Is It Right To Judge?
Exodus 18:13 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.
Exodus 18:16 When
they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and
another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.
* Here we have a guide to go by. "The Statues of God and His Laws". When the people have a "matter" or problem they would go to be judged to see what the law says about it. With Gods Word, we can judge justly.
Exodus 18:26 And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.
*This is saying. - When we can't work it out, we need to go to Moses, as he will know what to do about it.
Leviticus 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
* This is saying, according to what is right you can judge. How do you know what is right?
Deuteronomy 16:18 Judges
and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy
God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people
with just judgment.
* According to Whom? God! It is by His laws we in our Governments must follow. Were a Christian Nation not a nation of collective peoples. You can see what happens when a nation leaves God out of its laws. Look around today.
Deuteronomy 32:31 For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.
* How can the enemy take over? They follow their rock = satan and put evil in it's place. Take away freedom piece by piece and tell you it's good for you. Our Rock is Christ and with Him we see through their lies.
Judges 2:16 Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.
* Our Father will see to it the evil ones will always get what is coming to them. He always sends help to those that follow Him and are patient. Ref. - Psalms 37:32-34 32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. 33 The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. 34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
Judges 4:4 And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.
* Thats right, a woman judged and even led in battle. Deborah, in the Bible, prophetess and judge of Israel, the only woman to hold that office. Under her guidance Barak conquered Sisera and delivered Israel from the oppression of the Canaanite King Yavin. Deborah served as Israel's Judge when no men were willing to lead. The triumphant "Song of Deborah" is one of the most ancient literary pieces in the Bible. The story of Deborah is found in the Judges Chapters 4-5. After 20 years of oppression, God told Deborah that it was time to deliver the people once again. She appointed Barak to lead the army, but he was afraid to go without Deborah. She had deep faith in God. She united the people of Israel and led them to victory against the Canaanites.
Psalm 7:11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
* Our Father is the final judge and in the end comes reward or punishment, but when you become aware of a sin, do you not judge accordingly to the fact it is a sin and now you must move from it and let your brothers and sisters know of it?
Psalm 26:1 Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.
* We as Christians see the path we must take and in doing so will not slide to that evil anymore. How did we come to know what evil is? Study! - 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Psalm 58:1-3 1 Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? 2 Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth. 3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
* They don't know truth and how to judge correctly because they reject God's Truth, they reject God's Word.
Proverbs 31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
* Judge correctly because there are many that will take advantage today.
Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
* You must know what is well and you do this by seeking Truth, you relieve the oppressed because you judged them to be such do you not?
Zechariah 3:7 Thus
saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt
keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also
keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that
stand by.
* Those that follow God in His completeness also see what is not of Him in His houses - or churches. Tell me you don't see this today with the false teachings and denominations everywhere you look.
Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
* So many use this today to keep those with the wisdom of what God says in His word from judging. Once you know you’re not to curse and you tell someone they shouldn't do it, yet you yourself still do, then that will judge you also. So simple to understand what this is telling us. No reason to make it complicated. Now what if you still don't get it?
Matthew 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
*And there you have it! Don't tell someone not to do something if you’re doing it also, but tell him or her of it if you have been woken up to that sin and do it no more.
Matthew 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
*Do you have something bigger in your sin than theirs?
Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
*This is referenced also in Luke 6:41-42. You sin in the same way, but in a bigger sense.
Matthew 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
*We must first understand our own sin in order to help others come out of theirs. The only way to do this is to study God’s Word to understand what a sin is. There will come some that don’t care at all to hear what you have to say. You better know how to judge accordingly to this. How do I know?
Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
*Your going to have to judge in order to do this. Dogs are the enemy and the “pearls” is God’s Word. The swine is what is used for getting rid of garbage and God’s word isn’t in no means that. This kind of people will just try to twist His Word to conform to their own sins to make them sound good and try to make you sound like a fool. Don’t waste your time!
Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
*One path to take! It’s in the truth of God. Christ Jesus is the word “which leadeth unto life”.
Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
*Gong to have to judge again! How do we know who the “false prophets” are? They will be the ones not feeding you the Whole Word of God and twisting things around just enough to fool you. You must check them out! How? God’s Word must align with what they teach. 2 Timothy. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
*We will look at the word “fruits” in a minute. You can’t stay good when you mix yourself up with evil all the time. Referance is: 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortion; with such an one no not to eat.
