* INTRODUCTION
* SCRIPTURE SPOKEN BY JESUS CONCERNING WHEN NOT TO JUDGE
* SCRIPTURES SPOKEN BY PAUL CONCERNING WHEN NOT TO JUDGE
* WHY GOD FORBIDS THIS TYPE OF JUDGING
* SCRIPTURE SHOWING CHRISTIANS ARE SUPPOSED TO JUDGE
* WHEN WE ARE TO JUDGE OR DISCERN
* GOD IS THE ULTIMATE JUDGE
* SUMMARY
* QUESTIONS
We all judge situations or people all the time. Would God have us do this? Basically, it is not judging that is wrong, but judging wrongly: “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment." John 7:24
We can determine a "right judgment" by studying God’s Word. Deciding who, when, what, where and how to judge can be determined, in part, by the studying the meaning of the word “judge”. (For a more complete study look at the Greek words for the verb “judge” in Vine’s Expository Dictionary.)
One of the several meanings of judge in The World Book Dictionary is to “criticize; blame” with the synonym to “condemn” and the example “Judge not, that ye be not judged” Matthew 7:1 "Condemn" is to "express strong disapproval of, pronounce guilty of crime or wrong."
Another meaning is to “make up one’s mind; form an opinion or estimate.” “Discern” is to “to perceive: see clearly; distinguish or recognize.” "Discernment" is "keenness in seeing and understanding; good judgment; shrewdness." This form of judging the Bible commends. For example: “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” Proverbs 14:15 and “A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.” Proverbs 22:3, 27:12 Prudence is wise thought before acting or using good judgment.
We should discern or use discernment all the time. Often we do not have the discernment to be qualified to condemn. We should judge actions, based on the Bible interpreted by the Holy Spirit. Actions are either right or wrong, wise or unwise or neutral. We should love people and pray for them. People can change or their actions can be misunderstood.
Jesus did not condemn the woman caught in adultery: "…Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." John 8:11 The ApostlePaul said that Jesus does not condemn those who have chosen to be His children: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2
However, Jesus condemned the Pharisees harshly (Matthew 23). He always had the right to condemn. Besides knowing all things, He had perfect love. Jesus loves people so much that He died for them before their actions were acceptable: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 Jesus was crucified and John the Baptist was beheaded (Matthew 14:3-12 Mark 6:17-28 Luke 3:19) because they spoke the truth publicly even when it offended those in leadership.
* SCRIPTURES SPOKEN BY JESUS CONCERNING WHEN NOT TO JUDGE:
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." Matthew 7:1-5 The way we treat or judge others is the way they (and God through them) will treat us. Is the way you are judging others the way you want to be judged?
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with what measure you use, it will be measured to you. He told them this parable; ‘Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." Luke 6:37-42 We are blind to the seriousness and to the solution to another’s sin because of the sin in our own lives. The most we can do to turn a person from their sin by being righteous ourselves. Then God may use us to make a difference for good in our brother’s life.
Jesus tells us not to judge when we do the same things or like things. The following verses give an example: “Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you–for you know in your own heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.” Ecclesiastes 8:21-22 We say or think harmful things about others—we should not be overly concerned by or condemn those that say harmful things about us.
* SCRIPTURES SPOKEN BY PAUL CONCERNING WHEN NOT TO JUDGE:
"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance." Romans 2:1-4 “Paul’s teaching about judging agrees with that of Jesus, who did not condemn judging as such, but hypocritical judging. you who pass judgment A warning that had special relevance for Jews, who were inclined to look down on Gentiles because of their ignorance of God’s revelation in the O.T. and because of their immoral lives." NIV Study Bible
"Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand." Romans 14:1-4 Each person should decide between himself and God what he wants to do to serve God in matters that are not clearly defined in Scripture. A person may change his mind when he knows God better, but that, too, is between himself and God.
"You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: ‘As surely as I live, says the Lord, ‘Every knee shall bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’ So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore, let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way." Romans 14:13-14 Our part is not to blame, criticize and condemn our brother, but to be careful not to put a stumbling block or obstacle in his way. Unfair judgment and condemnation are a stumbling block: “The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.’ Proverbs 16:21 This passage links discernment and correcting others. People are more apt to change through love and prayer than through rebuke, although there is a place for rebuke, as we shall examine later.
"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin." Romans 14:19-23 We are to go out of our way to make sure our brother does not stumble, even if we do not agree with his principles. We should do what we feel God wants us to do in each situation.
"Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God." 1 Corinthians 4:5 We cannot understand our own inner motives much less those of another: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it.” Jeremiah 17:9 We should let God do the judging.
"But if anyone says to you, ‘This has been offered in sacrifice,’ then do not eat it, both for the sake of the man who told you and for conscience’ sake–the other man’s conscience, I mean, not yours. For why should my freedom be judged by another’s conscience?" 1 Corinthians 10:28-29 We can witness best by simply making clear that we will have no part in wrong doing.
"Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things to come, the reality, however, is found in Christ." Colossians 2:16-17 We are to do what we feel God wants us to do and not go by what others might think. If we go by what others think in order to please their religious spirit, we are encouraging the judging that God is condemning. Repentance is God’s will for each person. Kindness, tolerance and patience lead to repentance, not condemnation: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
"Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But you–who are you to judge your neighbor?" James 4:11-12 As this passage points out, much of wrong judging is slander. Slander is “a false report meant to do harm to the good name ore reputation of another.” The Word Book Dictionary
And “…whoever spreads slander is a fool.” Proverbs 10:18
Jesus lists slander with other detestable sins: “For out of the heart, come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” Matthew 15:19 (see also Mark 7:22) Paul fears thatslander is one of sins he may find in the Corinthian church (2 Corinthians 12:20), states that slander grieves the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:31), tells the Colossians to rid themselves of slander (Colossians 3:8) and tells Titus that slander was one of our characteristics before we knew Jesus. Peter also admonishes us to rid ourselves of slander (1 Peter 2:1).
* WHY GOD FORBIDS THE TYPE OF JUDGING FOUND IN THE PREVIOUS PASSAGES:
FIRST, we know the attitude of the person doing the judging is wrong because Jesus calls him a hypocrite. He has a beam in his own eye.
SECOND, when we judge, we do not judge fairly. We do not fully understand truth. We can’t see a person’s heart as God can.
"…The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7
"You judge by your own standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent Me. In your own law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. I am one who testifies for Myself; My other witness is the Father, who sent me." John 8:15-18
"Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth." Romans 2:2
THIRD, God’s judgment allows for mercy, while ours may not.
"Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?" Romans 2:4
"The judgment Jesus is particularly condemning is our efforts to make all conform to our own standards of perfection. Quite apart from our own failure to conform, we are liable to find those we judge spiritually unprepared. We have to distinguish between our own proclamation of Christ and our own understanding of His standards." The New Layman’s Bible Commentary
* SCRIPTURES SHOWING CHRISTIANS ARE SUPPOSED TO JUDGE
"The integrity of the upright guides them…” Proverbs 11:3 Because a person is obeying God himself he will see clearly what way to go, what actions to take and what words to say.
"The spiritual man makes a judgment about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment: ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?’ For we have the mind of Christ." 1 Corinthians 2:15-16 Christians who walk in the Spirit have the mind of Christ and can judge all things as God would judge them.
“The kisses of an enemy may be profuse, but faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Proverbs 27:6 A friend will correct us when we are headed down the wrong path; a person wanting to avoid conflict or wanting to win approval for himself will not try to stop us from sin.
“My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner away from his error will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” James 5:19-20 Judging and correcting sin, when led by the Holy Spirit, is an act of love.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16 A major purpose of Scripture is to rebuke and correct. Often using Scripture is the best way to correct someone. Once I was talking to a lady who expected people to give her the basic material essentials. I had been praying about this situation, but I didn’t say the following passage as a rebuke: "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread." Psalm 37:25 I said it in reference to another situation, but she realized that it applied to her and said in a surprised voice, "I shouldn’t be begging bread, should I?"
“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-15 Sometimes, along with teaching, it is necessary for church leaders to rebuke and correct. Rebuking and correcting should be done in love with the motive of restoration. We would like to be corrected when we are making a serious error in discernment. And we would like to be corrected in love!
* WHEN WE ARE TO JUDGE OR DISCERN:
FIRST, we are to have discernment about sharing the holy things of God’s Word.
"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces." Matthew 1:6 Dogs and pigs were unclean animals according to the Old Testament (Leviticus 11 and other passages). They are symbolic of people who have no respect for God or His Word.
"He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or the age to come. Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit." Matthew 12:30-33 "The unpardonable sin is a final rejection of the convincing and convicting power of the Holy Spirit who calls us to salvation. The chief sign of such a rejection is a careless, hardhearted attitude about personal guilt, and a complete loss of feelings of guilt over known wrong." Devil Take the Youngest by Winkie Pratney p. 239
Usually we err by not telling the good news of Jesus Christ. We are to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19 We are to reconcile men to God.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God was making his appeal through us." 2 Corinthians 5:17-20a If we are led by the Holy Spirit, we will tell the right people the right things at the right time.
SECOND, we are to judge false prophets.
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:15-20 (Also see Luke 6:43-45) Sometimes it takes time, experience and God’s wisdom to determine if someone is a false prophet because they come “…in sheep’s clothing…” We are supposed to recognize false prophets and warn others. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he that does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" Matthew 7:15-23 This passage shows that a person can deceive himself into thinking he knows the Lord. He might even have cast out demons and performed miracles. We need to be very discerning, which comes with knowing God well: “…who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” Hebrews 5:14 “I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.” Psalm 119:100 The best way to know God is to obey Him.
