1 Corinthians 4:1-13

Have you ever felt the sting of judgment from others? Maybe it came from a boss, a parent, or a friend. Perhaps you’ve been quick to make judgments about someone based on their appearance or behavior. If we’re honest, we’ve all judged others—and ourselves—at some point. But what does it mean to judge, and how should we, as Christians, respond when faced with the judgments of others?

In 1 Corinthians 4:1-13, Paul addresses this very issue, and his response is both freeing and challenging. Paul was being judged by members of the Corinthian church who compared him to other leaders like Peter and Apollos. Some said he wasn’t as good as they were, while others supported him. But Paul’s response to this judgment is astounding: “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.” (1 Corinthians 4:3)

1. Human Judgment Lacks Power

When Paul says that it’s a “small thing” to be judged by others, he’s making a bold statement. We all know how much human opinions can affect us—whether it’s the opinion of a boss, a friend, or a stranger. Yet Paul shows us that human judgments lack the power to determine who we are or what we’re worth. In fact, Paul even goes further: he refuses to judge himself.

Why? Because the only judgment that matters is God’s. Whether others judge us or we harshly judge ourselves, those verdicts don’t hold ultimate authority. Human judgment is flawed. We are scarred by sin and therefore lack the qualification to truly judge the motives or worth of another. And when we judge ourselves too harshly, we can fall into the trap of guilt and inadequacy.

2. Freedom from Self-Judgment

Paul acknowledges that while he isn’t aware of any wrongdoing in his own life, that doesn’t make him innocent. He realizes that only God’s verdict matters. “It is the Lord who judges me.” (1 Corinthians 4:4) This is a liberating truth! Many of us carry the weight of self-judgment. We berate ourselves for our mistakes, criticize ourselves for our shortcomings, and hold onto guilt that has long been forgiven.

But Paul’s example teaches us that we don’t have to be our own judges. We aren’t the ultimate authority over our lives—God is. And in Christ, we are already forgiven and acquitted. When we allow God’s judgment to define us, we can release the burden of self-condemnation and live in the freedom of His grace.

3. We Are Stewards of God’s Mysteries

Paul goes on to describe himself and other believers as stewards of God’s mysteries. In the Greco-Roman world, a steward was a servant entrusted with managing his master’s household. While the steward had vast responsibility, he owned nothing. Everything he managed belonged to his master, and he was accountable only to him.

As Christians, we are stewards of what God has entrusted to us—our lives, our resources, our gifts. But ultimately, we are accountable to God alone. “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) Faithfulness is not measured by the standards of this world or the opinions of others; it is measured by God’s standards.

4. The Dangers of Pride

At the root of judgment is often pride. We judge others to elevate ourselves, to feel more righteous, or to avoid looking at our own sins. But Paul warns against this attitude. He reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God. There is no room for boasting because we didn’t earn our place in God’s family—it was given to us by grace.

When we judge others or ourselves based on human standards, we are playing a role that belongs to God alone. “Do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness.” (1 Corinthians 4:5) In the end, only God knows the true motives of our hearts. It’s His role to judge, not ours.

5. Following Christ’s Example of Servanthood

In the final verses of this passage, Paul paints a picture of what it looks like to be a servant of Christ. He describes himself and the apostles as “fools for Christ’s sake” (v. 10) who are willing to endure hardship, persecution, and slander for the sake of the Gospel.

Paul’s life was not one of comfort or honor. He was frequently reviled, persecuted, and slandered—yet in response, he blessed, endured, and spoke kindly. Why? Because he was following the example of Christ. Jesus, who had all power and authority, chose humility. He did not come to be served, but to serve, and gave His life for others. When we follow Christ, we take up our cross, endure judgment, and live as stewards of His Gospel, knowing that our reward comes from Him, not from the world.

6. Whose Verdict Are You Living For?

So whose judgment are you most concerned about? The world’s? Your own? If we live for the approval of people, we will always be enslaved to their opinions. But if we live for God’s verdict, we experience the freedom that comes from being loved and accepted by the only Judge who truly matters.

The more we fear the world’s judgment, the less we experience the fullness of life in Christ. But the more we trust God’s verdict, the more we live as effective stewards of His kingdom, experiencing the peace and purpose that come from being faithful to Him alone.

Conclusion

In a world that is quick to judge, Paul calls us to a different standard. We are not to judge others or ourselves based on human standards, but to live as stewards accountable to God. Our worth is not determined by the world’s verdict or our own self-criticism, but by the truth that in Christ, we are forgiven, free, and loved.

Let’s live for God’s approval, not for the fleeting opinions of this world. In Christ, we find our true identity, our freedom from judgment, and our calling to faithfully steward the mysteries of God.