What Christians Might Not Know About Judgment

Judging (determining/discerning right & wrong - truth & error) a public teaching for yourself - is a must. It is incumbent upon us to know what teachings are truthful and what teachings attack the core essentials of the Christian faith.

Furthermore, warning other Christians about a false teaching is also not un-Biblical but must be done with a heart of love.

Consider the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 2:14-19…Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.”

Take note that Paul specifically mentions Hymenaeus and Philetus whose teachings were spreading like gangrene. (2 Timothy 2:17)

Also, in 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul tells Timothy, “Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me….” In verse 14, he warns Timothy about “Alexander the coppersmith,” who did Paul much harm. In 3 John 9-10, the apostle of love warns the flock about “Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them,” but “does not accept what we say.” Paul names two quarreling ladies, Euodia and Syntyche, urging them “to live in harmony in the Lord” (Phil. 4:2). He pointedly tells the church in Colossae, “Say to Archippus, ‘Take heed to your ministry’” (Col. 4:17).

Wait, what….Paul named names?...some Christians today would say “Paul is so divisive and un-loving and should not call these people out publically…and he should just speak the truth in love”…but wait a minute, maybe we need to step back and consider the Apostle Paul (who wrote 2/3 of the New Testament) was actually speaking the truth from a heart of love. Especially when we consider his warning the believers in Ephesus.

~Acts 20:28- "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 "For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 "Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. "Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears."

In Conclusion, teachings can be judged or weighed in light of Scripture (as my teachings should be judged in light of Scripture). Because if I am off course I need my brothers and sisters in Christ to help put me back on course by rightly dividing and judging what I teach.

And before we throw around Matthew 7:1-5 we would do well to understand this particular passage of Scripture is concerning hypocritical judgement. Also, keeping in mind the rest of the words of Jesus in context. Note v.6 where we must know (judge) who may be a dog & swine. Then continuing until at least verse 15 & 16 where Jesus continues "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 "You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? ~Jesus warns from a heart of love for the sheep~

What judging others wrongly means:

1. We judge someone wrongly when you criticize him out of jealousy, bitterness, selfish ambition, or some other sin, rather than seeking to build him in Christ.

2. We judge someone wrongly when we assume that we know all of the pertinent facts and motives behind the person’s words or actions.

3. We judge someone wrongly when we set up human standards, rather than holding to God’s Word as the standard.

4. We judge someone wrongly when we do not first judge your own sin before trying to help him with his sin.

5. We judge someone wrongly when we share confidential or personal information with the wrong intent.

6. We judge someone wrongly when out of a self-righteous spirit, we criticize or malign him over a minor or indifferent matter.

7. We judge someone wrongly when we make an authoritative pronouncement about his eternal destiny.