6 things we ARE to judge.

[PATrobas]

Reminders Definitions – Judging _{part 2}

Last week we looked at Matthew 7:1 “Judge not that you be not judged.” and five things that are not to be judged. 1) Anything before first judging ourselves. 2) Motives of others. 3) Personal convictions. 4) By outward appearances. 5) To condemnation. But Scripture also teaches that there are some things that are to be judged as the Holy Spirit leads.

First and foremost, 1) We are to judge ourselves. ^{1 Corinthians 11:31} Because “the heart is deceitful…and desperately wicked,” we must commit that judgement to the only one who knows our heart - The Lord Jesus. ^{Jeremiah 17:9-10; Hebrews 4:12} Knowing the thoughts and intents of our hearts, He leads us to confession and restoration. ^{Psalm 139:23- 24; 1 John 1:9} Failure to judge oneself can result in sickness or even death. ^{1 Corinthians 11:28-32; 1 John 5:16} 2) The church should be judging personal disputes and civil matters between believers. We are not to take one another to court. ^{1 Corinthians 6:1-8} 3) We are to judge whether someone is a Christian. ^{2 Corinthians 6:14} Directly asking someone if they believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus for eternal life is a good place to start, then, a judgement can be made based on their personal testimony. 4) Along with that, we are to judge the profession of one calling himself a believer but acting as an unbeliever. Words and actions of people can be indicators of their heart condition. ^{Luke 6:43-45} If one says that they are a Christian but is practicing ungodly behaviors, we are to prayerfully confront them according to Scriptural guidelines. ^{Galatians 6:1; Matthew 18:15-20} If that person refuses to heed and submit to the restorative counsel, then we should not continue in fellowship with them as a brother or sister.^{1 Corinthians 5} The purpose of this action is twofold; a) To protect the church from sinful influences “…a little leaven leavens the whole lump” ^{1 Corinthians 5:6} and b) To restore the offending person to a right relationship with God.  If they are saved, they will repent and be restored, or remain rebellious, placing them under severe conviction. If they are not saved, our role is to pray and share the Gospel with them so they would recognize their condition and be born again. 5) We are to judge teachers and whether they are teaching true or false doctrine. Paul was not unkind to rebuke false teachers by name.  ^{2 Timothy 2:16-18} He warned us to beware of false teachers who cause division and teach a false gospel. They are called “grievous wolves” whose goal is to devour the sheep. ^{Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:29-31; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Timothy 4:3-4} We are to “test the spirits” ^{1 John 4:1} and search the scriptures for truth. ^{Acts 17:11} 6) Finally, we are to judge the leadership of the church concerning their spiritual maturity and scriptural qualifications to lead.  Paul told Timothy to “lay hands suddenly on no man…” ^{1 Timothy 5:22} In other words, those who are new to the congregation or those newly saved should not be put into positions of authority or leadership until they have been tested and proven to be faithful and trusted. ^{See 1 Timothy 3:1-13 for qualifications of elders and deacons}

Final Thoughts: Yes, there are things we are not to judge, and certain situations, teachings, and people we are to judge, but never in a spirit of superior righteousness or with a ‘holier-than-thou’ attitude.  We are to judge in humility, after prayerfully seeking the leading of the Holy Spirit, and committing ourselves first to Him who always judges righteously, Jesus.     _ph

[Michael37]

This is an excellent study, @PATrobas

Here are some further notes to expand on:

Strong G1252
διακρίνω
diakrinō
dee-ak-ree'-no
From G1223 and G2919; to separate thoroughly, that is, (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively to discriminate (by implication decide), or (reflexively) hesitate: - contend, make (to) differ (-ence), discern, doubt, judge, be partial, stagger, waver.
Total KJV occurrences: 19

The term "criteria" refers to the standards or principles by which something is judged or decided. In other words, criteria are the specific points or requirements that are used to evaluate or assess a particular subject.

