TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Acts 23:1

1 Corinthians 4:1-5 says, “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.” Paul is relating the fruit of the Sonship Gifts, especially regarding the fruit of redemption. Af-es-is. “For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.” Wow! “I know nothing against myself.” That is a confident statement! Paul had the assurance that the past record of wrongdoings was as a nonexistant thing. After Paul had his dramatic encounter with Christ he became a new creation and he began to live a fearless life as he accepted his Sonship gifts. The gift of redemption is apparent in these bold statements from both Acts and 1 Corinthians and clearly affirm his freedom. Because Paul was a new creation he walked with confidence and fearlessness, therefore he could do anything through Christ who provided strength. Are we going to follow his example and arise to this freedom?