relates to self-examination?

First, we note the apostle Paul tells believers a couple of different times, to examine themselves (1Cor 11 - regarding the Lords Supper as one such example), so is he contradicting himself here?

No. His point in the passage is that he does not take into account man's judgment of him as they judge by their own standards, and that usually means against themselves with 'them' being the measuring rod. His statement regarding not judging himself, is in direct relation to that sentiment, he doesn't use himself as the measuring rod for his goodness. Don't many presume they are fairly good because they haven't done anything 'really' bad. Yet what is 'really' bad except that which they have not done.

But as with the 1 Cor 11 passage, and the passage which Kyred illuminated more fully is that Christ is the one who measures us, because HE is the measuring rod. We ask 'Him' if we measure up. We examine ourselves in the light of His glory and grace. In so doing, He will show us our faults and failing but also His magnificent grace and mercy, and thus reveal that only in and through Him can we have prayer and hope of finding any Godly measure. In and of ourselves we (as Romans states) fall short of the glory of God but with Christ, we can do all things.

 

[th1bill]

First, we note the apostle Paul tells believers a couple of different times, to examine themselves (1Cor 11 - regarding the Lords Supper as one such example), so is he contradicting himself here?

No. His point in the passage is that he does not take into account man's judgment of him as they judge by their own standards, and that usually means against themselves with 'them' being the measuring rod. His statement regarding not judging himself, is in direct relation to that sentiment, he doesn't use himself as the measuring rod for his goodness. Don't many presume they are fairly good because they haven't done anything 'really' bad. Yet what is 'really' bad except that which they have not done.

But as with the 1 Cor 11 passage, and the passage which Kyred illuminated more fully is that Christ is the one who measures us, because HE is the measuring rod. We ask 'Him' if we measure up. We examine ourselves in the light of His glory and grace. In so doing, He will show us our faults and failing but also His magnificent grace and mercy, and thus reveal that only in and through Him can we have prayer and hope of finding any Godly measure. In and of ourselves we (as Romans states) fall short of the glory of God but with Christ, we can do all things.

I believe you have said better than I ever would have.