Etymology

The word "criteria" comes from the Greek word "kritērion" (κριτήριον), which means "a means for judging" or "a standard." This in turn is derived from "kritēs" (κριτής), meaning "judge," which is related to the verb "krínein" (κρίνειν), meaning "to judge" or "to decide."

The plural form is "criteria," while the singular is "criterion."

Understanding the criteria for judgment or assessment helps ensure clarity and fairness in evaluations. Whether in academic settings, professional environments, or everyday decision-making, clearly defined criteria guide our choices and actions.

@PATrobas Quote Reformatted:

1) We are to judge ourselves. ^{1 Corinthians 11:31} Because “the heart is deceitful…and desperately wicked,” we must commit that judgement to the only one who knows our heart - The Lord Jesus. ^{Jeremiah 17:9-10; Hebrews 4:12} Knowing the thoughts and intents of our hearts, He leads us to confession and restoration. ^{Psalm 139:23- 24; 1 John 1:9} Failure to judge oneself can result in sickness or even death. ^{1 Corinthians 11:28-32; 1 John 5:16} 

2) The church should be judging personal disputes and civil matters between believers. We are not to take one another to court. ^{1 Corinthians 6:1-8} 

3) We are to judge whether someone is a Christian. ^{2 Corinthians 6:14} Directly asking someone if they believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus for eternal life is a good place to start, then, a judgement can be made based on their personal testimony.

4) Along with that, we are to judge the profession of one calling himself a believer but acting as an unbeliever. Words and actions of people can be indicators of their heart condition. ^{Luke 6:43-45} If one says that they are a Christian but is practicing ungodly behaviors, we are to prayerfully confront them according to Scriptural guidelines. ^{Galatians 6:1; Matthew 18:15-20} If that person refuses to heed and submit to the restorative counsel, then we should not continue in fellowship with them as a brother or sister.^{1 Corinthians 5} The purpose of this action is twofold;

   a) To protect the church from sinful influences “…a little leaven leavens the whole lump” ^{1 Corinthians 5:6} and

   b) To restore the offending person to a right relationship with God.  If they are saved, they will repent and be restored, or remain rebellious, placing them under severe conviction. If they are not saved, our role is to pray and share the Gospel with them so they would recognize their condition and be born again.

5) We are to judge teachers and whether they are teaching true or false doctrine. Paul was not unkind to rebuke false teachers by name.  ^{2 Timothy 2:16-18} He warned us to beware of false teachers who cause division and teach a false gospel. They are called “grievous wolves” whose goal is to devour the sheep. ^{Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:29-31; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Timothy 4:3-4} We are to “test the spirits” ^{1 John 4:1} and search the scriptures for truth. ^{Acts 17:11} 

6) Finally, we are to judge the leadership of the church concerning their spiritual maturity and scriptural qualifications to lead.  Paul told Timothy to “lay hands suddenly on no man…” ^{1 Timothy 5:22} In other words, those who are new to the congregation or those newly saved should not be put into positions of authority or leadership until they have been tested and proven to be faithful and trusted. ^{See 1 Timothy 3:1-13 for qualifications of elders and deacons}

[NConly]

Matt 5

29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

God never said this to the Jews in all the years before Jesus came to earth. He surely did not mean this for New Covenant believers to be a physical thing. This about the body of Christ.

[Tristen]

1 hour ago, NConly said:

Matt 5

29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

God never said this to the Jews in all the years before Jesus came to earth. He surely did not mean this for New Covenant believers to be a physical thing. This about the body of Christ.

My understanding of this section of Matthew 5 (from verse 17) is that - if one is determined to be righteous by our own efforts (thus rejecting Jesus' fulfillment of the Law on our behalf), then one must:

1 - be prepared to take extreme measures to avoid sin, and

2 - understand that God's perfect standard (and judgement) extends beyond external conformation to a written list of rules - and into the internal motivations of the heart. 

Fortunately, Jesus did not leave us in such a desperately hopeless state - but rather offered an alternative path to righteousness.

