Judging - A Study

This post is for those who genuinely appreciate study, and love truth, whatever it turns out to be...I say this because if there is no other study I ever do after this one, I would say that this is among the top 5 of the most important...then you pick the other ones or none of them at all.

 

Anyway...you will see that God is very specific about judging and like anything else, leaves nothing out.

 

 

Romans 2:1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.

 

From the original Greek this above verse starts out with, "That means..." which is the same thing as what most translations use - therefore. 'Therefore' means, for those of us that are not grammer students...therefore is saying that what you just read is there for what you are now about to read. SO, the 1st chapter was written FOR the following chapter -- the message is not complete without both chapters! 

 

 

 

 

But I notice that people who make it their job to judge don't see this...which I guess is par for the course. But when the 1st and 2nd chapters of Romans were written, chapter and verse was not a part of the writing, so they were written to create one thought...HOWEVER, if our heart desires truth above self-satisfaction, then we will find it...because you better believe God will grant it! The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth. Therefore, if you are listening closely to the Holy Spirit, He'll give you what you need to know...and even more!

 

 

John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

Mark 4: 24 Then he added, "Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given--and you will receive even more.

 

 

 

Something else you'll notice, as you read through Romans 1, homosexuality is not the only sin it speaks of...in fact there are many more. Then immediately in Romans 2:1 it says at the end of that verse, "...because you, the judge, practice the very same things."

 

 

However, in my vast ;^) experience, because many people only see one particular sin in Romans 1, they also don't consider the end of this verse either. As this is saying that even though you and I, the readers, are pointing at certain sins and sinners - that we still practice the same things!

 

 

 

But, then most people in their minds think, "But, I'm NOT a homosexual!"...then they read on without seeing the sins they ARE committing!

 

 

 

Then as we read on in Romans 2 (below), God says that our assessment of those we are judging is not based on truth. As we cannot see the heart of the person(s) and do NOT know the real truth about their lives that have made them who they are...yet we still have set ourselves up as their accusers!

 

 

 

Then God goes on to say that our judging must mean we think that God should be showing wrath 'towards those sinners!' so we are despising the kindness and tolerance He is showing them, which also must mean we despise the kindness and tolerance He is showing us too!

 

 

Following this He goes on and says that our stubbornness and unrepentant heart towards judging others, is storing up wrath for ourselves...and we are actually self-seeking and rejecting truth!

 

 

 

John 7:24
Stop judging according to outward appearances; rather judge according to righteous judgment."

 

 

 

 

Righteous does not mean wrathful - it means correct! It means getting down to the real truth underneath it all...whatever that truth is! Why is this important? Because...it is never God's first thought to condemn. His first thought is always to save!

John 3:17

For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

 

 

John 12:47"As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.

 



 

Then He goes on to say that He shows no favoritism...meaning that even if we are not doing one of the sins, that whatever sin we are commiting will be judged in the same way as the one we are pointing out!



 

 

 

Romans 2: 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?

 

 

5But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. 6God “will give to each person according to what he has done.”a 7To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.

 

 

 

 8But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11For God does not show favoritism.

 

 

Then in Matthew 7 Jesus tells us that if we do feel like we have to judge, then we WILL be judged in the same way. This is important to remember, because there are times to judge particular situations...however, if we remember at least this, then we'll stay humble and never have any real desire to judge...but much more so on obeying the New Commandment.

Matthew 7:2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

 

The following chapter speaks about not judging unbelievers (outsiders - because they don't have the Spirit in order to know or do any better), but how important it is to take care of what is going on in our own families and churches...because if you notice, the sins listed and mentioned are ones that are aimed at hurting and spreading to others. Greediness, idol worship, cheating, abusing and etc. However, God is not saying to be mean and kick them out. He is saying that they need to be confronted so it doesn't go on. They must deal with their sin or it will have to be done for them, for the sake of everyone else.

 

 

 

 

 

Correct judging is about setting boundaries...healthy, Christ-like boundaries. It is NOT about keeping sinners/unbelievers out of the church, no matter what sin they are involved in. It is also not about kicking believers out who sin either...as we all sin.  It's speaking about people who's sin is spreading and hurting others. People who are not dealing with their sins, but instead practicing and indulging in them.

 

 

 

Church is as a hospital...where sinners can go to find the great Physician and begin to get well. Therefore it is not at all intended as a place where the opposite would happen...where their infections infect others!

