IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE Part 4

 IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE? Part 4

   2Timothy [LITV] 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, so that the man of God may be perfected, being fully furnished for every good work.

  Decades past my dear aunt had a running battle with Pastor Don McKnight. The weekly county paper, THE AEGIS, published the letters. Her constant focus was on Matthew 7:1, “judge not”. Pastor McKnight’s responses were comprehensively on chapter 7 and beyond. Finally, after weeks of back and forth the editor decided the discussion had become circular and published no more. (In those days the Bible was discussed in that local newspaper as was who visited who for tea or lunch.)

  Matthew presents Jesus’ succinct but comprehensive exhortation on judging. Judgment that should never be done without consideration of always doing only as you will want others to do for you. This is the meaning of Moses' Teachings and the Prophets. (Mt.7:1-12; Jam.1:25; 2:12) Matthew 7:12 also explaining how we give the tacit permission of 7:2.

  Immediately after explaining healthy judgment Jesus presents an important matter to be judged, false teachers. Isaiah spelled the measure of in a single verse (8:20) “To the Law and to the Testimony! If they do not speak according to this Word, it is because there is no dawn [Light] to them!“ Jesus warned and explained tersely “… beware of the false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inside they are plundering wolves. From their fruits you shall know them. Do they gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?“ (Mt.7:15-16)

  Among the many things I learned from Pastor McKnight is it is imperative to read and study Scripture contextually. He emphasized “First the immediate text, then the Golden Text, Genesis thru Revelation.” I judge that we all should do so. Hopefully you judge me accordingly.

EBB4