The shared lesson handout is titled What the Accounting Is For and retains its original Lesson 5, Part 1 heading. It provides background for this continuing discussion.
Sunday AM Bible Class • October 25, 2026 • Jeff Arnette
What Happens When? — What the Fire Reads. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:1–4:5.
These summarized companion notes follow the recorded teaching and class discussion; they are not a verbatim transcript.
How does the coming judgment change the way we treat one another now? This class considers comparison, spiritual maturity, grace, and the confidence of leaving final judgment with God.
Comparison and spiritual maturity
Paul confronts jealousy and division in Corinth. The class considers how ranking preachers and comparing believers can distract us from looking to Jesus. Different gifts and teaching styles do not make one person more valuable than another.
Seeing one another as God’s temple
First Corinthians 3:16–17 calls the church to recognize God’s presence among his people. Jeff urges us to see fellow believers as loved children of God and members of one family. Harshness toward one another loses sight of their value to him.
God gives the growth
Paul and Apollos serve in different ways, but God gives the increase. The discussion turns from competing over people to encouraging faithful service. We need one another’s gifts and the grace that makes room for weaknesses.
Leaving judgment with the Lord
In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul treats human judgment as a small thing and says he does not even judge himself. The class distinguishes honest self-examination from condemning ourselves or others. God’s judgment is righteous, and his assessment matters more than our rankings.
Grace and the hope of commendation
The discussion applies grace both to relationships and to our own failures. We can strive to grow without living under constant self-condemnation. Even a small act such as giving a cup of cold water matters to God; the class looks toward his commendation with hope.
Reflection and application
Whom have I been comparing or judging? Where do I need to extend grace, including to myself? Look to Jesus, encourage someone in the church, and continue faithful service while trusting God to judge rightly.