 

 

 

Pls see  -> http://nlt.scripturetext.com/1_corinthians/5.htm

 

 

This brings me to say that I have experienced first hand the abuse that is allowed to go on within churches. In the Sunday Schools themselves and then the homes of the members. But we are neglecting these people and instead using this time and energy to point at one or two other sins that are going on primarily outside the church! Which is keeping the people that should be coming to church, OUT of the church! This leads into the next studies...

Pls click on following URL--

*Start - Spiritual Abuse Study I*

 

 

True Happiness

 

What brings true happiness?? Or maybe contentment is a better word. To be assured that you are in the right place in your life and you finally have security? Or does it have little to do with these things...because what's on the outside will always be changing...kids growing, society is upside-down, illnesses, business trips, breakups, job losses and gains, deaths and births --- but, then you think of when you and Jesus got together, and it was then that you got one thing that does not change! You finally have peace, a new heart and God is IN you! Awesome!! So, whatever you do or whatever happens to you, or wherever you go...you have something that is constant...a rock! This was a wonderful event! Yes, you think to yourself, I have been saved by grace, so now I don't have to do a thing -- this is the beginning of true peace and happiness! Yes!

 

 

 

So then, here's another question for you. Can you think of something that happened to you at one time or another that was so sweet, and made you so happy that all you could do was smile? You walked around with a grin on your face, or a lightness in your step? It was an occurrence that you wanted to share with everyone you met! This was such an amazing thing that you became kinder and more patient because it changed you inside...and because you were so grateful for it! People looked at you wondering what the grinning was all about?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The people around you couldn't help but inquire what had happened to you? You've been blessed and you can't keep it inside...so you look for ways to pass on some of that blessing to others! So as you are out and about that day you've noticed things you had never really noticed before...and then by the time you leave the grocery store that afternoon you've helped two people...one who dropped a can and you chased it for her as it rolled down the isle and the other to reach something.

 

 

 

 

Then you started two short discussions over fresh baked bread where you were able to share your occurrence with one of them...and you let the person behind you in line go ahead which made her smile but shake her head wondering why you did such a thing! Then when you get home you are so wonderfully exhausted that you decide to get to bed early....so you call your fiance and tell them what a happy day you've had because of the engagement! WHAT? Did you think this was about getting saved or something?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, wouldn't this be great if we did respond this way? That we valued the gift of grace so highly and having Jesus...that Rock...that constant...in our life so much that we wanted everyone else to have Him too! So even when we hardly spoke a word our lives were a witness to others of God's love and grace!? That we considered this true happiness? To where our lives are so salty that just being around us makes people thirsty? And our light is so bright that people are either drawn to us like a moth to a flame or convicted just by being around us because our steadiness and sincere love challenges them? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are the ones that show the most love to others, because we are the ones that have the greatest love right inside of us?! And people are looking at us with either awe or hate....but never with disgust because of our hypocrisy!?

Or is Jesus worth all this fuss?

 

 

 

 

"I do all this to spread the Good News, and in doing so I enjoy it's blessings."

1 Cor. 9:23 

 

God's Character II

~click on image to enlarge~

God's way of dealing with sin is in the same way that light deals with darkness...it just exists. The purpose of light is to expose whatever was in the darkness, and then to expel the darkness (without even trying)...with the end result being to bring about life - very much like what the sun does.  If one has actually thought about it and has endeavored to understand...God's way of dealing with sinners is to be around them like *Jesus was so that His light can do all the things that it does!

 

 

 

 Using any kind of force by ostracizing (partiality or hatred) or publicly exposing their sin (unkindness) will not produce anything righteous. We cannot use the actions of the carnal nature to fight the carnal nature. We cannot be in sin as a way to fight sin! Only light can win over darkness. This is why Jesus ate with the worst sinners...because His light disarmed them just by being there. This is why we are commanded to love our enemies...for their sakes and so we stay in the light and learn to always fight from there.

 

 

If we act as though it is an inconvenience to have to deal with sinners...and how ungodly they are...and how they persecute us and get in the way of our rights...then WE had better do a humble re-evaluation of where we stand with God - more so, where we WANT to stand with God!

 

 

 

Because --
1 Tim. 1:15 "It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all"

 

 

 

St. Paul understood the whole purpose for Christ's coming was to reconcile the world to Himself....to bring all of us...as many as possible...back to God.

