CALLED TO JUDGE

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CALLED TO JUDGE?
By Steven Mitchell

http://www.powertostand.org/Discernment/called2judge.htm

http://www.powertostand.org/discernindex.htm

When anyone expresses concern over the doctrinal purity or integrity of many in today's high-profile ministries, they are often condemned as being "judgers" and its implied that to even question a famous pastor or their ministry's actions or teachings, is a sin approaching the seriousness of blasphemy.



Some fellow believers have told me that to question the teachings of Benny Hinn or Kenneth Copeland or to test their claims and prophecies by the Word of God is to "come against the anointing of God". I've also been warned by a charismatic friend that I would be in danger of direct judgment from God because I was "in resistance" to the "moving of His Spirit". I was advised to institute a 'brain dump" and just accept without question the truth that Hinn teaches because he was "anointed" by God. By pointing out the presence of some false teachings in YWAM circles, I've been accused of having "the blood of the saints" on my hands, and being a "sower of discord" which the Lord hates. Add to these labels the seemingly everpresent charge of being "unloving" if error is identified about a particular doctrine or practice in the ministry of certain men.



Pretty heavy accusations there and usually made by people who later admit that they are uninformed about the particular problem I was trying to bring to their attention. Needless to say, these charges would make some Christians hang their head in shame or even "suck dirt in repentance" (something I've also been told to do) at even the thought of having a problem with some of these teachings.



Here in India, many churchgoers are commanded that they are forbidden to question their church pastor about any disagreements or problematic teaching. In some cases, questions of any kind are unwelcome because they are interpreted as disrespect for authority or seniority. The idea of "loving correction" or honest inquiry towards one's pastor is deemed unthinkable in some Indian (and American) churches.



So what are we to do? Can we ever question any teaching by a church pastor or leader or anyone? Are we to just take everything any of these ministries tell us as the always-true "word of the Lord"? Are these men and women in such authority that to question them is to "attack God"? Specifically, if I don't accept the teachings and claims of Benny Hinn will I really be "judged by God" or be guilty of "quenching the Holy Spirit"? Think about this one. Is AFI.com guilty for labeling someone a false teacher? Are YOU guilty for reading these articles?



Judge Not!!



Let's attempt to answer some of these questions by looking at God's Word and see what the Bible has to say about this topic of judging. (Note: This article's purpose is not to necessarily define "judging", but to show that we are allowed to do it. Other articles deal with this topic more in-depth). We'll begin in Matthew 7, because it is probably the most famous passage about judging and the phrase "judge not" or "Do not judge" is one of the first to spring from the lips of a supporter of Third Wave or Word-Faith ministries. Let's look at a few verses:





"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck out of your eye'; and look, a plank is on your own eye?

Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother's eye."

(Matt. 7:1-5)



In this passage, Jesus has been teaching the crowds in Galilee that have assembled to hear Him after a powerful time of ministry in the surrounding regions. All ears are certainly open as Messiah is drawing to the close of this beautiful teaching we call "The Sermon on the Mount". He's been addressing issues of righteousness, prayer, wealth, and other things all interspersed with teaching on the Law and Christ's authority to reveal the true standard of righteousness required for relationship with God.



It is unfortunate that this passage is often recklessly wrenched from this context. A sad fact also emerges that many who have memorized "Do not Judge" may not even know the context of the passage they so easily quote, not to mention the actual meaning of that phrase as it is explained here.



Jesus Christ indeed did say this statement but then proceeded immediately to describe to the people what kind of judging was forbidden. He also explains the heavy accountability that comes with judgments.



In vs. 1 and 2, He makes it clear to the people that making a judgment call about another person carries with it the reality that the "judger" is also open and naked before the eyes of the only truly righteous Judge of the universe. All of our judgments carry within them the possibility of error or presumption, but God knows all things. This fact should make us fearful of being accurate. The person who judges another should therefore take extreme caution as to their own condition when looking at someone else's life. The main thrust of His teaching here is that anyone who judges hypocritically is forbidden to make that judgment and will suffer judgment from God.



Hypocrisy is the killer element here. No one should judge another person, if they are doing something that disqualifies them to do so. Jesus has merely said in this passage that being a phony or hypocrite ("actor") is the condition that renders one's judgment dangerous. He is not making a sweeping statement here saying that no one can judge anything at any time, He is merely qualifying the type of judgment we are not to do in any circumstance. This is made clearer in the following verses.



In Verses 3-5, Jesus paints a picture using the eyes clogged with a speck and a plank. The obvious idea He conveys here (vividly, I might add) is that the hypocritical judger cannot make an accurate judgment or condemnation because that person is also involved in a sin of an even greater measure. Christ says that a person in that condition has no ability to even see the facts straight and therefore wouldn't even be able to make an accurate judgment. The emphasis is on the hypocrisy, because it shows that this person doesn't even realize the seriousness of his or her own sin. How then can they judge another who seems better off anyway? (Which is preferable? A speck or a plank?).



This story illustrates how important it is to have a holy and "clear" walk before the Lord. Our own hearts need to be purified and then our eyes will see clearly the difference between truth and error. Note verse 5 again:



"Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother's eye."



What a heavy command from Jesus. We can see His desire and requirement is that we have no hypocrisy in our lives. But note something very important here. He still allows the possibility of removing the speck from the brother's eye, BUT only after the judger's eye is clear. Don't miss this point! Christ is showing us the conditions under which judgment is allowed.



For example, I may say that someone is teaching a false teaching after careful study and testing the message using the Bible as my standard for truth. Am I allowed to say that a person's teaching is unbiblical and therefore, false if it fails the test of Scripture? Absolutely, UNLESS I am involved in grievous sin in my life or also teaching false things. Anyone can see that one false teacher who calls another a false teacher is like one elephant making fun of another elephant because he has a long nose.



(Note: there are conditions that classify a person as a false teacher or false prophet and those must be carefully considered before judging someone for being one of those. PTS has other articles that treat this subject biblically).



I hope that the above is clear. Just know that there may be sin in the life of a fellow believer and God may have you in a position to see that. We must discern and take necessary action. The neat thing is, God views the removal of a speck from your brother's eye as a ministry to that person. We all need accountability from each other to help us see certain shortcomings or sins that we may not realize. In such cases, I am grateful in my life that God has brought others to me, who in truth and love warned me of a speck (or plank in some cases) that was blinding me. BUT know for certain, from the teaching in this passage, that you must be living a Godly life or your judgment of sin in another person's life is forbidden.



Righteous Judgment



Let's look at another passage:



In John 7, Jesus has been teaching in the Temple at the halfway point of the Feast of Tabernacles. He declares to the Jews the origin of His ability to teach (vs. 16-19). Then an amazing thing happens. Jesus, seeing into the hearts of the leaders, reveals to them that He is aware of their plot to kill Him. This struck deep in their hearts and they reacted foolishly by accusing the Messiah of having a demon (v.20) and of being paranoid. Let's read:



"Jesus answered and said to them, 'I did one work and you all marvel. Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath?'