"Jesus answered: ‘Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, "I am the Christ," and will deceive many,’" Matthew 24:4-5 Many deceivers will come—we must be constantly on the alert and have God’s mind to discern.
"’At that time if anyone says to you, "Look, here is the Christ!" or, "There he is!" do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will appear to deceive even the elect–if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time. So, if anyone tells you, "There he is, out in the desert," do not go out; or, "Here he is, in the inner rooms," do not believe it.’" Matthew 24:23-26 False prophets will be so clever that only those with the mind of Christ in each situation will be able to discern them.
I Timothy 4:1-5 II Timothy 3:1-9 II Peter 2 I John 4:1-3 and the book of Jude explain false prophets.
THIRD, we are to judge doctrine.
“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11 The Bereans were commended for their sincere examination of Paul’s teaching.
"Two or three prophets should speak and the others should weigh carefully what is said." 1 Corinthians 14:29 The first consideration regarding any prophecy is whether or not it lines up with the Word of God.
"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. 1 John 4:1-3 We can recognize false prophets, in part, by their doctrine.
"Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say." 1 Corinthians 10:14-15 We are to consider what others say, so we can determine right behavior for ourselves.
FOURTH, we are to judge ourselves according to God’s standards.
“For by the grace given me I say to everyone of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” Romans 12:3 God wants us to be humble and realize that each person is equally important to Him. This passage in Romans 12 continues to say that we should recognize our own gifts from God as well as the gifts of others.
"A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world. 1 Corinthians 11:29-32 It is our responsibility to examine ourselves, especially our relationship to others (Matthew 5:23-24), before partaking in the communion service.
FIFTH, we are to make value judgments that concern us personally. For instance, we are to be good stewards of our money, time and possessions (Matthew 25:14f Luke 19:12f), so we must decide who is worthy of receiving our offerings
When someone sins against us we are to deal with the issue (“…Do not let the sun go down when you are still angry.” Ephesians 4:26). We are to discuss the issue with him or her, not others ("If your brother sins against you. go and show him his fault, just between the two of you…” Matthew 18:15) We are to speak “…the truth in love…” Ephesians 4:15
SIXTH, we are to judge sin and wrong behavior.
"Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present." 1 Corinthians 5:3 Paul has discerned and pronounced punishment on this sin because it is so obviously against the Word of God.
"Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?" 1 Corinthians 11:13 Paul is probably concerned about the respect given to God and to the authority structure He has ordained.
"In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us… If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother." 2 Thessalonians 3:6,14-15 This passage implies that it is our responsibility to know what the Bible clearly teaches and judge the behavior of other believers accordingly. We should discipline in order to bring repentance.
We need to judge wrong behavior so we can pray. In fact, we should be able to discern so carefully that we know when pray is useless. "If anyone sees his brother’s commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that." 1 John 5:16-17
"This is different from the unpardonable sin. A sin that results in death can be committed by the Lord’s own people. The apostle Paul told the believers in Corinth that because of their disrespect for ‘the Lord’s Supper’ (Communion Table), some of them were weak, some were sick, and some had even died (1 Corinthians 11:30).
The apostle John also mentioned the possibility of a sin, which would result in death. Without identifying any specific fatal behavior, he acknowledged in 1 John 5:16-17 the kind of sin that was committed by Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11.
According to 1 Corinthians 11:30 and 1 John 5:16-17: (1) The sinning people who experienced premature death belonged to God. (2) Their "death" was physical, not eternal. First Corinthians 11:31-32 goes on to say, ‘For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.’” The Forgiveness of God: pp. 17-18 Discovery Series
Sometimes we need to correct people because we love them: “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” Proverbs 27:6 Sometimes God wants us to correct or rebuke: “…Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” James 5:20
Is a person who says, "Don’t judge me" being judged? Or judged unfairly? Often that person is really saying, “Don’t try to make me feel bad about sinning.” We need wisdom concerning who to rebuke: “Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.” Proverbs 9:8 Will it do any good?
SEVENTH, we are to judge disputes between believers.
"If your brother sins against you. go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witness.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church, and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector." Matthew 18:15-17 Believers should be qualified to decide God’s will in a dispute.
"If any one of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! I say this to shame you. Is it possible there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute among believers? But instead, one brother goes to law against another–and this in front of unbelievers!“The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers." 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 It is better to be wronged than seek judgment from outside the church. Any believer should be more than able to judge disputes.
EIGHTH, we are to judge in the spiritual realm.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Ephesians 6:12-13 We fight against a whole realm in the heavenlies
"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in My name, there am I with then." Matthew 18:18-19 Jesus is with two or three believers assembled to decide His will in important decisions that effect the result in heaven.
"Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." Matthew 19:28 The twelve apostles (there is disagreement about who will take Judas’ place) will sit on twelve thrones and judge along with Jesus.
"Do you not know that the saints will judge the world…Do you not know that we will judge angels?" 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 God will give us the responsibility to judge unbelievers and angels in the age to come.
“But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has the power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” Luke 12:5 Jesus was speaking to His disciples before speaking to the crowd. He made it clear that God is the all-powerful Judge—if they feared Him, they did not need to fear anyone else.
"This will take place on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares." Romans 2:16 God who knows everything will judge everyone.
"I care very little if I am judged by you or any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me." I Corinthians 4:3-4 Although Paul’s conscience is clear he does not claim to know himself well enough to make a judgment on himself.He realizes God is the final judge.
"When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world." 1 Corinthians 11:32 We are judged now by the Lord as well as on the day of the Lord.
"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." James 2:12-13 We will be judged by how we have obeyed the law of God. If we could only understand how obeying the law of God brings freedom! We should be merciful as we know God has been merciful to us. Although we do not merit His love and forgiveness, they are abundantly provided for those who believe in Jesus.
"There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy…" James 4:12 The theological definition of “judicial” is “inflicted by God as a judgment or punishment.” A major part of God’s character is Lawgiver and Judge.
"Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear." 1 Peter 1:17 How wonderful to know that God is impartial in His judging! Although He is loving and merciful, we must not presume on His mercy.
“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave us the dead that were in then, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone’s name is not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:11-15 After one thousand years of Christ reigning on the earth, there will be a great white throne judgment for all those that have not accepted the free gift of life that Jesus offers. Someday “…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10-11 Make sure you chose to worship Him now!
We ARE NOT to judge fellow Christians about matters of personal conviction. Our sin of judgment and lack of love might be worse in God’s eyes than their sin. When God lets us see someone’s sin, we are to pray for him or her, just as we would have someone pray for us when they see a fault.
God teaches us by letting us make mistakes. We should have the same attitude–the attitude of a patient teacher filled with love toward his or her students. Even if the act is sin we expect God’s grace to cover the just punishment for our sin—we should extend the same grace for others.
We ARE to judge about whether or not to share the holy things of God. We are to judge when there are false prophets, wrong doctrine and sin or wrong behavior that is clearly defined in the Word of God. We are to judge ourselves and our own personal concerns according to God’s standards. We are to judge disputes among believers. We are to discern evil spirits and act accordingly–praying and perhaps, casting them out. Someday, we will judge angels and reign with Christ. God is the ultimate judge, and our judgment must line up with His.
Consider the various meanings of judge in determining when judging: we should not criticize, blame and condemn, but we should discern, perceive and decide what is from God.
The judgment of Jesus was just because He listened to the Father and only judged according to what the Father told Him. Our judgment would be just if we would do the same.
"By Myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and My judgment is just, for I seek not to please Myself but Him who sent Me." John 5:30
INTRODUCTION
1. What are the meanings of the word "judge"?
2. How do the various meanings relate to God’s expectations of our behavior?\
SCRIPTURES SPOKEN BY JESUS CONCERNING WHEN NOT TO JUDGE
1. What is the main point Jesus is making in these passages?
2. What other teachings impressed you about these passages?
SCRIPTURES SPOKEN BY PAUL CONCERNING WHEN NOT TO JUDGE
1. What are some examples of disputable matters on which we are not supposed to judge?
2. What should we do in cases where there are disputable matters? What should be our goal in dealing with disputable matters?
WHY GOD FORBIDS THE TYPE OF JUDGING FOUND IN THE PREVIOUS PASSAGES
1. Under what circumstances does God forbid judging?
2. Give several reasons why God forbids judging in these circumstances?
SCRIPTURES SHOWING CHRISTIANS ARE SUPPOSED TO JUDGE
1. What kind of Christians are supposed to judge in certain circumstances?
2. What are they supposed to use as their guideline for judging?
3. What good can come from righteous judging?
WHEN WE ARE TO JUDGE OR DISCERN
1. With whom are we not share the things of God? Why not? Whom are we supposed to share the good news of Jesus with?
2. What characterizes a false prophet. Give examples of false prophets you have encountered.
3. How are we to judge doctrine? Why are we to judge doctrine?
4. How are we to judge ourselves? Why are we to judge ourselves?
5. Give examples of value judgments that are our own personal concern. How do handle differences with believers? With unbelievers?
6. What kinds of sin and wrong behavior are we to judge? What procedures are we to use when we judge in these circumstances?
7. When do we judge in the heavenly realms? When will we judge in the heavenly realms?
GOD IS THE ULTIMATE JUDGE
1. On what basis does God judge?
2. How does God judge now? How will God judge in the future?