It is the Lord who Judges Me

Paul wanted the Corinthians to see that there is a wonderful assurance in knowing that justification comes from the Lord, not from others, or even ourselves. This security in God's judgement leads to two key freedoms in life and ministry: being able to joyfully forsake all the things this world has to offer and to be poured out for the sake of the Gospel; and to participate in the life of the Father's family, with the loving discipline that entails. Both of these are only possible in an authentic way when we stand, or rather are stood, in the justification of God.