How does 1 Corinthians 6:3 inspire us to live with eternal perspective? The Verse in View 1 Corinthians 6:3 — “Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!” Why Paul Brings It Up • Corinthian believers were dragging one another before secular courts. • Paul reminds them that, in eternity, saints will share Christ’s authority to judge even angelic beings—surely they can settle ordinary disputes among themselves now. • The statement pulls their eyes off petty quarrels and fixes them on their glorious future role. What “Judging Angels” Tells Us About Our Future • Partnership with Christ—Revelation 20:4 pictures saints seated on thrones, exercising judgment. • Participation in His reign—2 Timothy 2:12: “If we endure, we will also reign with Him.” • Perfection of justice—Hebrews 12:22–23 speaks of “the spirits of the righteous made perfect,” fit to discern righteously in God’s kingdom. Living With Eternal Perspective Today • Value Every Believer: Each brother or sister you meet will one day occupy royal, judicial authority beside Christ. Treat them with honor now (Romans 12:10). • Pursue Holiness: You’re being prepared for a bench in God’s court. “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself” (1 John 3:3). • Resolve Conflicts in the Church: Since we’ll judge angels, handling earthly grievances God’s way displays kingdom wisdom (Matthew 18:15–17). • Endure Suffering: Present trials are training ground. “For our light and momentary troubles are producing for us an eternal glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). • Invest in What Lasts: Colossians 3:1–4 urges setting minds “on things above,” where our true life is hidden with Christ. A Quick Self-Check for an Eternal Outlook – Am I quick to forgive, knowing I’m destined to help administer perfect justice later? – Do my priorities reflect heaven’s values—people, purity, gospel—rather than temporary gains? – When wronged, do I seek Christ-honoring reconciliation instead of public retaliation? – Does the certainty of reigning with Christ fuel perseverance when obedience is costly? Encouragement for the Journey • Philippians 3:20-21—Our citizenship is in heaven; we await the Savior who will transform us. • Romans 8:18—The glory to be revealed far outweighs present suffering. • Matthew 25:21—Faithfulness in “a few things” now leads to rulership over “many things” then. The promise of judging angels isn’t abstract theology; it is God’s call to live now as heirs of an eternal throne, displaying heaven’s justice, mercy, and hope in every ordinary decision of life. |
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