(John 7:21-23)



Jesus showed the leaders their sin by logically proving that they had no grounds for their hostility towards Him. In other words, they judged Christ hypocritically and wrongly. In their zeal to keep the Law of Moses, they would perform a surgical act of actually removing flesh from a human being; depletion on a holy day, if you will. Christ actually granted physical wholeness and complete health to a man on this same day, and yet they condemn Him for it. True hypocrisy of heart is being displayed here and Jesus reveals it in living color. Then, He delivers the final blow by making an authoritative statement like this one:



"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." (John 7:24)



We can clearly see here that Jesus is against the idea of "judging books by their covers." We cannot see into the deep recesses of a man's heart but Christ can and could and proved it right here in John 7. Looks are not the basis for judging another (James 2:1-13) and, therefore, should not be something we are influenced by. BUT then Jesus expressly tells us to judge and specifies what kind of judgments we are entitled to make. Verse 24 tells us that, as long as we are using righteous standards (true judgment without hypocrisy) then we are permitted to do it.



Christ is showing the religious leaders here that not only was their assessment of His ministry inaccurate, but they were also judging hypocritically because they would perform circumcision on the Sabbath (which involved actual depletion from the human body), while at the same time, condemning the Messiah for healing someone. While they were injuring, He was healing affliction.



What a powerful passage! So we have seen in these two passages that there are types of judging which are forbidden and types which are allowed. No where in these two passages (or elsewhere in scripture for that matter) are we instructed NEVER to discern another person' actions or their ministry's teachings.



Using These Truths Today



Incidentally, when a defender of a false teacher or erroneous ministry tells me "Judge not" if I say anything in question of them, I immediately respond to them "except with righteous judgment". Both phrases are easy to remember and both are true if understood in their proper contexts.



Again, the purpose of this article is not so much to define "judging", but to demonstrate that all are able and actually commanded to judge or discern certain things. Maybe you are thinking, "Where in the Bible am I told to judge?' Look no further than Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians:



"For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Cor. 2:10-14)



In Chapters 1 and 2, Paul has been teaching the Corinthian church about the differences and definitions of heavenly and earthly wisdom. In the above verses, he launches into a discussion of the Holy Spirit's ministry in the heart and mind of every believer (including you and me; not just your pastor, or a televangelist, by the way). Clearly, without the Spirit of God living in us, guiding us, and empowering us, we could not live pleasing lives before God. In addition, we would not be able to comprehend the truths of the Bible without the Spirit's illuminating our understanding. What a beautiful gift we've received!



In Verses 12-14, we read that the Spirit gives us the ability to appraise, filter, and discern between what is truth and error (heavenly/earthly). This passage is power-packed but our focus for the purpose of this article lies in the first part of verse 15:



"But he who is spiritual judges all things…" (1 Cor. 2:15a)



What a revelation! Do we really understand the nature of this verse? "Judge" here means, "to discern" and Paul tells us that a characteristic of a person who is being led and guided by the Spirit in their heart and mind is that they are able to discern ALL things. This can basically be viewed as a mandate to discern because judging rightly is wrapped up in the actual identity of the "spiritual man". "The things of the Spirit of God" are made clear to us by the Holy Spirit in us and then we are able to see clearly.



"All things" involves knowing what is of God and what is not of God. For Example, if a well-known author writes a book containing teachings that don't match up with the Bible's truths, then the spiritual man or woman sees, recognizes, and judges those things using God's Word in the power of the Spirit. When a televangelist or pastor teaches unbiblical things, engages in unscriptural behavior, or endorses those who do likewise, then we need to stand and "judge" whether that person's words or actions are in harmony with what the Bible teaches. (In fact, one could say without lying, that the judgments we pronounce are from God's Word, therefore we are just alerting the person to God's judgment on the matter as revealed in His Word). Our judgments should never be merely our opinions or thoughts on a matter. We must uphold the Bible as authoritative and our standard for judging.



While this is not worded as such to suggest a commandment, I believe it is clearly implied because this verse shows that discernment is a vital, crucial component inherent in the lives of people who are led by the Spirit. Part of what it means to BE a "spiritual man" involves the presence of the Spirit's enablement to judge rightly. This is something we should all see manifested in our lives, and Paul exemplified it for us in his life. It is a matter-of-fact statement that one who is "walking in the Spirit" will demonstrate discernment in these things. This is more a function of "being" spiritual, than "doing" spiritual things. In that sense, it goes beyond a formal commandment and should be something (super) naturally present in our lives to a great extent. But the requirement to judge is present in the Biblical guidelines for being a watchful believer, so on that level; it is a command as well.



Does this mean we are to have opinions and air them to everyone about everything? Are we to search in an accusatory way to discover and expose our fellow man's weaknesses and "dirty laundry"? Does this verse give us the license to condemn others to hell after they die or to become self-righteous people who think we know everything? Absolutely not!



However, what this verse does allow for is that testing what others preach and teach in Churches and on television ministries by the Word of God is a commendable and necessary act. In no way are we to receive the unjust charges of attacking the "anointing" of God or "quenching the Spirit" if we have concerns about truth in the church. I need not feel ashamed for speaking the truth when it comes to warning the church of dangerous falsehood. To all who lay the charge "Judge not" I lovingly ask them to read this verse. It does give us mandate to make discernment calls as long as we are walking uprightly with the Lord.



Keep in mind, the same apostle who wrote this letter to the Corinthians wrote 12 other letters in our New Testament, many of which carry sincere and clear warnings against the dangers of false teachers and their teachings. Paul vigorously discerned and even identified by name many who were stirring up trouble in God's church by teaching devilish doctrines. Paul taught us by example to be watchmen and this fits perfectly the context of this verse. As long as we steer clear from hypocrisy and false external judgments, then we are in positions to be good watchmen that the church needs today. We ought to judge or discern between truth and error and then take action as God leads.



PTS trusts that this short treatment of what has become a very volatile subject today has helped you a little bit in this area. Check out our other articles on these topics and let them aid you in making right decisions in discernment. May you be benefited greatly by the riches of the Bible.





Steven Mitchell is a missionary with Gate Way Ministries India currently ministering in Mumbai, India. He is the Director of PowerToStand Ministries and Answers For India.com and has a heart to see India's Churches grow in love for one another as well as reach their people for Jesus Christ. Thanks for reading. We do seminars!


To Judge or To Judge Not?

http://www.yesumulungi.com/Commentary/Comment42.htm

By Kato Mivule
February 1, 2006


To Judge or Judge not, which is which? Are we Supposed To Criticize?

