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''Word's Noise Pollution''
mharrell08:
--- Quote from: Moises on October 17, 2009, 01:32:41 AM ---Does someone have some thoughts about these Paul's words?
3But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.
4For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.
5Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God. (1Cor. 4:3-5)
--- End quote ---
I think these additional scriptures before and after Paul' statements help in understanding his meaning:
1 Cor 4:1-7 [NASB]
v1 Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
v2 In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.
v3 But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.
v4 For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.
v5 Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God.
v6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other.
v7 For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
Paul begins by stating that the apostles, disciples, himself are 'servants of Christ' and should be considered such (v1). He then states that, as stewards of the Lord, they are to be found trustworthy (v2). Paul says that being examined to be found trustworthy by them (the church) or by a judicial court are not a high enough standard...also because of this high standard, he does not even attempt to examine and justify himself(v3).
Paul continues in saying that though he is not aware of anything to deem him not 'trustworthy', the only One who can justify him is the Lord (v4). Paul says 'therefore' (or 'because of this') do not attempt to examine one another as though YOU could justify one person over another. When the Lord comes, He will bring that which is hidden to light and He, Himself, will justify us ('each man's praise comes from God') [v5].
Paul then states that he applies this spiritual truth to himself and Apollos for 'their sakes' ['Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ' (1 Cor 11:1)]; so that they (the church) does not go beyond what the Word of God commands and become 'arrogant' towards one another [again, not attempt to 'justify one person over another'...that is the Lord's job, not ours] (v6)
Paul asks for who has made any of you superior to one another [to attempt to justify someone] because what do we have [spiritual knowledge & understanding] that was not given to us? And since it was given, why do we boast [puff ourselves up & 'certain others'] as if it was from ourselves? (v7)
My thoughts are this is an excellent admonition from the apostle Paul and bring this passage to mind:
1 Cor 10:11-12 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Thanks for bringing these scriptures to light Moises,
Marques
Dave in Tenn:
That sounds prudent and mature, Moises. It also called up additional scripture.
Ecc 3:1 To everything--a season, and a time to every delight under the heavens:
Ecc 3:2 A time to bring forth, And a time to die. A time to plant, And a time to eradicate the planted.
Ecc 3:3 A time to slay, And a time to heal, A time to break down, And a time to build up.
Ecc 3:4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh. A time to mourn, And a time to skip.
Ecc 3:5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to heap up stones. A time to embrace, And a time to be far from embracing.
Ecc 3:6 A time to seek, And a time to destroy. A time to keep, And a time to cast away.
Ecc 3:7 A time to rend, And a time to sew. A time to be silent, And a time to speak.
Ecc 3:8 A time to love, And a time to hate. A time of war, And a time of peace.
Ecc 3:9 What advantage hath the doer in that which he is labouring at?
Ecc 3:10 I have seen the travail that God hath given to the sons of man to be humbled by it.
I reckon one part of the travail that God gives to the sons of man to be humbled is to see what is so strongly bubbling up from our hearts and out of our mouths. God help us to rejoice at the suffering He causes us to undergo like that. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Does it get any better than that?
cjwood:
--- Quote from: Dave in Tenn on October 17, 2009, 10:58:36 PM ---Ecc 3:4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh. A time to mourn, And a time to skip.
Does it get any better than that?
--- End quote ---
i don't think so dave.
btw, i really enjoyed reading this particular translation of that verse. i love to skip...:)
thank you moises for the thread and all the Scriptures posted.
learning...always learning...
(gettin excited 'bout mobile!)
claudia
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