 

 

 

[NConly]

4 hours ago, Tristen said:

My understanding of this section of Matthew 5 (from verse 17) is that - if one is determined to be righteous by our own efforts (thus rejecting Jesus' fulfillment of the Law on our behalf), then one must:

1 - be prepared to take extreme measures to avoid sin, and

2 - understand that God's perfect standard (and judgement) extends beyond external conformation to a written list of rules - and into the internal motivations of the heart. 

Fortunately, Jesus did not leave us in such a desperately hopeless state - but rather offered an alternative path to righteousness.

 

 

 

I do not see it as you. Some would not be here on this site if they plucked out both eyes and cut off both hands. If the church plucks out it's visionary every single year it would still exist and be doing what Christ wants us to do, living right. Sunday school Director could be the right hand of the church replaceable and the body still survives.

[Tristen]

57 minutes ago, NConly said:

I do not see it as you

That's fair.

 

57 minutes ago, NConly said:

Some would not be here on this site if they plucked out both eyes and cut off both hands.

I think the absurdly extreme nature of the claim is the point. Jesus was not suggesting anyone take such actions - but rather demonstrating that we cannot be righteous through our own efforts by any reasonable measure. We can only be righteous by His mercy earned through His cross.

The necessary removal of body parts was intended to demonstrate the absurdity of trying to earn our own righteousness.

 

1 hour ago, NConly said:

If the church plucks out it's visionary every single year it would still exist and be doing what Christ wants us to do, living right. Sunday school Director could be the right hand of the church replaceable and the body still survives.

I don't read any application to the Church in-general from what is written in Matthew 5. The context appears to be exclusively about personal righteousness before God in relation to the Law (and what Jesus' fulfillment of the Law means to that relationship).

 

[missmuffet]

9 hours ago, PATrobas said:

Reminders Definitions – Judging _{part 2}

 

Last week we looked at Matthew 7:1 “Judge not that you be not judged.” and five things that are not to be judged. 1) Anything before first judging ourselves. 2) Motives of others. 3) Personal convictions. 4) By outward appearances. 5) To condemnation. But Scripture also teaches that there are some things that are to be judged as the Holy Spirit leads.

 

First and foremost, 1) We are to judge ourselves. ^{1 Corinthians 11:31} Because “the heart is deceitful…and desperately wicked,” we must commit that judgement to the only one who knows our heart - The Lord Jesus. ^{Jeremiah 17:9-10; Hebrews 4:12} Knowing the thoughts and intents of our hearts, He leads us to confession and restoration. ^{Psalm 139:23- 24; 1 John 1:9} Failure to judge oneself can result in sickness or even death. ^{1 Corinthians 11:28-32; 1 John 5:16} 2) The church should be judging personal disputes and civil matters between believers. We are not to take one another to court. ^{1 Corinthians 6:1-8} 3) We are to judge whether someone is a Christian. ^{2 Corinthians 6:14} Directly asking someone if they believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus for eternal life is a good place to start, then, a judgement can be made based on their personal testimony. 4) Along with that, we are to judge the profession of one calling himself a believer but acting as an unbeliever. Words and actions of people can be indicators of their heart condition. ^{Luke 6:43-45} If one says that they are a Christian but is practicing ungodly behaviors, we are to prayerfully confront them according to Scriptural guidelines. ^{Galatians 6:1; Matthew 18:15-20} If that person refuses to heed and submit to the restorative counsel, then we should not continue in fellowship with them as a brother or sister.^{1 Corinthians 5} The purpose of this action is twofold; a) To protect the church from sinful influences “…a little leaven leavens the whole lump” ^{1 Corinthians 5:6} and b) To restore the offending person to a right relationship with God.  If they are saved, they will repent and be restored, or remain rebellious, placing them under severe conviction. If they are not saved, our role is to pray and share the Gospel with them so they would recognize their condition and be born again. 5) We are to judge teachers and whether they are teaching true or false doctrine. Paul was not unkind to rebuke false teachers by name.  ^{2 Timothy 2:16-18} He warned us to beware of false teachers who cause division and teach a false gospel. They are called “grievous wolves” whose goal is to devour the sheep. ^{Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:29-31; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Timothy 4:3-4} We are to “test the spirits” ^{1 John 4:1} and search the scriptures for truth. ^{Acts 17:11} 6) Finally, we are to judge the leadership of the church concerning their spiritual maturity and scriptural qualifications to lead.  Paul told Timothy to “lay hands suddenly on no man…” ^{1 Timothy 5:22} In other words, those who are new to the congregation or those newly saved should not be put into positions of authority or leadership until they have been tested and proven to be faithful and trusted. ^{See 1 Timothy 3:1-13 for qualifications of elders and deacons}