*Some, even ones that claim to be Christians will be ones you must use good judgment with. Lets look at each of these:
Fornicator - a person who prostitutes his body to another's lust for hire.
Covetous - one eager to have more, esp. what belongs to other, greedy of gain, covetous.
Idolater - a worshipper of false gods, a idolater, used of any one even Christian, participant in any way in the worship of the heathen, esp. one who attends their sacrificial feasts and eats of the remains of offered victims.
Railer – mischief.
Drunkard - drunken, intoxicated.
Extortioner – ravenous, a extortioner, a robber.
Matthew 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
*What kind of “tree” are we to be as True Christians? Well that would be ones that bring forth good fruit or actions.
Matthew 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
*If you follow God and His Word, then you should never put out what you know is evil. That is just like when we see those doing evil, and you judge as such, will not bring forth good.
Matthew 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
*What happens in the end? Why those trees – people that didn’t care enough about God and doing what is right is done away with. If you have weeds in a garden they will choke out the good in the garden. Our Father gives us all the chance to seek Him first, but many just don’t want to because they love evil more.
Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
*“Fruit”= Strong's Number H6529 matches the Hebrew פְּרִי (pĕriy), which means, - fruit, produce (of the ground) offspring, children, progeny (of the womb) - (of actions.) Strong's Number G2590 matches the Greek καρπός (karpos), which means, - the fruit of the trees, vines, of the fields, the fruit of one's loins, i.e. his progeny, his posterity, that which originates or comes from something, an effect, result, work, act, deed, etc. Not only is this Chapter speaking of “judging", but is telling us of what is to come. People today don’t heed the warnings of Christ’s return. Matthew 7:21-29 gives us the warnings of listening to false teachings and not being prepared for our Lords return.
(Lets look at this “Judge not” again.)
Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
*
Don't ever judge in condemnation, judge in love. If someone wrongs you
say in stealing, forgive them and let them know they should not do such a
thing to you again. Use common sense and when they come over just keep
an eye on them and have them in your prayers they will change their
ways. To say to them, "Your going to hell" is condemning, that’s for our
Father only to decide.
Luke 12:56-57 56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? 57 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
* In
this verse he is telling us to judge the events that must come to pass.
In this judging we will be known as "Watchmen" knowing what events to
watch for, judging the signs of the time.
John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
* That’s right, "judge" according to what you have been taught in The Word of God. You should know what is of God and what is of the devil as to better help the lost come out of bondage.
John 7:51 Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
*
Another way to look at this is, do you sin when you don't know it to be
a sin? You have to be judge according to what you know. Laziness isn't a
reason to stay in sin. That isn't gong to fly when you are able to read
or listen. Our judgment will be according to what we know at that great
day, The Great White thrown of Judgment when all receive reward or
punishment.
Romans 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
* No you wont be able to. You would fall under the name "hypocrite" and will get what is due.
Romans 2:12 For
as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and
as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
*When you know, you are held accountable. Again, God knows if you’re just being lazy or not. Ignorance isn't an excuse.
Romans 2:15-17 15 Which
shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also
bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else
excusing one another;) 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. 17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
*
You can't play Christian. Our Father knows our every thought and true
Christians will stand against what isn't of God and for those that stand
with the truth.
Romans 3:23-26 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
* As
to be Christian is to be Christ like, He has shown us the way. In
following Him and He being The Word, we become aware of what is just and right.
Romans 14:1-3 1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
* Be careful in judging, as others are not as strong or wise to take in what you know. Remember you were at that place once before yourself. Plant God's Word to that which they show they can handle. It is best to listen first and then plant what they can take. Romans Chapter 14 is about such things. The contexts is don’t judge harshly and put too much on another that they cannot bear anything of God's word. Verse 19-21 will end saying that.
1 Corinthians 2:15-16 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
*Here again, with God's Word in you, your able to know what is of God and what is of the worldly or the devil. Those that don't know the truth of God cannot tell you the things of God, but we that love the Lord and study His Word know and help those that are lost.
1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
*
We can’t make things up! It must be in His Word that we have today. We
can only judge according to what we have now. When our Lord comes He
will let us know of more if it so be.
1 Corinthians 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
* How do you know they are wicked? That’s right, you judge according to what our Father's Word says is evil. Don't hang out with them. Trouble will come your way.
1 Corinthians 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
* You that love The LORD are the "saints of God" This is saying, don’t you know you can judge the matter of today? You know what is good and what is bad don't you? It was given in The Law and in The Words of God. This is what we all should go by and nothing else.