I have had many aggravated here in Uganda, Africa over the issue of Discernment were by some accusations have been flying left and right from "Pious African Christians" that we are "Judging", "Critical", and we are "To Judge Not"...

In Africa we have a cultural barrier when it comes to Bible Discernment and Righteous Judgment...Leaders especially African Village Chiefs are highly esteemed in African Cultures that it is a very bad omen to speak out against them or question them. African Leaders also take advantage of such weakness in the African Cultures by claiming that all who stand to oppose them will receive "Curses"...

This trend can be seen across Africa's Political Platform were Presidents assume a Deity Role and assume life Presidency often ending up in a dictatorship. Such thinking that I call the 'African Village Chief Mentality' has sadly taken the African Church by storm...

It is a shame that so-called Christian leaders have taken on this 'African Village Chief Mentality' and threaten all who question their activities and false doctrines with "Curses", Excommunication, and persecutions including death threats. These so-called Church leaders in Africa threaten their constituents by telling them that they should never "Touch the Anointed of God" and never speak against the "Man of God", those who do so are told they will receive "Curses"...

This has been one reason why Discernment and Righteous Judgment is not exercised in most African Churches as the believers walk and live in pure fear. As such the "Man of God" is free to teach whatever False Doctrine they desire... The African Church Leaders reign over their churches with an iron fist and nothing short of the Nicolaitanes Doctrine...

However, is this what the Bible teaches? Is this what Jesus Christ and the Apostles taught? So, we take a look at the scriptures below and see what the Whole Counsel of God's Word says...

Many have also made a tragic mistake of thinking that Pharisees don't exist in our so-called churches today, and that if they do exist they remain in the confines of Denominations like the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Church and other Religions...this is nothing short of joining those who say Satan does not exist, that if he does he must be confined with those who practice witchcraft...

Such folks with this line of thinking forget that the most established 'Pharisees' of our day belong in the Prosperity Purpose Driven Political Dominionism Evangelistic Movement and can clearly be seen with their flashy and pompous so-called ministries across TBN and other "Christian" TV outlets around the world....

So, to simply "judge" and say that 'Pharisees' don't exist today is not to exercise discernment and not judging properly and righteously as we shall see below...

What was Paul doing when he warned the Galatians, Corinthians against FALSE TEACHERS? What was Peter and Jude doing in warning the believers in their epistles against false prophets and false teachers? What Was Jesus doing in Matthew 23?

What was Jesus Christ doing when He warned his disciples about False Prophets, the Yeast of the Pharisees, and the Yeast of Herod? Was Jesus Christ simply rebuking Pharisees of His day and that was it? Does the Bible Self Contradict? Does Jesus Christ speak one thing then another next time and self contradict? Are we trying to accuse Jesus Christ, Peter, Paul, James, Jude of Flip-flopping?

Do you suppose that So-called Born again Christians today have not Rejected Jesus Christ? Really, really, really??? Well, not until the Bible Scriptures prove otherwise…

Greek Words for Judge is…
Okay, well, lets take a look at the original Greek word ‘Judge’ and then we can verify what the Bible is speaking about. The Bible offers no Contradictions. The misunderstanding of the word ‘Judge’ and pious phrase most Christians use, “Judge Not” , comes from not reading the Whole Counsel of God’s Word and lack of study of God’s Word.

Many Christians simply accuse those who ‘Judge Righteously’ as simply being “Critical”, “Filled with bitterness”, “Filled with hate”, “they hate my Pastor yet he is a Man of God…” and all the lazy excuses we give in entertaining false doctrines and the lies of Men…so let the Greek Words help us…

Judge: Strong's Number: 350 Anakrino
examine or judge
to investigate, examine, enquire into, scrutinize, sift, question
specifically in a forensic sense of a judge to hold an investigation
to interrogate, examine the accused or witnesses
to judge of, estimate, determine (the excellence or defects of any person or thing

Judge: Strong's Number: 1252 Diakrino
to separate, make a distinction, discriminate, to prefer
to learn by discrimination, to try, decide
to determine, give judgment, decide a dispute
to withdraw from one, desert
to separate one's self in a hostile spirit, to oppose, strive with dispute, contend
to be at variance with one's self, hesitate, doubt

Judge: Strong's Number: 1348 Dikastes
judge, arbitrator, umpire

Judge: Strong's Number: 2919 Krino
to separate, put asunder, to pick out, select, choose
to approve, esteem, to prefer
to be of opinion, deem, think, to be of opinion
to determine, resolve, decree
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
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
to contend together, of warriors and combatants
to dispute
in a forensic sense
to go to law, have suit at law

Judge: Strong's Number: 2922 Kriterion
the instrument or means of trying or judging anything
the rule by which one judges
the place where judgment is given
the tribunal of a judge
a bench of judges
the matter judged, thing to be decided, suit, case

Judge: Strong's Number: 2923 Krites
one who passes or arrogates to himself, judgment on anything
an arbiter
of a Roman procurator administering justice
of God passing judgment on men
of the leaders or rulers of the Israelites

Judge: Strong's Number: 2924 Kritikos

1. relating to judging, fit for judging, skilled in judging


"Judge Not?" Does the Bible Self-Contradict?
So, did Jesus not say first remove the beam (log) in your eye and then remove the mote (speck) from your neighbours? Was he refusing judging?

Did He not state that He himself judges righteously?

Is there no Righteous Judgment?

Does not the spiritual man judge all things and is judged by no one?

So, what is the context of judge not?

It is simple, if you practice evil or still struggle with evil and a certain sin in your life, then you can judge no one while practicing the same thing...

First get delivered from that sin then go and deliver others after you are free...

>>The Bible forbids to Judge Unrighteous based on outside appearance, foods, days, festivals etc as the scriptures below show…

Romans 14: (Krino = To Condemn, Damn) …unrighteous judgment based on foods, days, drinks, etc…
1 Corinthians 10:23-33 (Krino = To Condemn, Damn)…unrighteous judgment based on foods…
Colossians 2:16-17 (Krino = To Condemn, Damn)…unrighteous judgments based on foods, drinks, holidays etc…
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (Krino = To Condemn, Damn in Verse 5... Anakrino in previous = To Examine)…forbidden to premature judgment based on outward appearance in context of Paul going to the Corinthians in Chapter 1 and 2…In Uganda for instance, the “anointed” preacher is judged to be “anointed’ if they drive a New SUV, Fly First Class, live in a Mansion, have a 8000 Church etc, yet many True Anointed preachers who have nothing are prematurely judged by men in the flesh…
>>Again in this scripture we are forbidden to judge by outside appearance or by The Standards of this world, this includes status, riches, class, race, ethnic back ground, educational background etc…this is very common in many Prosperity Purpose Driven Churches and among Preachers who preach Riches, wealth and materialism…

