Romans 10:2-4

English Standard Version

² For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. ³ For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. ⁴ For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.^[a]

 Footnote a Or end of the law, that everyone who believes may be justified

A snitch might have a zeal for God but if they have not submitted themselves to God’s righteousness then they are in danger of missing the point that all who believe are justified in God’s sight. We do not have the right to judge others whom God has justified.

This is what judgment does in trying to promote self before others.

There is a line from a popular TV series that seems appropriate here. “We didn’t move ahead just because the line got shorter.”

The issue of the line getting shorter is directed at how judgment causes division and if left unchecked will cause people to leave fellowship. We cannot help those who leave and even more importantly, they cannot help us with our problems. Submitting to each other is meant to heal the body, not wound one another.

John 13:35 English Standard Version (ESV) By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

All people is a clear indication that our treatment of one another is seen in the community and if found to be lacking in love, they will not come in to discover what a life in Christ is really like. This after all is about introducing the lost to Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:11 English Standard Version (ESV) For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers.

How does it feel to hear that someone we know has been talking about us?

Snitch is a harsh word and for some of us snitch is exactly the word that comes to mind. Who are they to talk about us? It is suggested by the inclusion of the name in the report that it is not a secret. We have an idea who has been talking or a least we should know.

Ephesians 5:18b-21 English Standard Version

¹⁸ ….. be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, ²⁰ giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Submitting to one another is not a hierarchy, no one is above except Christ. It is likely that Paul is called in to address a dispute because he is involved in some way. This is the case here.

1 Corinthians 1:12-15 English Standard Version

¹² What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” ¹³ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? ¹⁴ I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, ¹⁵ so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name.

Only Paul can answer for problems where issues of division surrounding his name and actions are concerned. When we call another person into question, they have every right to explain what is seen by some as a problem.

This problem is minor compared to some of the things are said about others in fellowship.