Does the Bible Say, "Don't Judge"? - Bible Teaching #23

We all know that popular statement, "The Bible says do not judge." In this teaching, we will be diving into the Bible to investigate this claim. Grab your Bible and follow along. 

This claim is generally from Jesus in Matthew 7:1. Now, before we can look at the context, let us first establish what context is. Con is a prefix meaning "with", text is, "the original words and form of a written or printed work". So, we are looking at the words that come with the specified section of wording. In this particular statement in Matthew 7. We see that Jesus does not finish His point until verse 5. 

So now, reading the context. We see, the way you judge will be used against you, verse 2. Then, one is called out for hypocrisy, verses 3-5. Ending with the solution in verse 5. Removing the plank from your own eye. So, the passage is not about judging being wrong. But about hypocrisy, practice what you preach. Do not judge others for the sin that you, yourself are comitting. 

Now, can we find other passages to back up one being permitted or even commanded to judge? 

We most definitely can! Below are some examples. 

John 7:24

"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."

1 Corinthians 6:2-5

"Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren?"

1 Corinthians 2:15

"But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one."

1 Corinthians 5:2-3

"And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed."

1 Corinthians 5:11-13

"But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore 'put away from yourselves the evil person.'"

1 Corinthians 11:28-31

"But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged."

There is literally a whole book called, "Judges".

These are just a few passages, judge those in sin. Judge matters of dischord. Judge yourself. Judge with right judgement.

Interesting note, if you say that I am wrong for judging others, then you just judged me. Making you a hypocrite, which Jesus condemned in Matthew 7. Practice what you preach. Here is a question to ask, how do you know if one needs the Gospel unless you first judge then as lost? How do you know one is a Christian unless you first judge them as one? Truly, everyone makes judgements all day, everyday. You judge whether the person you are talking to is really your mom or dad. Jesus, the sinless and perfect example for us, HE ALSO JUDGED! Wake up! Let love be without hypocrisy. 

Now, is all judging good? Obviously not. John 7:24, James 2:1-13, James 4:11-12, Romans 14, these show that there are situations where it is wrong to judge. 

We do not judge according to appearance. We do not judge others for things that are not clearly sin according to the Scriptures. We do not look for things wrong with others, but instead adressing things when they come up. Accepting a brother as an obedient servant of your God with you, until they display actions to the contrary, then begin the Matthew 18 process for correction or separation. 

Now, the argument of, "Only God can judge me". We see that as incoherrant. God has committed judgement to His Spirit filled servants. If you do not like that, then you do not like what God has instituted. Thus making you disobedient, rebellious and Hellbound. Wake up before you wake up in Hell! 

Ecclesiastes 12:14 states, "For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil."

So, remember, if a Christian like myself judges you guilty of sin. We judge by the standard that God judges by. As we have His Holy Spirit dwelling within us. If you reject the judgement from our mouth now, you will hear the same from God later. But then it will be too late. Stop your sin and call upon Jesus for forgiveness. That is your only hope. 

May God grant you increase concerning this. 

May God bless you and Godspeed, Michael, a humble servant of Christ

I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts and am willing to discuss any of these topics and more, in great detail. If you would like.

Email:

Michael.servantofchrist@gmail.com