Gracious Jesus 5 – Kingdom Lifestyle Part 3Sample

Do Not Judge

The diversity in which we live often causes perceptions and values from person to person to be poles apart. While the Bible gives us a clear guideline on major things, the understanding of minor matters varies. We need to protect the absolute truth but be careful about imposing biased views on others. Judging is not forbidden in the absolute sense of the word. Apostle John advises “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” John 7:24

“Judging correctly” is discernment. John Stott reminds us that “our Lord’s injunction to ‘judge not’ cannot be understood as a command to suspend our critical faculties in relation to other people, to turn a blind eye to their faults (pretending not to notice them), to eschew all criticism and to refuse to discern between truth and error, goodness and evil.”

Need for Discernment

Discernment is required so that:

· We are accountable for our actions – 1 Corinthians 11:31

· We can differentiate between right and wrong - 2 Thessalonians 5:21-22

· We can deal with spiritual matters by spiritual authority – 1 Corinthians 6:4

· Parents have the ability to control children – 1 Timothy 3:4

When we discern, we need to ask God for wisdom (James 1:5). Our motives should be to:

· Prevent court cases before the ungodly (Paul says that some will judge angels) (1 Corinthians 6:1-6)

· Help people resist sin as God does (edification) (Romans 14:4)

· Protect the defenceless (Leviticus 19:15)

· Win people for Christ (1 Corinthians 9:22)

In a church situation, we need to collaborate where possible (Matthew 18:15-17). Paul explains that this helps to “Remove evil” from our midst (1 Corinthians 5:13) and identify clear biblical violations (Romans 14).

Why we should not condemn

Jesus cautions us on condemning others or “judging” for the following reasons:

· Our condemnation of others will lead to similar condemnation on ourselves

· We could be guilty of hypocrisy

· Our judgment is often prone to error

Other apostles also remind us that:

· There is only one law giver and judge (James 4:12)

· While we judge (condemn) some, God is going to help them stand (Romans 14:4)

· There are areas which are right for some and wrong for others (Romans 14), which should caution us on passing judgment.

Discernment versus Condemnation

“Judging” condemns whereas “discerning” builds, protects and guides

Jesus came to save the world, not Judge (John 12:47).

This alone should be enough to prevent us from rushing to judge someone. Just like Jesus, we should focus on winning others over by every means possible.

Am I guilty of having a double standard toward another brother or sister in Christ? What’s the best way to handle difference of opinion?