I'd like to add some clarification on judgment. Does the bible really teach us that we shouldn't judge others? Perhaps we're asking the wrong question? Perhaps this is the wrong line of thinking all together on this topic? The way we humans typically define judging, in our heads, yes judging is wrong and I believe this type of judging is what the Bible refers to when defining judging others as bad. However, the Bible also teaches that judging others is actually mandated.
It's interesting to note that earlier in Paul's 1st letter to the Corinthians (that is prior to his discourse on love in chapter 13) he commands them to expel an immoral brother (chp 5). He even directly mentions that it is the responsibility of the church to judge its own (chp 5:12-13). This seems to contradict Chp 13 and Romans 14:13.
Now look back on Matthew 18:15-17. In order to take this kind of action some form of judgment needs to be practiced. Read on to verse 18. Then continue onto verse 21 (the story of the unmerciful servant). In light of Matthew 7:1 it would seem obvious that we aren't to judge each other. Now read verse 2.
I believe the Bible teaches that we are to judge within the church. It's the condition of the heart that comes into question. Is it rooted in pride and selfishness or love and humility? God's concern is for our hearts. Now read 2 Corinthians 2:5-11. Forgiveness, most likely for the immoral brother who was expelled in 1 Corinthians 5. If we judge from a lofty position then we aren't following the path of Jesus Christ who became as nothing (Philippians 2:5-11).
Therefore judgment within the church should be both for the good of the individual who sinned as well as the good of congregation. Basically people who sin openly in the church are leaving themselves open to judgment and discipline. Otherwise, the church is neglecting not only the sinner, but the rest of the congregation. As with everything in creation it really is all about Jesus Christ and His glory.
2 comments:
Amen man! I just read your blog on "Judging", and you are right on! So many "christians" think that judging is bad and is uncalled for. But it's obvious that biblical judgment is not only good, but needed. And it is very lacking in the church today! So many people quote "Judge not lest you be judged"! Yet, like you said, they never read verse 2 which says that how we judge, we'll be judged back according to that same measure of judgment! Plus there is another good verse I'd like to share with you:
Lev 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: [but] in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
Lev 19:16 Thou shalt not go up and down [as] a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I [am] the LORD.
Lev 19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him
-Those verses make it clear how we should judge our neighbor and rebuke him wisely if we truly fear the Lord our God! Wow, thanks for the blog man. If you want to share my blog, check it out here:
http://dtfdisciples.blogspot.com/
Sincerely, a fellow wicked sinner saved by God's amazing Grace; not for my sake, but for His glory alone!
Sounds about right to me. These OT verses you reference are directly in line with the NT. Once again we can see how the OT and NT validate each other. No wonder as both books have the same author.
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