(1Co 4:8) “Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.” This is “tongue and cheek” – sarcasm. Their conflict of “I am of So-and-So” was a boast of being, as a result,  “Somebody”. Contrast that with (2Co_12:9) “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

(1Co 4:6) “And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”   “Puffed up”, inflated in pride. Pride is at the heart of all sin, for it says that self is worth it. Many a time I have had someone, in an effort to justify some wrong action say, “The Lord knows my heart.” In other words, “I am the exception to the rule of God’s law.” Sin is sin no matter who does it or for what reason.

(1Co 4:6) “And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”  Admire the good you see in others, but remember – each has a hidden man of the heart. Look too closely and each will disappoint you. Put your faith in the Lord who will never disappoint.

(1Co 4:5) “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.”  Though the things said here are negative, that is not where the focus is: “…then shall every man have praise of God.”  It goes back to verses 3 and 4, “… (1Co 4:3) “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you,…”; “….he that judgeth me is the Lord.” Do you focus on man or God?

(1Co 4:5) “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” “He will make manifest (plainly reveal) the counsels of the heart”. Here is what, in the judgments we make, we cannot know in this life. We make assumptions that are most of the time wrong in God’s sight. I can judge right and wrong, but I cannot judge the motivation.

(1Co 4:5) “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” This does not mean, “Don’t judge sin”, for in Chapter Five, Verse 12 they are told to judge sin. This is speaking of criticizing the person or actions of another of which we are each prone to do.

(1Co 4:4) “For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.”   It seems we so often read “…He that judgeth me is the Lord” with scant attention. Yet, it is of heavy weight and deserves heartfelt reflection, “He that judges me is the Lord”, the Lord is going to judge me. Yes, even you, saved brother or sister.

(1Co 4:4) “For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.”  The truths taught through the writings by Paul are not his own personal ideas nor insights. They were directed and penned in response to the Holy Spirit’s direct speaking: (2Ti_3:16) “All scripture is given by inspiration [the very breath] of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (also Gal 1:12)

(1Co 4:3) “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.”  The Holy Spirit is not saying we should not care about our testimony. He is saying we should be more concerned about what the Lord thinks than man. If we do right before the Lord our hearts will not condemn us when men misjudge us.

(1Co 4:3) “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.” A person is blinded to self’s flaws, much less the flaws of others. We wrongly judge others by the standard of self: (2Co_10:12) “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”