IS CVIT RIGHT TO JUDGE? Part 2

IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE? Part 2

Luke [ESV] 6:37-42 [Jesus teaching} “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye. 

  “Is it right to judge?” is a question puzzled and argued over by many sincere caring (or defensive) Christians. However, many of the discussions, lessons, sermons I’ve listened to have been devoid of topically all-inclusive Scripture. The voices selectively emphasizing certain verses from Jesus’ words recorded in Matthew 7:1-5 or Luke 6:37-42, their doing so without careful contextual 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.