JUDGE NOT? (part 2)

JUDGE NOT?

                Don’t judge anyone. Never say anyone has said or done anything wrong. If a teacher or preacher is contradicting basic Christian principles keep silent. Is this really what is taught in the Bible? As we saw in part one both Matthew 7:1-2 and Luke 6:37-38 are dealing with interpersonal relationships and not purity of life or our responsibility to exhort to sound doctrine. Doctrinal purity or the right understanding and teaching of Biblical concepts are dealt with much more sternly.      

                We get off course when we see one verse as above and hold to it alone. The idea of judging is common in the New Testament. For example in I Corinthians an apparent church member had done something heinous and when the Apostle addressed this issue he was appalled that they had not yet dealt with the issue themselves. The Apostle wrote in 1Corinthians 5:3 “For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed….” This word ‘judged’ is the same one used in Matt. 7 and Luke 6. So there is obviously a different sense in which it is used. You see, the word for judging in the Bible is krino. Thayer’s Greek Definitions gives the following possible meanings for krino:

1) to separate, put asunder, to pick out, select, choose 2) to approve, esteem, to prefer 3) to be of opinion, deem, think 4) to determine, resolve, decree 5) to judge; to pronounce an opinion concerning right and wrong; to be judged, i.e. summoned to trial that one’s case may be examined and judgment passed upon it; to pronounce judgment, to subject to censure; of those who act the part of judges or arbiters in matters of common life, or pass judgment on the deeds and words of others 6) to rule, govern; to preside over with the power of giving judicial decisions, because it was the prerogative of kings and rulers to pass judgment 7) to contend together, of warriors and combatants; to dispute; in a forensic sense; to go to law, have suit at law.

                So then, by the length of the definition alone it is obvious that krino is more than most of us have realized.  A simplified definition could be, 1) to discern or 2) to pass judgement as in a court or a governing position. Having such a wide variance one must understand the context in which the term is used before attempting to assign a definition. And I Corinthians above shows us that Paul clearly meant judging the actions of that church member.

                Before you disagree let’s look at Galatians 2:11-14. Peter is at a feast with both Jew and Gentile in attendance. As a good born again Jew he sits with the Gentiles. But only until the Jewish leaders arrive. Then he separates and sits with the Jews. His actions cause others to do the same, even Barnabas. When Paul arrives and sees what has happened he publically chastises Peter for his behavior and for not living a godly example by walking, “uprightly according to the truth of the gospel….” Paul sternly and publically corrected Peter for not living up to the standards of the gospel. If we did that today we would hear from most people, “Judge not.” But you see, Paul looked at the Gospel of Christ and discerned (judged) that Peter’s behavior was wrong and even detrimental.

                Look at Galatians 1:6-8 “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (v.7) which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (v.8) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Notice especially in verse seven Paul says they “pervert the gospel.” How can we know that if we do not compare and make judgments? He then passes judgment by saying (even if they are angels) let them be cursed if their message differs from the Gospel which he and the other disciples preached. But to know the difference we must compare, contrast and judge whether or not their message is correct.

                Paul says we are to mark (let others know) and break fellowship with those who alter the Word of God and its “doctrine”, Romans 16:17-18 “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (v.18) For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Sounds like many of our television preachers today. They use all the nice flowery words and phrases to keep you tuned in and the money flowing.

                Paul says preaching which is not doctrinally sound will “deceive the hearts” of those who are yet immature. We must not stray from the doctrines preached by the Apostles. And we must not be afraid to denounce those who do. And like the Berean church we cannot be afraid to compare what we hear with what the Word of God teaches (Acts 17:11). The councils of men will vary and change with the wind but the Word of God is eternal. 1Peter 1:24-25 “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: (v.25) but the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”

                There can be no doubt we must understand the Word of God sufficiently so that we can warn others when it is being corrupted. (Read also: 2Thes. 3:6; 14-15; Phil. 3:2, 17-18; Col 2:8)

                Judge not? We simply must Judge.