1 Corinthians 6:4-6 4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. 5 I
speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you?
no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? 6 But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
* There is only one way you can help the unbeliever. First you must know what our Father has to say and then judge, are they an unbeliever? And once you determine they are, you can help them come out from the world. But wouldn't you say you must judge accordingly to what is of God? I say yes to judge if they are not.
Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
* Some will give you this verse, but this is "after" you have been buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith, Ref.- Colossians 2:1-12
James 2:1-4 1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2 For
if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly
apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And
ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him,
Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there,
or sit here under my footstool: 4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
* Remember, we are to judge in righteousness not in evil. Ref. John 7:24
James 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
* Don't let this stump you. If you know the law and what is good, don't change it! Stick to the truth and don't twist anything to make the Word of God conform to what "you" want it to be. It is by God's Word or not at all! This is what “a doer of the law” means. James 4:17 claims this. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
1 Peter 4:4-6 4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
* Once you judge what is right, you don't want anymore to do with that life or the ones you see doing such things you yourself once did. You have judged them as to what you want no more of. Christ even went to give those that have died and gave them chance to have the truth. Our God is fair to all His children. Did you ever wonder where He was for those three days before He was seen again? Right there we have it! "The gospel preached also to them that are dead"
Revelation 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
*And we all shall be judged, YEP! According to our works. Did we seek truth and follow it? Did we judge in righteousness as to determine what others are doing and help them come out of evil? Did we help those in need? Did we repent daily in the flesh, as we shall all sin? Knowingly or unknowingly. Repent and Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2:15
Judging or Discernment
WEBSTER’S College 4th Edition:
Discern = recognize as separate or different, to perceive or recognize the difference.
Discernment = keen perception or judgment; insight.
Judgmental = making or tending to make judgments as to value, importance, etc., often to be lacking in tolerance, compassion or objectivity.
Malachi 3:18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
"Discern" - Strong's Number H7200 matches the Hebrew רָאָה (ra'ah), which means- perceive, observe, find out, to see, observe, consider, look at, give attention to, distinguish, to be visible, to cause to see, to cause to look intently at. Proper discernment is our privilege and right. The work is worth the effort and the reward will be not only the favor and blessing of God but our ability to truly enrich the lives of others.
Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Strong's Number G2919 matches the Greek κρίνω (krinō), which means to pronounce an opinion concerning right and wrong, to determine, resolve, decree, to separate, put asunder, to pick out, select, choose, to approve, esteem, to prefer Churches have split along lines of those who wish to make judgments and those who say we cannot. One side accuses the other of being legalistic and loveless while the other side is called liberal and spineless. Rooting out the truth on this subject is essential and a thorough search will reveal that there are different kinds of judgment taught in Scripture. One form we are commanded to do; the other we are forbidden to do. Both sides could be right and wrong depending on what they are talking about. One could not read Matthew 18:16-18 seriously and conclude that we never judge anything. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul takes the people of God to task for not judging the right things the right way. One of the biggest issues in the Church is how we arrive at truth. We have churches that think frenzied laughter is a way to worship God, while other churches conduct services that sound like a barnyard. Our land is dotted with Word-Faith proponents that see God as the great vending machine in the sky. All of the groups in this confusing mix say they are preaching the truth and being led by the Spirit.
THE LACK OF DISCERNMENT
Discernment is largely missing from the Church, partly for the following reasons:
A. We have become man-centered and experience-driven. Some think Christianity has to emulate Disney World to capture and hold larger audiences. Entertainment becomes more man-centered than God-centered. Postmodernism and the death of reason permeate not only secular culture but many of our churches.
B. We have lost the knowledge of proper hermeneutics. Televangelists make up their own subjective meanings of Scripture as they go along saying only that they have “revelation knowledge” or “God told them.” In that way they hope to put themselves beyond scrutiny or evaluation.
C. The Church
largely accepts the philosophy that truth is relative. Books are
published today that try to stem the tide and argue for moral absolutes.
Fifty years ago that would not have been necessary. We can judge qualifications, however we cannot judge qualities. Qualities are internal motivations known only by God Himself. Discernment is work. We must put in the work of discernment. We must study to show ourselves approved workmen (2 Timothy 3:16). We must know the rules. We must dust off the Bible. We must insist on one of the basic rules and that is the rule of context. The Bible can be made to prove anything, but NOT when studied in the light of the context.