James 2:1-13 (Krites = A Judge; Krino = Properly Distinguish, Call to Question, Esteem, Determine, Conclude, Judge Rightly, To Condemn, Damn = Unrighteous Judgment )
1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

>>But WE MUST JUDGE AND JUDGE RIGHTEOUSLY BASED ON GOD’S HOLY WORD….
>>Judge After You Have Removed the Log out of your Eye first…
>>Then you can help others...first get delivered to deliver others…
>>First get deliverance from evil doctrines and then help others who are bound…

Matthew 7:1-5 (Krino = Properly Distinguish, Call to Question, Esteem, Determine, Conclude, Judge Rightly, To Condemn, Damn = Unrighteous Judgment)
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

>>Jesus says that Judge with RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT…

John 7:24 (Krino = Properly Distinguish, Properly Distinguish, Call to Question, Esteem, Determine, Conclude, To Condemn, Damn = Unrighteous Judgment)
24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Luke 7:43 (Krino = Properly Distinguish, Determined Rightly; Called into Question Rightly = Righteous Judging)
43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

2 Corinthians 10:7 (Prosopon = Surface; Outside appearance)
7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.

>>Why Don’t you yourselves Judge what is Right?

Luke 12:56-57 (Dokimazo = Examine; Determine; Test; ...Krino = Question Rightly)
56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
57 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

>>Prove, Judge, Discern ALL Things…Hold to The Good

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 (Dokimazo = Examine; Determine; Test; Prove; Try)
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

>>The Spiritual Man Judges ALL things…

1 Corinthians 2:11-16 (Anakrino = Question; Investigate; Interrogate; Scrutinize; Discern; Judge Rightly)
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

>> Paul says…”Judge ye what I say”…

1 Corinthians 10:15 (Krino = Properly Distinguish, Call to Question, Esteem, Determine, Conclude, Judge Rightly)
15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

>>Be AWARE of FALSE PROPHETS…
>>How can you be AWARE of false prophets is you don’t judge righteously?????
>>You SHALL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUITS…
>>How can you know them by their Fruits if Don’t Judge????

Matthew 7:15-20 (Prosecho = Be Aware, Pay Attention, Be Cautious, Take Heed)
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

>>What is our Standard of Righteous Judgment???
>>Is it not the Word of God?
>>We Judge basing on God’s Holy and True Word…
>>If they live and teach contrary to scripture there is no light in them!

Isaiah 8:20
20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

>>Avoid those who teach contrary to Sound Doctrine…
>>How can you AVOID them if you Judge not righteously???
>>…They serve their own belly = Prosperity Movement???
>>They give fair speeches (feel good messages) to deceive the simple…

Romans 16:17-18 (Skopeo = Mark Them, Take Heed, Consider)
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 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…

>>ALL scriptures below require Righteous Judgment Based on God’s Word…
>>Unless you “Judge not”, then you cannot accept these scriptures…

2 Corinthians 6: 14-18 (Aphorizo = Separate, Sever, Exclude, Divide)
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

2 Timothy 3:5 (Apotrepo = Turn Away, Deflect, Avoid)
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 (Stello = Avoid, Withdraw Yourself, Abstain from Associating with)
6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

Ephesians 5:11 (Elegcho = Reprove, Confute, Admonish, Tell A Fault, Rebuke)
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Romans 12:9 (Apostugeo = Abhor, To Utterly Detest)
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

>>We are COMMANDED to TEST every spirit…
>>How are you going to Test, if you “Judge not”?
>>…For many False Prophets are gone out in the world…

>>So, Brothers and Sisters, Try, Test, Discern, Judge, all Spirits…
>>False teachers and preachers will detest the Life of Christ Jesus in them…
>>They hate to live after the example of Jesus Christ…to carry our Cross and follow Him…

>>They hate live for Christ Jesus and Jesus Christ living in them…

>>…Which means death to the fleshly desires, things of this world, the prosperity comfy gospel, the get rich quick gospel…it means a life of persecution, being hated by the world, giving to the poor, storing up riches in Heaven and not earthly possessions…it means adhering to The Words of Jesus Christ…false teachers, ministries, apostles, prophets hate this because Christ Lives Not in Them…

>>They speak always of The World, the riches, money, fame, popularity, how to build mega million dollar buildings, glamorous cars, Elite Traveling, Mansions and the best indulgence they can get from the world; therefore the world loves them and cherishes them because Truly they belong to the world…for them godliness is a means of gain…and the world listens to them because they are of the world…

1 John 4:1-6 (Dokimazo = Try, Examine, Discern, Prove, Test)
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

>>Friendship with this world is enmity with God…
>>If you are in love with this world, you are an enemy of God…
>>Many Churches today are adulteresses…in love with this world and hating Jesus Christ their Bridegroom, Head, Husband and King…

James 4:4
4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God

>>Therefore James 4:11 speaks about the unrighteous judgment of judging by outside appearance that James speaks about in James 2, otherwise Jesus, Paul and James are self contradicting which is not the case…

>>EXAMINE yourself to see if you are still in the faith…
>>How can you do this if you don’t self-judge???
>>Judge yourself based on God’s word so as not to be judged with the world…

2 Corinthians 13:5 (Peirazo = Examine, Scrutinize, Prove, Try; Dokimazo = Prove, Discern, Approve, Examine, Test , Try)
5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

1 Corinthians 11:31-32 (Diakrino = Judge Ourselves, Separate Thoroughly, Discern, Judge; Krino = Condemn, Damm, Decree, Determine, Call in Question)
31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

>>Judge those within the Church with Righteous Judgment Based on God’s Word…

1 Corinthians 5:11-12 (Krino = Properly Distinguish, Call to Question, Determine, Judge, Try, Conclude, Decree, Think, Decide)
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

>>Judge Prophets and their Prophesy…Deuteronomy 18:20-22, Jeremiah 14 and Jeremiah 28 speak about the same thing and not being afraid of Prophets who prophesy of their own accord…but JUDGE ALL PROPHETS AND PROPHESY based on God’s Word…

1 Corinthians 14:29 (Diakrino = Separate Thoroughly, Discern, Judge, Contend, Discriminate)
29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

>>We are forbidden to Judge the Brethren using world standards and taking them to courts of Law…this thing is very common among Prosperity Movement as they fight over Control of Material Wealth…

>>We are settle disputes among brethren we ourselves and Judge our selves…
>>So, how do we carry out such Judgment in 1 Corinthians 6 and “Judge not”?

1 Corinthians 6 (Krino = Judge, Properly Distinguish, Call in Question, Condemn, Sentence To, Conclude; Kriterion = A Rule of Judging, Tribunal, Judgment, To Judge)
1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

6 But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.

>>We are supposed to grow up spiritually and be able to discern, judge, prove, test, try ALL things based on God’s Word and discern between good and evil…

Hebrews 5:11-14 (Diakrisis = Discern, Judicial Estimation, Disputation)
11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.

