Monday, April 30, 2007

Thou Shalt Not Judge Me

“You can’t judge me.” How often have you heard this phrase? Many times it is used as a defense mechanism for people who have been confronted on conduct that many would deem inappropriate. The Bible is often used as proof for this viewpoint. Many will quote Matthew 7 and say that Jesus prohibits us from judging one another. But is that really what the Bible says?

Look at Matthew 7:1-5 more closely. In this passage the prohibition in verse 1 is not a prohibition on judging but on judgmental attitudes. This is proven in the following verses. Jesus encourages us to examine our own lives before judging others. We are called to first confess and deal with our own sins. Once we have done this we are allowed to confront other believers in sin.

Paul continues this theme of judging in 1 Corinthians 5. In verse 11 Paul tells the Corinthians not to associate with a believer that is involved in a sinful lifestyle. Paul gives authority to believers to judge other believers within the church. What areas are up for judgment? It is not such things as clothing or music preferences. Although this is what some in the church have the most disagreement over. It is over areas such as morality and theology.

It is important to note that Christians are not allowed to judge non Christians. Why? Because that is God’s responsibility. We cannot judge them for being immoral since they have not been saved by God’s grace and given the power of the Holy Spirit.

But how are we supposed to judge someone? Paul also provides the answer in Galatians 6:1. He notes that we are to judge someone for the purpose of restoration. We are to seek to point out their faults for the purpose of helping them grow closer to Jesus Christ. This is to be done in a gentle manner with grace. Paul also warns those who seek to restore someone in sin to be careful. They too can fall into temptation if they are not alert.

Can anyone else judge Christians? According to 2 Corinthians 5 all Christians will be judged based on our lives here on earth. This is not to determine admission to heaven. Instead it is an evaluation of our lives. It is a reminder that we are saved for good works (Eph. 2:10) and not to live out our own sinful pleasures.

Furthermore, according it seems that in John 17:23 Jesus notes that the world will judge Christians. They will judge us based on our love for each other and unity. The world will know that Jesus Christ is real based on how we as Christians relate to one another. These two judgments provide a serious reminder to live our lives in a manner worthy of our calling (Eph. 4:1).

Sources

The First Epistle to the Corinthians NICNT Fee, Gordon.

The Second Epistle to the Corinthians NICNT Barnett, Paul

The Gospel of John PNTC Carson, D.A.

Matthew NAC Blomberg, Craig

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