Introductory Thoughts
The last few studies have sought to dispel the notion that the Bible condemns judging. Today’s verse is no exception. Notice that the verse begins with a coordinating conjunction. The word but indicates that our verse serves a continuation of the thought that preceded it. The previous verse refers to the natural man which is someone who does not know the Lord as Saviour. Because he is not saved, he cannot discern the things of God. Today’s passage states that the “spiritual [man] judgeth all things.” A spiritual man is not only a saved man but one who enjoys the peace of God and daily fellowship with God. The other scriptural designation for man (in addition to the natural man [unsaved], and spiritual man [saved and in good fellowship]) is the carnal man [saved, but not in good fellowship]. Since the carnal man lacks the proper fellowship with the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:1), he may discern but fails in the proper execution of that discernment. Those claiming that believers should not judge are simply foolish. In fact, a spiritual man will judge all things but do so only based upon righteous judgment (John 7:24).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Solomon prayed that the Lord would show him who was right or wrong as he judged the people (1 Kings 3:9). Read how he discovered which mother was the true mother of the living child (1 Kings 3:24-27).
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(For everyone): Do you judge others? Upon what do you base your judgment? Are you able to discern between right and wrong, truth and error? If not, why do you think that you struggle?
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Have you trusted the Lord as your Saviour? If so, would you consider yourself a carnal believer or a spiritual believer? Upon what do you base your thoughts?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you be spiritual in all matters.
- Ask the Lord to teach you proper judgment.
Song
O WORD OF GOD INCARNATE