12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
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.

>>We must grow and abound in more knowledge and ALL judgment…
>>This is to grow in the knowledge of Christ = His Holy Word and All Judgment…
>>So, we can then Judge Righteously based on God’s Holy Word…

Philippians 1:9-10 (Aiathesis = Discernment, Judgment)
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.

Conclusion...
If I am freed by God's Holy Word from Prosperity Doctrines, Mega-Church Building Teachings, the False Doctrine of Tithes from Hell, Nicolaitanes Doctrines of one Man Pastor Ministries, Balaam Doctrine of Greed, and Materialism, Political Christianity, Rapture before Tribulation (Pre-Trib) False Doctrine, Church Growth Movement, Purpose Driven False Doctrine, and many more, so I can speak out against such Heresies just as Paul the Apostle did clearly with His mandate and approval from God...

Christians Today need to be more Discerning and to Judge with Righteous Judgment Based on God's Holy Word. There are many False Prophets that have gone throughout the world. Many of them are on TBN, the likes of Joyce Meyer, Kim Clement, Rod Parsley, Paul Crouch, Ben Hinn, Joel Osteen, and almost 99% of the TBN family...being a part of this False TBN Family and associating and supporting it makes one engage in their False Doctrines and Teachings, especially the Prosperity and Political Christianity Dominionism Doctrines...

In Africa we have Copycats of the TBN Family and because people are poor, many tend to see the rich affluent Preachers on TBN as Holy and True and simply believe all their False Teachings without question...this ought not to be so...

Acts 17:10-12 (Anakrino = Searched, Scrutinize, Investigate, Interrogate, Determine, Question, Ask, Discern, Examine, Judge)
10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

True Christians act like the Berean Christians and Search the Scriptures Daily to see if those things preachers today say are so...yes, they will question everything, judge All things, Discern and Prove if all what preachers say is true...Apostate Christians are forbidden by their Pastor Preachers from doing so by telling them out of simplicity that, "Judge Not" while they feed them with False Doctrines from Satan and Hell...

Yes, I pray that we continue to grow in the Knowledge of Christ Jesus, His Holy Word so we can Rightly discern between Good and Evil...the days are evil and the Great Apostasy is happening before our own eyes...

Yes, as True Christians and Holy Saints of God, we are called to Judge ALL Things and to Judge Righteously, The Word of God being our Basis...Amen.


Servant of Jesus Christ
Kato Mivule
www.yesumulungi.com


THE ISSUE OF JUDGING

http://www.lorendavis.com/news_articles_judging.html

Copyright 2007 Loren Davis


Judging seems to be a complicated matter among most Christians. Most have been TAUGHT NOT TO JUDGE, but many who teach this, would be quick to judge you if you disagreed with them. There are some scriptures that say, "judge not", but there are other scriptures that teach us to "judge". Is the Bible contradicting itself? WHICH POSITION IS RIGHT?
SCRIPTURES ON "NOT JUDGING"
* James 4:11-12 "Speak not evil one of another, brethren; He that speaketh evil of his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and JUDGETH the law: but IF THOU JUDGE THE LAW, thou art not a doer of the law, BUT A JUDGE. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: WHO ART THOU THAT JUDGEST ANOTHER?" (The key phrase here is judging a brother, another true Christian).
* Matthew 7:1 "JUDGE NOT, THAT YE BE NOT JUDGED." For what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."
* Luke 6:37 "JUDGE NOT, AND YE SHALL BE NOT JUDGED: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; forgive and ye shall be forgiven."
* John. 8:15 "YE JUDGE AFTER THE FLESH." This type of judgment is unscriptural.
* Romans 14:1-5 "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despises him that eateth not; and let not him, who eateth not judge him that eateth; for God hath received him. Who art thou that JUDGEST ANOTHER MAN'S SERVANT? To his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand." A key here is that we are not to judge ANOTHER MAN'S SERVANTS.
MISJUDGING THE TRUE PROPHETS
* Matthew 23:30 "And say, if we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them IN THE BLOOD OF THE PROPHETS."
* 31, "Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which KILL THE PROPHETS."
* Matthew 23:25-29 "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye make CLEAN THE OUTSIDE of the cup of the platter, but WITHIN THEY ARE FULL OF EXTORTION AND EXCESS. THOU BLIND Pharisee, CLEANSE THAT WHICH IS WITHIN the cup and platter, THAT THE OUTSIDE OF THEM MAY BE CLEAN ALSO. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also OUTWARDLY APPEAR RIGHTEOUS UNTO MEN, BUT within YE ARE FULL OF HYPOCRISY AND INIQUITY. Woe unto you, scribes (journalists) and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because YE BUILD THE TOMBS OF THE PROPHETS, AND GARNISH THE SEPULCHERS OF THE RIGHTEOUS."
* 34-38 "Wherefore, behold, I SEND UNTO YOU PROPHETS, and wise men, and scribes: and some of THEM YE SHALL KILL AND CRUCIFY."
(This is an example of MISJUDGING. KILLING THE INNOCENT in the name of righteousness).
"And some of them you scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city. "THAT UPON YOU may COME ALL THE RIGHTEOUS BLOOD SHED UPON THE EARTH, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zechariahs son of Barachias, whom YE SLEW BETWEEN THE TEMPLE AND THE ALTAR. O Jerusalem, JERUSALEM THOU THAT KILLEST THE PROPHETS, and STONEST THEM WHICH ARE SENT UNTO THEE."
FALSE ACCUSERS
* Exodus 20:16 "Thou shalt NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS against thy neighbor."
* Revelation 12:10 "For THE ACCUSER OF THE BRETHREN is cast out."
* John 16:2 Jesus said, "They shall PUT YOU OUT OF THE SYNAGOGUES."

In the books of Galatians, Philippians and Romans SLANDER, BACKBITING, and MALIGNITY are included in the works of the flesh. Unsubstantiated rumors unjustly destroy reputations, lives and ministries. This is evil!

* 1 Corinthians 4:9-13 "for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake...we are weak...WE ARE DESPISED...even unto this present hour we both hunger, thirst, and are naked, and are BUFFETED, and have no certain dwelling place; being REVILED...being PERSECUTED...being DEFAMED...we are MADE AS THE FILTH OF THE WORLD, and ARE THE OFF SCOURING OF ALL THINGS."
JESUS WAS THE MOST MISJUDGED OF ALL
Jesus was judged and misjudged by the Pharisees, Sadducees and Jews. They found Him guilty of death even when Pilate FOUND HIM NOT GUILTY. After this verdict, the religious leaders and the crowd still demanded for Him to be crucified. Though Pilate found Jesus not guilty, he made Jesus EXPENDABLE TO SAVE HIMSELF POLITICALLY.