 

 

 

So, does it work to fight unkindness with unkindness? How about hatred with hatred? So many unbelievers, because they live in this fallen world too, have had many hurts which is why they have become angry and selfish. So, how does it help them stop sinning...or become believers...by giving them more of the same? It does not make any spiritual sense!

 

 

 And if you are going to be like them...as well as what they are used to...then how will they see the contrast - the difference in YOU that would make them want to be what you are!?

 

 

 

James 1:20
For human anger does not produce the righteousness of God.

 

* Jesus did rebuke sinners, but only after showing His love and power, and giving them a chance to repent.

 

Is It Ok, Some Of The Time??

As I have spent time in my thoughts ( looking out at snow however, not the ocean:)...and in prayer and scripture, there is something I have wondered. Is it OK at least some of the time to operate from the corrupt or carnal nature? In other words, is it OK sometimes to argue, be lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to authority, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, making enemies, treacherous, rash, having a form of godliness while denying it's power, provokes, conceited, lovers of pleasure, hatred, rivalry, arrogance, angry outbursts, selfish ambition, conflict, and factions? (These came from various versions)

 

 

I am perplexed I guess, because as I am sharing and getting more involved with other Christian-run blogs, I continue to see many of the above feelings and attitudes toward specific segments of society and government...and many of these feelings are in big bold print on their front pages! So, am I missing something?

 

 

As I search the scriptures I do not see anywhere where it either says or infers that it is OK to participate in any part of our old nature, no matter what the situation. My understanding is that our corrupt nature has been crucified, therefore not to be a part of us any longer...so now we are to be living in the light. Yes, I do slip...of course. However, I am aware of it and I am praying that you are also. I am also aware that there is no darkness in God at all, so how can we say it is OK to deliberately operate from the carnal nature when doing God's work, or anytime for that matter?

 

 

Gal. 5 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their corrupt nature along with its passions and desires.  25If we live by our spiritual nature, then our lives need to conform to our spiritual nature.(vs 22-23)  26We can't allow ourselves to act arrogantly and to provoke or envy each other.

 

 

 

When I have gotten in a conversation with those who believe it is their calling to deal with those elements in society or government that are evil, I respond with basically this same puzzlement. As it is OK to get angry, but then we must do so without sinning. However, I don't see how we can hate without sinning...and I do not see in scripture where we can either? Or deliberately be involved in factions or conflict without sinning or stepping out of the light? Yes, we find our selves in conflict and etc. at times for sure...however, God intends that we are working our way out of the conflict we find ourselves in, not the other way around!

 

 

Please also see URL about how we are to relate to government officials --  http://bible.cc/titus/3-1.htm

 

Another argument I hear is that (2 Tim. 3: 16-17)  "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness", therefore it is my job to tell sinners that the way they are living is against God! Yet, this is being read out of context, as this is for Christians, "so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work".

 

 

 

It is also apparent in scripture that it is never right or of God to retaliate when either wronged or persecuted. In fact if we are living for Christ, to please Him, we have to expect to be persecuted. Therefore we are not to rally the people around us who would back up any participation in carnality of any kind. We also have to consider that someone who has been called to ministry must walk as someone who belongs to God so no one can accuse them of doing any wrong (hate, slander, and etc) 

 

 

2 Tim. 4 1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their (passions, fancies, desires and) itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

 

 

2 Cor. 6 3We don't give people any opportunity to find fault with how we serve. 4Instead, our lives demonstrate that we are God's servants. We have endured many things: suffering, distress, anxiety, 5beatings, imprisonments, riots, hard work, sleepless nights, and lack of food. 6 People can see  our purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit's presence (Gal. 5:22-23) in our lives, our sincere love, 7truthfulness, and the presence of God's power. We demonstrate that we are God's servants 8as we are praised and dishonored, as we are slandered and honored, and as we use what is right to attack what is wrong and to defend the truth. We are treated as dishonest although we are honest, 9as unknown although we are well-known, as dying although, as you see, we go on living. We are punished, but we are not killed. 10People think we are sad although we're always glad, that we're beggars although we make many people spiritually rich, that we have nothing although we possess everything.

 

 

No matter how sinful someone is, Jesus wants them saved too...so we are to be patient with them. The laws in society see sinners as such and deals with them as such. However, we as Christians are not to see them in a worldly point of view, but to see them as people that Christ died for.

