INTRODUCTION - PAUL HAD QUITE A TROUBLESOME, BACKBITING, PUFFED UP CHURCH TO WRITE TO - SLIPPERY

• They had divided into cliques, self righteousness, judging and excusing each other-
• They were filled with quarrels but it did not stop their immorality, sin abounded
• Paul must not be divisive in his letter, but he must find a way to draw them to Jesus

So we have a fine message on when to judge, how to judge, and when not to judge.

I. TO JUDGE OR NOT TO JUDGE

One of the most difficult lessons in the Christian life is concerning Judging

I DO NOT JUDGE MYSELF - AND PAUL COULD HAVE WRITTEN NOR ANYONE ELSE - 4:3

• It is required that stewards be faithful- and we are stewards of the mysteries of God
• But it is also recognized that as God's steward it is up to God to judge- not other men!
• And we must not even judge our own selves- We must do as God requires- not weigh it!

WE MUST JUDGE OURSELVES, OR GOD'S JUDGEMENT WILL BRING CHASTISEMENT - I Cor 11:31

• When we all come before God- we are to confess our Sins- I John 1:9
• If we do this, we must judge our own actions to include the sins we have allowed-& forsake each
• Rom 14:23 warns us- happy is the person that condemns not himself in what he allows!

HE THAT IS SPIRITUAL JUDGES ALL THINGS YET HE IS JUDGED OF NO MAN - I Cor 2:15

• When the spirit rules, a person can discern and weigh all things- yet not be short himself
• 1 Cor 6:1,2,3 we will judge angels- surely we can judge trivial matters at church-
• Rom 14:13 But our main judgement not each other- but that we not cause any to stumble
• It is not ours to condemn- but it is ours to evaluate even to reprove BUT NOT CONDEMN

Lest we condemn anyone- we need to remember Matt 7:1,2 - with that judgement- we be judged

II. THAT NO ONE BE PUFFED UP - I Cor 4:6b

The Corinthians were quarreling- like a pack of huskies at feeding time-

YE ARE PUFFED UP - I Cor 5:2 - After pleading that they not be, Paul accused them plainly

• Within the church was immorality- gross sin- and they chose up sides accusing-excusing-
• But though they gloried that they were not guilty- 5:6 they took no action- gripe complain
• Paul urged separation- 5:9-11-13 and yet some are drawn like a moth to flame-to help?-die.

PAUL SAID I AM DETERMINED NOT TO KNOW ANYTHING AMONG YOU SAVE JESUS CHRIST - CRUCIFIED - 2:2

• With this mess- Paul had to walk a narrow line if he was going to continue his ministry-
• Even the name of Christ was a part of the factions -1:12b- the most hypocritical of all
• To keep from siding with even them- he said "save Jesus Christ- and him crucified-

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT IN WORD, BUT IN POWER - I Cor 4:18-21

• There can be great power plays on words- devotional thoughts- smart one wins- or does he?
• Paul was interested in God's power to save souls- lives being changed- POWER
• We have lots of words today- but are weaker than ever before can't stand against sin?

We need more love & Meekness with each other 21b, more POWER against sin-self & others

III. THAT THERE BE NO DIVISIONS I Cor 1:10

We have become so independent today that we are cantankerous- faultfinding-not working

THERE ARE CONTENTIONS AMONG YOU - PAUL WROTE TO THE CORINTHINANS - 1:11b

• This was the understatement of the year- then and now/ our church is blessed now-content.
• We today divide into denominations-non-denominations-/liberal-Conservative -Fundamental-/ Communist-American
• But often we use labels against friends- have care- Neo-Evangelical is a position!

JUDGE NOTHING UNTIL THE TIME COMES - I Cor 4:5-

• 1 Cor 5:7 we need to oust the gross sinner out of the church- not pleasant-but done here
• Rom 16:17 we need to mark those causing divisions- and avoid them- (Doctrine error)-
• But remember well that it is Christ that will judge us all- let Him care for most things.

OUR GOAL IS TO LIVE FOR JESUS AND TO SAVE SOULS - 1 Cor 10:33 - "That they may be saved" 

• We have to evaluate many things judging ourselves more harshly than any other-way of life
• But our life itself is to be centered in our love for Jesus- willing to forgive & help
• The expression of our love for Jesus is shown in how we try to win souls- & help Christians

We have a mixed up world today- but if you are willing God will guide you

CONCLUSION - DO NOT JUDGE AMISS - FOR YOUR LIFE AND YOUR HAPPINESS REST ON YOUR JUDEMENT & FAITH

• If you fall into Criticizing Christians- & preachers- you might not be saved!
• If you fall into being too critical of Chris tians you might become mighty lonely-
• If you become too critical of poor lost sinners- you will not try to win them to Christ.