* John 1:11 "He came unto his own, and HIS OWN RECEIVED HIM NOT."
* Luke 22:63-64 "And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, WHO IS IT THAT SMOTE THEE?"
(They were judging Jesus as if He were a wizard involved in witchcraft).
JESUS WAS ACCUSED OF BEING A SINNER
* Revelation 12:10 says, "SATAN IS THE ACCUSER OF THE BRETHREN."
THE MAN BORN BLIND THAT WAS HEALED
* John 9:16 "Therefore said some of the Pharisees, THIS MAN IS NOT OF GOD, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them."
* v. 18-22 "But the Jews DID NOT BELIEVE concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until THEY CALLED THE PARENTS of him that had received his sight. And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who YE SAY was born blind? How then doth he now see? His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; But BY WHAT MEANS he now seeth, WE KNOW NOT; or who hath opened his eyes, WE KNOW NOT: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. These words spake his parents, FOR THEY FEARED THE JEWS: for THE JEWS HAD AGREED ALREADY, THAT IF ANY MAN DID CONFESS that he was Christ, HE SHOULD BE PUT OUT OF THE SYNAGOGUE."

They weren't looking for the truth. They already had their minds made up before they heard Him.

Most Christians are afraid to speak up even if they know a preacher is saying something unscriptural. They fear that they will be put out of the church or ostracized. They would rather not confront falsehood than risk BEING PUT OUT OF THE CLUB and BEING LEFT ALONE.
ISRAEL MISJUDGED TRUE PROPHETS, BUT DIDN'T JUDGE FALSE PROPHETS
Israel was always ready to judge, condemn and stone the true prophets of God. Their problem was that they judged false prophets to be true, and judged the true prophets to be false.

WHEN SCRIPTURES TEACH AGAINST JUDGING, THEY ARE REFERRING TO MISJUDGING TRUE SERVANTS OF GOD. RELIGIOUS PEOPLE ARE NOTED FOR DESTROYING EVEN GOOD MEN OF GOD "IN THE NAME OF GOD".

* Revelation 16:6-7 "For they have SHED THE BLOOD OF SAINTS AND PROPHETS, ...and I heard another out of the altar say, even so, Lord, God Almighty, TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS ARE THY JUDGMENTS."
JUDGING ON HEARSAY
* John 7:51 "DOTH OUR LAW JUDGE ANY MAN, BEFORE IT HEARS HIM, AND KNOW WHAT HE DOETH?"
* Jude 10 "But THESE SPEAK EVIL OF THINGS THEY KNOW NOT."

HERESAY is inadmissible in a court of law. To judge on heresay is to judge on rumors and not on substantiated evidence. THIS JUDGMENT IS EVIL.
* 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for MAN LOOKETH ON THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE, BUT THE LORD LOOKETH ON THE HEART."
IT IS NOT WRONG TO DEFEND ONESELF
WHEN ONE IS ACCUSED FALSELY
* Acts 22, shows that Paul defended himself. No proof could be provided regarding the allegations made against him.
* Isaiah 54:17 "No weapon formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn."
BLACKBALLING
* 3 John 10 "Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, PRATING AGAINST US WITH MALICIOUS WORDS: and NOT CONTENT therewith, NEITHER DOTH HE HIMSELF RECEIVE THE BRETHREN, AND FORBIDDETH THEM THAT WOULD.

This scripture is describing carnal preachers who blackball godly ministers from preaching, because they won't come under their authority or follow their teachings.
* Matthew 23:25 "and some of them shall ye SCOURGE IN YOUR SYNAGOGUES AND PERSECUTE FROM CITY TO CITY."

Some ministers, in dominant positions, want to politically and doctrinally have absolute control over Christ's church and His people. When the Church becomes AN EXCLUSIVE CLUB under the control of one or a few men, they intimidate other ministers by putting them on a blacklist and closing doors for their ministries. Now it is no longer Christ's church, it is man's. The motivation behind this religious manuvereing is money and power. Who ever does not dance to their tune is cut off financially and their names are scandalized.

These SELF APPOINTED KINGS IN THE CHURCH have literally become strongholds of the devil and are SPOILING THE CHURCH. They won't do the job Christ commanded of winning the lost and teaching sound doctrine, and they try to prevent others who would. I am convinced that such ministers inside Christianity are THE MAIN GATES OF HELL who are hindering the evangelization of the world even more than pagan religions and atheists.

* Matthew 23:15-16 "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Woe unto you, ye blind guides."

NO MAN OR ORGANIZATION IS TO BE IN A GOD-LIKE POSITION OVER CHRIST'S CHURCH. There are too many POPES even inside Protestantism. This is Christ's Church and He alone is the Head.
* John 16:1-3 "Jesus said, These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that WHOSOEVER KILLETH YOU WILL THINK THAT HE DOETH GOD SERVICE. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me."
ISHMAEL'S IN THE CHURCH
* Galatians 4:29 "But as then he that was BORN AFTER THE FLESH PERSECUTETH HIM THAT WAS BORN AFTER THE SPIRIT, even so it is now."
* 2 Timothy 3:12 "They that LIVE GODLY in Christ SHALL SUFFER PERSECUTION."

Those who are born of the flesh always persecute those who are born of the spirit. These Ishmaels infiltrate the Church and use it as their political base to build their own kingdom instead of Christ's.
JOSEPH AND POTIPHAR'S WIFE
Potiphar's wife tried to seduce Joseph while he was in Egypt. When he refused her, she falsely accused him. Although, he was innocent, her accusation put him in prison. This scenario has played out many times even in the church.
IT WAS IN THE NAME OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
THAT THEY KILLED THE PROPHETS
* 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an Angel of Light. Therefore it is no great thing if HIS MINISTERS ALSO BE TRANSFORMED AS THE MINISTERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS."

Often the unrighteous ministers, Satan's ministers, appear, act and claim to be more righteous than the true righteous servants of God. TheyDO THEIR DEVILISH WORK FROM INSIDE THE CHURCH in the name of righteousness.