 

Final Thoughts: Yes, there are things we are not to judge, and certain situations, teachings, and people we are to judge, but never in a spirit of superior righteousness or with a ‘holier-than-thou’ attitude.  We are to judge in humility, after prayerfully seeking the leading of the Holy Spirit, and committing ourselves first to Him who always judges righteously, Jesus.     _ph

 

Jesus gives a direct command to judge John 7:24. Opposing sin is not wrong. Jesus commands "right judgment".

https://www.gotquestions.org/do-not-judge.html

 

Edited January 25 by missmuffet

[AnOrangeCat]

4 hours ago, Tristen said:

I think the absurdly extreme nature of the claim is the point. Jesus was not suggesting anyone take such actions - but rather demonstrating that we cannot be righteous through our own efforts by any reasonable measure. We can only be righteous by His mercy earned through His cross.

The necessary removal of body parts was intended to demonstrate the absurdity of trying to earn our own righteousness.

I get this impression as well and see a similar sentiment come up in Acts 15:10 regarding the relationship between gentiles and OT Law. While it doesn't touch on things as extreme as removing parts the observation was made that neither past nor present Jews were able to live up to the OT. Or in other words none of them were ever able to hit the mark through their own efforts.

[farouk]

On 1/24/2025 at 11:27 PM, Tristen said:

That's fair.

 

I think the absurdly extreme nature of the claim is the point. Jesus was not suggesting anyone take such actions - but rather demonstrating that we cannot be righteous through our own efforts by any reasonable measure. We can only be righteous by His mercy earned through His cross.

The necessary removal of body parts was intended to demonstrate the absurdity of trying to earn our own righteousness.

 

I don't read any application to the Church in-general from what is written in Matthew 5. The context appears to be exclusively about personal righteousness before God in relation to the Law (and what Jesus' fulfillment of the Law means to that relationship).

 

Hi @Tristen

Sometimes 'judgment' in the sense of 'discernment' is a meaning which is forgotten in favor of expressions of some sort of cosmic secular humanism.

Hebrews 5.14: "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

In other words, become exercised in the Scriptures in order to be able to discern matters well.
 

Edited February 1 by farouk

[TheBlade]

Great stuff thanks. I look at like this what's my foundation what am I standing on? The rock or sand for me to judge

"And if I have prophetic powers (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God’s love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody)."

So what's the purpose here and just who is doing the judging? The OP in parts here is confusing "doctrine" when it was about how now they were following another gospel "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel, which is really no gospel at all.". 

What we read in the NT they had the right to say such things because they through the sweet holy Spirit started most of those Churches. So any fake false doctrine or gospel was filtered if you will through what they again by the sweet holy Spirit taught and preached. So just "who" is doing the judging here?  Judging.. something I do not play with. I have to get my life in order.. and trust me.. have you ever taken a beam out of your eye? Built houses all my life (Carpenter/finish) and man some of those beams are huge ;)

Song break ...When I'm with you..."

Everything's not fine
And I'm not okay
But it's nice to know
I can come this way

When I'm with You
I feel the real me finally breaking through
It's all because of You, Jesus

Song      Our God "

Water You turned into wine
Opened the eyes of the blind
There's no one like you
None like you
Into the darkness You shine
Out of the ashes we rise
There's No one like you
None like you

Edited February 4 by TheBlade
fun