The Saints Shall Judge the World: Understanding the Authority of Believers
1 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV):
“Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?”
In this powerful statement, the Apostle Paul challenges the Corinthian believers to recognize the authority and responsibility entrusted to them. His rhetorical question, “Do ye not know?” highlights a deeper issue: many believers are unaware of the authority they carry in Christ. This lack of knowledge diminishes the power and influence of the Church, a problem that persists today.
Let us delve into this teaching to understand what it means that “the saints shall judge the world” and how this truth reveals the authority of believers in God’s kingdom.
1. Saints: The Sanctified Ones
The term saint refers to those who are sanctified, set apart, and consecrated for God’s purposes. It is not a title reserved for a select few but applies to all who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and are called to live holy lives.
Psalm 133:1 (KJV):
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
The saints are those who live in unity with God and one another, walking in the Spirit and fulfilling His purposes on earth.
Key Insight:
The authority to judge the world is not given arbitrarily; it is rooted in the identity of believers as saints—those who are sanctified and aligned with God’s will.
Application:
Are you living as a sanctified one, set apart for God’s purposes? The authority to judge flows from a life of holiness and unity with Christ.
2. The Early Church: Walking in Authority
Paul’s question to the Corinthian Church implies that the early believers were aware of their spiritual authority. The early Church was marked by power and boldness because they understood their identity in Christ and their role in His kingdom.
Acts 4:33 (KJV):
“And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.”
The decline in the Church’s power over the centuries is directly tied to a lack of teaching on the authority of believers. When believers fail to understand their authority, they operate from a place of weakness rather than strength.
Key Insight:
The Church’s power is restored when believers reclaim their authority in Christ. This begins with understanding who they are as saints and what they are called to do.
Application:
Reflect on your understanding of spiritual authority. Are you walking in the power and confidence that comes from your identity in Christ?
3. Authority to Judge: What Does It Mean?
Paul’s statement that “the saints shall judge the world” carries profound implications. It speaks to the authority believers will exercise in God’s ultimate plan of justice and governance.
Revelation 20:4 (KJV):
“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them…”
What Does “Judge the World” Mean?
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Eternal Judgment:
Believers will participate in the final judgment, standing with Christ as He executes justice upon the world (Matthew 19:28).
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Discernment and Righteous Judgment:
Even in this life, believers are called to exercise discernment and make judgments based on God’s Word. This is not a call to condemn but to discern and uphold righteousness.
Key Insight:
The authority to judge is both a future reality and a present responsibility. Believers must prepare now by living righteously and discerning wisely.
Application:
Are you exercising discernment and upholding God’s standards in your daily life? The ability to judge the world begins with faithfulness in “small matters” (1 Corinthians 6:2).
4. Unity: The Foundation of Authority
Psalm 133:1 (KJV):
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Unity among believers is essential for walking in authority. The early Church thrived because of their unity, which allowed the Holy Spirit to work powerfully among them. Division weakens the Church’s witness and authority.
Ephesians 4:3 (KJV):
“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Key Insight:
Authority flows from unity. A divided Church cannot effectively exercise the authority God has given.
Application:
Examine your relationships within the body of Christ. Are you contributing to unity or division? Seek to build unity so that the Church can operate in its full authority.
5. Living as Judges-in-Training
Paul’s statement challenges believers to live with the awareness that they are “judges-in-training.” This involves growing in wisdom, righteousness, and the knowledge of God’s Word.
Hebrews 5:14 (KJV):
“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
How to Train as Judges:
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Study God’s Word: The Bible is the standard for righteous judgment.
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Pray for Wisdom: Ask God for the discernment to judge rightly (James 1:5).
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Practice Righteousness: Live according to God’s standards, demonstrating integrity and justice in all areas of life.
Key Insight:
Judgment requires preparation. Believers must grow in spiritual maturity to fulfill their role as judges in God’s kingdom.
Application:
Are you preparing for your role as a judge by growing in wisdom and righteousness? Take intentional steps to deepen your spiritual maturity.
6. The Responsibility of Authority
Authority is not given for personal gain but for the purpose of serving God’s kingdom. The saints’ role in judging the world is a reflection of God’s justice and righteousness.
Micah 6:8 (KJV):
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
Key Insight:
Authority comes with responsibility. Believers must exercise their authority with humility, mercy, and a commitment to justice.
Application:
How are you stewarding the authority God has given you? Ensure that your actions reflect His character and purpose.
7. Restoring the Power of the Church
The early Church operated with great power because they understood their authority in Christ. To restore the Church’s power today, believers must reclaim their identity and responsibility as saints.
Ephesians 1:22-23 (KJV):
“And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
Steps to Restoration:
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Teach the Authority of Believers: Preach and teach about the authority God has given to His saints.
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Live in Unity: Promote unity within the body of Christ.
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Exercise Spiritual Discernment: Practice judging righteously in small matters.
Key Insight:
The Church’s power is restored when believers walk in their authority with unity and purpose.
Application:
Commit to being a part of the Church’s restoration by embracing your role as a sanctified, empowered saint.
Walking in the Authority of Saints
Paul’s declaration that “the saints shall judge the world” is both a profound privilege and a weighty responsibility. As sanctified ones, believers are called to exercise authority with wisdom, humility, and unity. This authority begins now, as we discern and uphold God’s standards in our daily lives, and culminates in the ultimate judgment with Christ.
Reflection Questions:
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Do you recognize your identity as a sanctified saint?
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How are you preparing to fulfill your role in God’s kingdom?
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Are you contributing to the unity and restoration of the Church?