Author: Rev. Lek Aik Wee

Many conflicts among believers in the church would have been averted, with peace ruling in the heart of God’s people, when believers come to the conviction not to judge one another. Be always ready to do self-examination rather than “other-examination”. Why did the Apostle Paul spend a whole chapter on this topic of exhorting believers to refrain from judging one another? It is because this was a pervading issue in the church at Rome. If not adequately addressed, it can threatened to upset the unity of the church.

Jesus is the One that we ought to please and serve. He deserves our all because He gave His all to save us. He sacrificed His life to save us from eternal damnation in hell fire that we may finally stand in heaven’s glory. He shall justly be the Judge to assess how we have lived to do our duty and repay our gospel. May we serve Him with great delight!

God’s judgment for believers is called the Judgment Seat of Christ. It is not a judgment concerning their salvation but regarding their works in the Lord. Good works of faith will be rewarded by God.

The Apostle Paul explains clearly in 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

The Apostle Paul is asking the believers to give space for each other to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Be not quick to be offended by the difference in preference that each has. He has cited the examples concerning the food that they choose to partake. He asked that Christian grace be exercised. He has asked the believers to exercise forbearance for the weak brother who choose to eat only vegetable and will not take meat. As William MacDonald said well, “Let this be not a test of fellowship.” Do not allow such matters to hinder Christians from relating to one another. To “set at nought” is to devour one another with unkind words because of such differing practices.

In heaven, worship is characterised by adoration. These are the features of our worship in heaven:

Praise. We praise the Lord for Who He is and for what He has done. Angels and saints will praise Him (Rev 5:11–14)
Thanksgiving (Rev 11:17–18). We will thank God because we will be so filled with eternal gratitude.
Singing. Heaven will be filled with music and song (Rev 5:9). We will sing a new song. The word “new” here is “new” in terms of quality. We live in the blessings of God’s presence enjoying the Paradise He prepared for us.

The Apostle Paul is encouraging the believer to be a blessing to others. To bless the hearts of the believers and unbelievers that come into our lives. Such a life is indeed lived unto the Lord.

When God’s people spend their time to examine their lives and repent of their sins. The Holy Spirit works a sanctifying work in the heart of such ones. Life is lived for God and for our fellow men. In the love of God and in the love of the people around us, family and friends.