When I was reading 1 Timothy 5:24-25, I was reminded of the old saying, “I have some good news and some bad news. What do you want to hear first?”
Notice what Paul tells Timothy,
“Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.”
The “bad news” is in verse 24. Some sins that we and others commit are very visible to all. But, some transgressions are not apparent and can seem as though they will never have consequences. This verse though tells us that even the hidden sins will one day be revealed.
This truth is important for believers to remember and should put a healthy dose of fear in all of us. Sin in the life of a believer may appear to have no consequences in the present if they remain hidden, but these actions will become obvious at the Bema Judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10) where all believers must give an account of their deeds to Christ. The Bema Judgement is not to determine if a person is saved, but to determine rewards or lack of rewards for faithfulness. Thus, all believers need to live lives of integrity even in the small things.
The “good news” in 1 Timothy though is found in verse 25. In that passage, we see a similar comparison where some good works are manifest to all, but some good works are unknown to all. Those secret actions of sacrifice for the benefit of others can almost make a Christian ask, “does anyone notice this?” We all should be encouraged because God sees everything. These good works will also be addressed at the Bema Judgment. God is so gracious that he even wants to reward me for seen and unseen acts of service! What an amazing God!
Father, thank you for this reminder of the need for faithfulness in my life in both the big things and the little things. I must not be duped into thinking that my good works which do not get recognized by others should no longer be done because you see it all and will reward acts of faithfulness even though they are hidden from others. This truth also is a great reminder that I need to be faithful in the things that people see and the things that they don’t because you know and I will give an account of my service to you at the Bema Seat Judgment. Thank you for loving me so!
Following Jesus with you,