Satan's ministers are often not that easy to detect. They are very smart and cunning. They can change the meaning of the Word of God without you catching on to what they are doing. It often takes years to detect the errors being taught. They have a magnetism about them that deceives the masses. Many of them are great personalities, charismatic, flamboyant and often have a great aura of spirituality about them.
SCRIPTURES TEACHING "TO JUDGE"
* Luke 12:56-57 "Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and the earth; but how is it ye discern not the time; yea, and WHY EVEN OF YOURSELVES JUDGE NOT WHAT IS RIGHT?"
* 1 John 4:1 "TRY THE SPIRITS to see if they are of God."
* John 4:23 "He hath ONE THAT JUDGETH HIM: THE WORD I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day."
* Acts 4:19 "...And Peter and John answered and said unto them, whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than God, JUDGE YE."
* Romans 2:27, "Concerning circumcision and the law, JUDGE YE."
* 1 Corinthians 11:31, "For IF WE JUDGE OURSELVES, WE SHOULD NOT BE JUDGED"
* 1 Corinthians 12:10, One of the Gifts of the Spirit is "THE DISCERNING OF SPIRITS". THAT IS JUDGING!
* 1 Corinthians 14:29 "Let the prophets speak two or three, and LET THE OTHER JUDGE."
* 1 Corinthians 2:15 "He that is SPIRITUAL JUDGETH ALL THINGS."
* 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 "For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not YE JUDGE THEM THAT ARE WITHIN? But THEM THAT ARE WITHOUT GOD JUDGETH. Therefore PUT AWAY FROM AMONG YOURSELVES THAT WICKED PERSON."
* 1 Corinthians 6:1-5 "Dare any of you, having a matter against another go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do ye not know that THE SAINTS SHALL JUDGE THE WORLD? And you shall judge the world, ARE YE UNWORTHY TO JUDGE THE SMALLEST MATTERS?"
* 2 Timothy 4:8 "JUDGE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT."
* Revelation 2:20 God had something against His people because they "ALLOWED JEZEBEL who called herself a prophetess TO SEDUCE HIS PEOPLE." God's people refused to judge her.
* John 7:24 "JUDGE NOT ACCORDING TO APPEARANCE, but RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT."
* I Corinthians 6:4 "Know ye not that YE SHALL JUDGE ANGELS? How much more things that pertain to this life? If then YE HAVE JUDGMENTS OF THINGS PERTAINING TO THIS LIFE, SET THEM TO JUDGE WHO ARE LEAST ESTEEMED IN THE CHURCH."
(In other words, let someone judge the matter that has no stake in the outcome)
THE IMPORTANCE OF JUDGMENT
* Proverbs 8:16 "By me JUDGMENT RULES."
* Proverbs 18:5 "It is not good to accept the person of THE WICKED TO OVERTHROW THE RIGHTEOUS IN JUDGMENT."
* Proverbs 19:29 "JUDGMENTS are PREPARED FOR SCORNERS."
* Proverbs 28:5 "EVIL MEN UNDERSTAND NOT JUDGMENT."
* Proverbs 29:4 "The King BY JUDGMENT establisheth the land."
* Proverbs 31:4 "WINE IS NOT FOR KINGS...lest they forget the law and PERVERT JUDGMENT…"
* Ezekiel 13:17 speaks of false prophets, "PROPHESY AGAINST THOSE PROPHETS."
To prophesy against false prophets is to judge them.
N A M I N G W O L V E S
* Romans 16:17 "Now I beseech you, brethren, MARK THEM WHICH CAUSE DIVISIONS and offences CONTRARY TO THE DOCTRINE which ye have learned; and AVOID THEM." We are not to ignore false teachings!

* 2 Timothy 4:10 Paul mentioned by name, "DEMAS HATH FORSAKEN ME, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica."
* 14-15, Another enemy he named. "ALEXANDER THE COPPERSMITH DID ME MUCH EVIL: Of whom be thou ware also; for HE HATH GREATLY WITHSTOOD OUR WORDS."

One must be extremely cautious in the arena of judging. It is wrong not to judge someone who is guilty, and it is also wrong to falsely accuse and judge an innocent person.
CHURCH DISCIPLINE
Open sin and defiance of the Word of God are allowed to go on inside the church. Not to exercise church discipline in the name of love will ruin a church.

* 1 Peter 4:17 "JUDGMENT BEGINS AT THE HOUSE OF GOD."
* Matthew 18:15-17 "Moreover IF THY BROTHER TRESPASS AGAINST THEE, go and TELL HIM HIS FAULT BETWEEN THEE AND HIM ALONE: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother." But IF HE WILL NOT HEAR THEE, then TAKE WITH THEE ONE OR TWO MORE, THAT IN THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESS EVERY WORD MAY BE ESTABLISHED."
WE ARE NOT TO BE UNFORGIVING NOR UNMERCIFUL
Just because one believes in the Ten Commandments and the commandments of the New Testament, this should not be interpreted to mean that we should be unforgiving and unmerciful when someone stumbles and falls into sin. IF THEY REPENT AND GENUINELY TURN AROUND, WE MUST RECONCILE THEM IN LOVE.

* Romans 3:23 "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God."
* John 8:7 "He that is without sin amongst you, cast the first stone."
* Matthew 5:20 says, "That except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter the Kingdom of Heaven."
* Matthew 6:14-15 says, "But if we forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
* Galatians 2:16 we are "justified by faith."
WE ARE TO FORGIVE WHEN ASKED
* Luke 17:4 "And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I REPENT, THOU SHALT FORGIVE HIM."
B U T T R U S T H A S T O B E
E A R N E D B A C K
* Proverbs 25:19 "CONFIDENCE IN AN UNFAITHFUL MAN in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint."
THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION
* 2 Corinthians 5:18 "And all these things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation." (It's an amazing thing that many who preach reconciliation are selective on whom they think are fit to reconcile).
* Romans 5:6 "Christ died for the ungodly."
* Romans 5:8 "God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (We did not stay sinners). Without the ministry of reconciliation there would be no Abraham's, David's, Moses', Israel's, Peter's or Paul's; just to mention a few of the great patriarchs of the Bible. They all had sinned and failed miserably, but God changed them and they were used mightily of God. These examples give us all hope that no matter how far we have fallen, we can be restored if we come sincerely and humbly back to God.

* 1 John. 2:1 "My little children, these things I write unto you, that ye sin not, and if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous."
THE WOMAN CAUGHT IN THE ACT OF ADULTERY
* John 8:3-ll. "And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him,that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, HE THAT IS WITHOUT SIN AMONG YOU, LET HIM FIRST CAST A STONE AT HER. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, he saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, NEITHER DO I CONDEMN THEE: GO, AND SIN NO MORE." After Jesus forgave her He commanded her to SIN NO MORE.
THE WOMAN AT THE WELL
John 4:6 This woman had been married five times, and was now living with another man outside of marriage. The Lord forgave her and gave her a new start. Most in the church would not be this merciful. We must be like Jesus!
TO EQUATE MISTAKES WITH SIN AND SIN WITH MISTAKES
1. SIN is disobedience to the Commandments of God. For example, committing adultery, lying and stealing ARE NOT MISTAKES, but SIN. They are named sins in the scriptures.
2. MISTAKES are errors in judgment. These are NOT INTENTIONAL nor necessarily sinful, but nonetheless the results can bring horrific consequences in this life, i.e., negligent homicide; or unknowingly marrying someone who is really not right with God. Sincere or not, the consequences are devastating.

