What practical steps can we take to honor Jesus' authority as Judge? Jesus Entrusted with All Judgment “Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son.” (John 5:22) Because all judgment now rests in Jesus’ hands, honoring Him means treating His authority as absolute, final, and personal. Bow to His Sovereign Word • Read Scripture daily, expecting the Judge to speak (2 Timothy 3:16). • Submit intellect, preferences, and traditions whenever the text corrects them. • Measure every opinion—cultural, political, personal—against His revealed verdicts (John 12:48). Obey His Commands, Big and Small • “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) • Honor Him in obvious areas—sexual purity, honesty, financial integrity. • Honor Him in hidden areas—thought life, motives, attitudes (Hebrews 4:13). Live Transparently Before the Judgment Seat • Keep short accounts with God: confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). • Let the certainty of appearing before Christ shape daily choices (2 Corinthians 5:10). • Practice regular self-examination: “Test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Cultivate Holy Fear and Hope • Reverent fear: “Since you call on a Father who judges impartially… live your lives in reverent fear.” (1 Peter 1:17) • Confident hope: the Judge is also Savior; approach Him boldly (Hebrews 4:16). • Balance keeps us from presumption on one hand and despair on the other. Uphold Justice and Mercy in Relationships • Reflect His just character: treat others impartially (James 2:1-4). • Extend mercy, knowing “mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13) • Defend the vulnerable; refuse favoritism or revenge. Proclaim His Authority to Others • Share the gospel that rescues from wrath (Acts 10:42-43). • Warn lovingly of “the day when He will judge the world with justice” (Acts 17:31). • Invite repentance now, before the great white throne of Revelation 20:11-15. Worship Him in Spirit and Truth • Gather with believers, exalting the One before whom every knee will bow (Philippians 2:9-11). • Sing, pray, and serve with seriousness; worship is a rehearsal for meeting the Judge. • Let corporate and private worship reshape priorities, affections, and ambitions. Daily Takeaway Because all judgment has been given to the Son, every decision, word, and relationship becomes an opportunity to honor His bench now—before we stand before it then. |
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