Who’s To Judge? - December 31

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:6

…that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.

Reflect

Who is the ultimate judge? Who decides what is right vs. what is wrong? Why?

In today’s verse, Paul was continuing a thought, so let’s look back at the previous verses for context. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-6).

As we’ve been thinking about the Greco-Roman culture during this time and comparing it to our current culture, we have seen many similarities. The main difference though is that many of our cultures know what a Christian sexual ethic is, even if they mock it and hate it. Historically, many of our governments have even had laws against sexually immoral practices because many of our governments were influenced by the Judeo-Christian worldview.

The Thessalonians, however, were a pagan culture, so they acted like pagans. When some of them became Christ-followers, they had to learn to follow Christ in the area of sexuality, as well as all other areas of their lives. When pagans act like pagans, it isn’t all that surprising. But when Christians act like pagans, that is a real problem.

In today’s verse, Paul warned the believers in Thessalonica to never “transgress or wrong a brother in this matter.” Since he’d been talking about sexual sin, we know Paul means that a Christian should never sexually sin against another brother or sister in Christ. Sadly, we know that this has happened. It has happened within church communities which is an absolute abomination. No one should ever be sexually taken advantage of, abused, or sinned against, especially by another believer!

But who’s to judge? Isn’t this a personal issue? Isn’t our sexual behavior our own private business? Well, we can think that all we want, but Paul said that he solemnly warned them that God is an “avenger in all these things.” That means, He’s the Judge and He will mete out perfect justice in these matters. Why? Because He loves us! Chances are, you’ve seen the damage that sexual sin can do—broken hearts, broken marriages, broken families, and trauma are often left in its wake. God doesn’t want us to hurt ourselves and He certainly doesn’t want us to hurt the other people He loves.

As a parent of multiple children, I get this. When one of my sons sins against another, it breaks my heart. I love the one who got hurt by his brother, so I discipline the offender. But I also love the son who sinned. I want God’s best for him! I want him to be sanctified! So, I correct him when he does wrong. Who am I to judge between them? Well, I am their parent with God-given authority over them.

So, who’s to judge how we handle our sexuality? Well, God is who’s to judge because He is the Creator, not just of our sexuality, but of all things. He is the only One perfectly holy and perfectly just. He has a right to tell us how we ought to live and He has a right to judge those who do not follow His commands. When we follow God’s design, people flourish. When we don’t follow God’s design, people get hurt. And vengeance is always the Lord’s (Romans 12:19).

Respond

Lord, I confess that I have not perfectly followed all of Your commands and that my actions have hurt others. You have every right to discipline me. I am so thankful that “You are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Please help me to follow all of Your commandments and sanctify me, by Your Spirit and according to Your Word. Amen.

Reveal

According to John 13:15, the world will know that we are disciples of Christ when we love each other. When other believers sin against each other though, what does that reveal to the world? How can you reveal God’s love to a watching world by loving other believers this week?