This is why we also need to ask God for wisdom and understanding to keep from being a menace to others and ourselves. These are mistakes in judgment that can be avoided if one reads the Word of God carefully and obeys it. This is not a simplistic arena. People who make mistakes should not be judged as sinners but should be given counsel and correction. Life is dangerous even when one is trying. There are many deceivers and traps everywhere. Most mistakes could be avoided if Christians would simply believe what the Bible has to say about every area of life: marriage, children, business, etc.
W E N E E D T O K N O W
W H E N T O J U D G E, A N D
W H E N N O T T O J U D G E
Many innocent Christians like Joseph are destroyed in the name of righteousness. On the other hand many wolves who teach false doctrines get away with murder in the name of love and forgiveness.

* 1 Thessalonians 5:21 "PROVE ALL THINGS."
* Luke 12:56 "Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but HOW IS IT THAT YE DO NOT DISCERN this time?"
* Proverbs 1:3 "To RECEIVE the INSTRUCTION OF wisdom, JUSTICE, JUDGMENT, and EQUITY."
* Proverbs 2:8 "He keepeth THE PATHS OF JUDGMENT, and PRESERVETH THE SAINTS."
* Proverbs 8:16 "By me (WISDOM) princes rule, and nobles, even ALL THE JUDGES of the earth."
* Proverbs 18:5 "It is NOT GOOD TO accept the person of the wicked, to OVERTHROW THE RIGHTEOUS IN JUDGMENT."
* Proverbs 19:29 "JUDGMENTS ARE PREPARED FOR SCORNERS, and stripes for the back of fools."
* Proverbs 29:4 "THE KING BY JUDGMENT ESTABLISHETH THE LAND: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it."
STRIFE AND OFFENSE
JUST BECAUSE ONE POINTS OUT DOCTRINAL ERRORS DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THAT HE IS CAUSING STRIFE OR WALKING IN OFFENSE. JESUS DISAGREED WITH THE PHARISEES. DOES THAT MEAN THAT JESUS WAS IN STRIFE AND OFFENSE? WHO IS SO HOLY AS TO JUDGE JESUS?

STRIFE IS A CARNAL WORK OF THE FLESH. DISPUTING FOR SOUND DOCTRINE IS NOT A CARNAL WORK OF THE FLESH AND IS NOT STRIFE.

THE WORKS OF THE FLESH ARE:
* Galatians 5:20 "Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies."
* Proverbs 6:16, says "God hates those that sow discord." This is referring to "hell raisers" who thrive on causing trouble.

* Acts 20:30-31 "Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things (unsound doctrines), to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears."
* 2 Corinthians 11:29 "Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is offended, and I BURN not?"
ANYTIME A LIE IS DISAGREED WITH, THERE WILL BE A FIGHT. THAT IS NOT UNGODLY STRIFE, otherwise Jesus and His disciples would have been the greatest offenders!
JESUS CONTRADICTED THE PHARISEES PUBLICLY
* Matthew 12:24-25 "But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand."
* Matthew 23:27, Jesus called the Pharisees "whited sepulchers full of dead men's bones." WAS JESUS IN STRIFE? Jesus had to slip through the crowds because His words were so strong it made them so angry they wanted to kill Him.

The same thing happened to the APOSTLE PAUL
* Acts 19:9 "But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, DISPUTING DAILY in the school of one Tyrannus."

Most of the apostles suffered martyrdom because of the doctrine of Christ which they preached enraged the people so much. How can we say that all strife is bad considering the uproar that Jesus and the apostles caused? To get people to turn from their pagan doctrines and idols and to get them to accept Christ and follow His teachings, it was necessary to challenge the people's belief systems. This always started a war with their religious leaders.
W H A T A B O U T L I V I N G I N P E A C E ?
* Romans 12:18 "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." This does not mean that we are not to confront false doctrines and abuses in the house of God.
* 2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for REPROOF, for CORRECTION, for instruction in righteousness."

ANYTIME THERE IS REPROOF AND CORRECTION, SOME ONE IS GOING TO GET MAD. NO WONDER PEOPLE ARE SO OFFENDED WITH THE BIBLE.

* Matthew 15:12 "Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the PHARISEES WERE OFFENDED, after they heard this saying?"
* Jesus said in John 8:37 "but YE SEEK TO KILL ME, BECAUSE MY WORD HATH NO PLACE IN YOU."
* Matthew 7:28 "People were astonished at His doctrine."
* Matthew 5:19 Jesus said, "teaching the doctrine of men for the doctrines of God."
* 1 Timothy 1:3 "that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine."
* Jude 3 says, "CONTEND FOR THE FAITH that was once delivered to the saints." To contend means to fight for it.

* Acts 20:22-31 Paul says, "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. TAKE HEED therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I KNOW THIS, that after my departing shall GRIEVOUS WOLVES ENTER in amongst you, NOT SPARING THE FLOCK. Also of your own selves shall men arise, SPEAKING PERVERSE THINGS, TO DRAW AWAY DISCIPLES AFTER THEM. Therefore WATCH, and REMEMBER, that by the space of three years I CEASED NOT TO WARN EVERY ONE NIGHT AND DAY WITH TEARS."

THE MESSAGE AGAINST STRIFE AND OFFENSE HAS SOMETIMES BEEN INTENTIONALLY PREACHED AS A DEFENSIVE MECHANISM TO KEEP ANYONE FROM QUESTIONING PERVERSIONS OF THE WORD BEING TAUGHT. Outside of bringing correction of doctrine regarding perversions of the Word of God, we should walk peaceably among all men.
LIBERAL AND CONSERVATIVE JUDGES
In America, the President has the power to appoint judges. If he is LIBERAL, he tries to appoint LIBERAL JUDGES; if he is CONSERVATIVE, he tries to appoint CONSERVATIVE JUDGES. There is often a massive fight between the President and the Congress, especially if the President is conservative and the Congress is liberal, over these appointments. This is proof that it does make a difference if the judge is conservative or liberal as to how they will make judgments. Unfortunately, JUDGMENT IS GREATLY INFLUENCED BY ONE'S POLITICS and personal philosophy. This is not godly judgment.

The scriptures regarding "TO JUDGE" OR "NOT TO JUDGE" are not contradictory, but both are essential ingredients because life is so complex. ALL SCRIPTURES REGARDING JUDGING, PRO AND CON, ARE ACCURATE. They are a part of the puzzle of truth in God's Word.
* 1 Timothy 3:16 "And without controversy GREAT IS THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS."

Heb 5:12-6:1 "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 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." KJV
CONCLUSION
A person who does not exercise good judgment will be deceived and destroyed.

This article on Judging is from a chapter in my book "The Paganization of Christianity."