In previous verses Paul described how Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) in his day chose to observe or not observe special days or dietary customs. He made the point that whatever each believer chooses in these matters, they are motivated by a desire to serve God.
He continues in verse 7 by pointing out that no believer lives or dies for themselves. Our entire purpose in life and our purpose in death, revolves around God. We are his possessions, to be used for his purposes. (v.7-8)
In some way hinted at but not described in verse 9, Christ’s death and resurrection were the key elements in making him “Lord” over all of humanity, both those still living and those who have already died. (v.9) This position of “Lordship” means that it is specifically Christ who will evaluate what we have done in our lives.
Because of this, we shouldn’t judge or think negatively of each other. Whatever ability we might think we have to evaluate the performance of another, Christ’s ability is infinitely greater, and he will be focusing that ability on us as well! (v.10) Paul emphasizes this truth by quoting from Isaiah 45:23. (v.11) One day, when this life is over, we will each be responsible to, in some sense, stand before the “judgment seat” of Christ (probably a metaphor based on the common “judgment seats” of the ancient Greco-Roman world) and give an account of ourselves to God.
Now we might stop here and say, “Wait a minute! What about Romans 8:1?”
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (NASB)
If there is no chance of being condemned, why would standing before the judgment of Christ be anything to take into consideration now as we decide how to live our lives? Because of the rewards we will receive for obeying God.
1st Corinthians 3:11-15 (NASB)
For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
2 Corinthians 5:9-10 (NASB)
Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
As believers, we have no reason to fear condemnation of any degree. But there is a vast supply of “rewards” that Christ will portion out. And the way we live our lives now will result in either gaining or missing out on a certain amount of those rewards.
So the next time we find ourselves thinking negatively about someone else, we should remember that Christ is a far better judge of character than we are, and that there will be even more in store for us in his eternal kingdom if we keep a humble focus on him right now instead.
Next- Keeping Each Other From “Stumbling”
Coffee House Question- Many churches rarely or never teach on the subject of “rewards”. Why do you think this might be the case?
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