 

 

As you read through the following verses please consider what Paul is trying to express and expound on. Some being - that there is a distinct difference between how we see and treat believers vs how we see and treat non-believers...even if they are considered the worst of sinners, of which he considered himself to be chief! 

 

 

 

1 Timothy 1  8We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.

 

12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

 

 

15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 

 

 

2 Cor. 5: 14For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21God made him who had no sin to be sina for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

 

 

Blessings and God's grace to you!!

 

 

 

 

 

What Will You Say?

Will It Be...

Or YES?

 

1 Corinthians 7:23 God paid a high price for you, so don't be enslaved again by what the world does.

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We said YES to Him when we called out to God for salvation...now the evidence of His entrance into our lives naturally comes after that...so, now we just follow His lead?What do you say? 

 

 

 

 

YES!?! ~ So then, what is it that grows more and more out of an authentic Christian? OH, I know! We naturally listen and obey Christ's command...you know, because we are so happy to do whatever He wants!!!...or maybe our mind says, I DON'T LIKE THE WORD OBEY!!...and THE WORD COMMAND either!! ((BIG sigh))

 

 

 

 

Hmmm...BUT then why would those words scare us?? When the God who loves US and knows EVERYTHING is the One commanding!?! However, maybe He saved us for another reason???? Hmmm...To create a church that would enforce our idea of a moral society...or perhaps to form another special interest group and  stand up for our rights??? ?

 

 

 

 

 

Hmmm...Did He save us so we could enjoy life and send money to the missionaries so they could do the work...or make prayer shawls for Christian charitable organizations?  Hmmm...

 

 

 

 

 Well, maybe we are supposed to rally together and make laws that keep certain sinners from choosing how to live! (Yeah! That'll show 'um!) Perhaps we ARE supposed to learn and understand the most important doctrines and mysteries of God so we can finally know how to please Him? ? 

 

 

 

 

Or did Jesus save us so we could become more like Him, so we serve when there is a need? Or, maybe so we could be more happy, successful and prosperous?

 

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1 Cor. 2:2 For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

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Col. 2:2 I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God's mysterious plan, which is Christ himself.

 

 

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So, why did God call us into the Christian life? To be really nice and friendly people with big grins on our face all the time? Or people that are authentic and truly treat others with the same care we would care about ourselves. Or maybe our purpose is to be a part of a body of believers that are glad and ready to help whenever another part of the body is in need? Well, those all sound good, but I think we have to spend our time now that we're saved, to focus on trying real hard to keep sin out of our lives!??

 

 

NAH!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I KNOW why He saved us!!! It's all about His grace...and I mean, it is ALL because of grace that I have complete access to Jesus now ~ the King of Kings!! Halleluia! Perhaps the completely new person I am inside will naturally grow when I do just one simple thing ~ fix my attention on my Savior ~ then take His words and HIS ways in the Gospel AS my example! It is right then that I have accepted His yoke upon me!!...that yoke that is easy and light! Wow! Think of it! I can actually walk and talk with Him...the God of the universe...and learn from Him. AMAZING! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

1 Peter 2:21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

1 John 2:6 Those who say they live in God must live their lives as Jesus did.

  


 

 Hmmm...Well!!! Was it so we could get holy, healed and relish in being abundantly blessed? OR, perhaps it's so we could warn people of God's wrath and form a group that only accepts those God deems truly worthy of being in church? You know...us regular sinners who only gossip, quarrel and secretly lust - not those extreme ones who are homosexual!

 

 

Mark 2:17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to callthe righteous, but sinners."

 

 

 

OR maybe our purpose is to say YES to the call God has placed on each one of us - to show the mighty love of Christ as God gives us opportunity each day, so others can be drawn to Him and be saved too? BUT, doesn't the grace we have now free us to do nothing?But, that would be boring...and it sure would not be truly satisfying!

  

Galatians 5:13
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

 

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Matthew 22: 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. ~ Love God and your neighbor as you love yourself.

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So, what will you say when God calls you?

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James 1:20 For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

 

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Eph. 5:2 Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

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Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

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* I found this video on my friend's blog - http://mountaintopmemories.blogspot.com/  She is a wonderful servant of God...please also go on over and visit her inspiring  blog when you get the chance!!