Weekly Devotional 10-9-17 Judge or Judge Not
In response to a friend’s confusion concerning various Bible passages that deal with judgment, some saying that we are not to judge, and yet many others that command us to make judgments, I went back into the archives of Transforming Power; The work of God on Behalf of Man for a response. On August 27, 2012, we wrote a devotional titled “Judge Not”. The following is an excerpt from that devotional.
“Often when in discussion about societal do’s and don’ts, someone will suggest that the Bible says that we are not to judge others. The Lord Jesus himself did say that, but as we consider the text of His words we find something different than that which we might think He was suggesting. From the Gospel of Matthew in which He uttered these words, we read; ‘1Judge not, that you be not judged. 2For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye’ (Matthew 7:1-5 NKJV).
Jesus had been going about Galilee teaching in the synagogues, preaching about the kingdom of God, healing all manner of diseases, and delivering many from demon possession. Great multitudes of people began to follow and press in upon Him including hypocritical Pharisees. To seek relief from the pressing crowds, He went up with the twelve apostles onto the Mount of Olives where He called them together and set forth principles that were of the kingdom. Jesus taught that the apostles were to be different than those who were outside the kingdom. These principles were to be their conduct of life (Matthew 5-7; Luke 6:20-49). Many of these principles contrasted with the conduct of those of the world who are not of the kingdom. Earlier (Matthew 6:1-24), Jesus had spoken about religious externalism, specifically the externalism of the Pharisees, calling them hypocrites. The apostles were not to be like them. They were to look inwardly. As they did, they were to consider their own conduct and make the necessary changes. As the apostles looked inwardly, they would soon realize that they had issues of their own. Therein lies the lesson.
We of the church, however, are to make judgments. Consider:
1) When disputes arise between believers, they should be settled in the church before members who can decide the matter (1st Corinthians 6:1-8). This requires judgment.
2) The local church is to judge serious sins of its members and take appropriate action (Matthew 18:17; 1st Corinthians 5:9-13). This requires judgment.
3) Believers are to judge the doctrinal teaching of teachers and preachers by the Word of God (Matthew 7:15-20; 1st Corinthians 14:29; 1st John 4:1). This requires judgment.
4) Christians have to discern if others are believers, in order to obey God’s command of not being unequally yoked with a non-believer (2nd Corinthians 6:14). This requires judgment.
5) Those in the church must judge which men have the qualifications necessary to be elders and deacons (1st Timothy 3:1-13). This requires judgment.
6) We are to discern which people are unruly, fainthearted, weak, etc., and treat them according to the instructions in the Bible (1st Thessalonians 5:14).
We of the church are to hold one another accountable. This takes judgment, not a hypocritical judgment but the judgment of kindness and with a clear conscience. Paul gives us a great example of this in his letter to the Galatians. “1Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5For each one shall bear his own load. 6Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. 7Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:1-5 NKJV).
A proper understanding of Matthew 7:1-5, and the passages aforementioned, should encourage us to make proper judgments. Lord, help us who are Christian to be loving of our Christian brothers and sisters. Give us a love to encourage them toward self-examination even as we examine ourselves. To those who are outside of the faith, help us to be a light, not in condemnation, but in Christian love.
stevelampman@comcast.net stevelampman.com
Transforming Power; The Work of God on Behalf of Man