IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE? Part 2

IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE? Part 2

Thursday, February 07, 2019

   Luke [MKJV] 6:39-46 And He [Jesus] spoke a parable to them: Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master, but everyone who is perfect shall be like his master. And why do you look at the splinter that is in your brother's eye, but do not see the beam that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, Brother, let me pull out the splinter in your eye, when you yourself do not see the beam that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First cast out the beam out of your own eye, and then you shall see clearly to pull out the splinter that is in your brother's eye. For a good tree does not bring forth corrupt fruit, neither does a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth the good. And an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth the evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. And why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?

  “Is it right to judge?” is a question puzzled and argued over by many sincere caring Christians. However, many of the discussions, lessons, sermons I’ve listened to have been devoid of all-inclusive Scripture. The voices selectively emphasizing certain verses from Jesus’ words recorded in Matthew 7:1-5, their doing so without careful study. To teach we should never judge comes from the mouth of misguided Christians and produces misguided weak congregations. To judge according to Jesus’ and apostles teaching is our responsibility. But what is taught? In reading Scripture:

·         Jesus commanded “Judge righteous judgment.” Jn.7:24

·         Jesus constructively told a man “you have correctly judged” Lk.7:43

·         To others, Jesus said “Why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?” Lk.12:57; also note 2Thes.3:6 & 1Cor.5:12

·         Never forget we are all under the same standard; God’s Word.

·         Mature judgment begins with self-examination. Mt.7:5; Lk.6:42; 2Cor.13:5

·         The end goal of judgment should always be good fruit, edification; seeking first the kingdom of God. Mt.6:33; Lk.6:43-45; 12:31

·         Judgment is to be done Christ’s way; with love, grace, and forgiveness. Lk.6:46

·         Judging should never ever be ego-centric. It must be charitable. 1Cor.13

·         Judgment requires Christ-like example. Lk.6:40, 46; 1Cor.2:13-16

·         To correct, for health, to avoid corruption, judgment is required. 1Cor.5:1-6; 2Tim.3:16-17

·         The blind cannot maturely lead the blind with godly characteristic. Lk.6:39

·         Hypocrites shouldn’t judge, evaluate, profile others. Mt.7:1-5; Lk.6:39-46  Strong’s informs from the Greek, a hypocrite is [G5271] “an actor under an assumed character (stage player), that is, (figuratively) a dissembler”  Dictionary.com defines a dissembler as “to give a false or misleading appearance to; conceal the truth or real nature of: to dissemble one's incompetence in business.”

·         We are to judge as Jesus exemplified; with love and mercy.

·         The Apostle Paul invited judgment. 1Cor.10:15

·         Basic guideline is given in 2Timothy 3:16-17.

  So, is it right to judge? When Biblically qualified in mature character, yes. 

EBB4

PS. Having now read the above and looked up all Bible references presented and prayerfully read in context . . . are you now judging the author and the content of what he wrote? I hope so, for it is your Christian responsibility.