Archive for the ‘Judging’ Category

Day 253: Psalm 110; 1 Corinthians 8:7-13 — My Burning Attitude

Friday, September 10th, 2010

For some reason when I read Psalm 110 tonight the current situation with the burning of another religion’s holy text came to mind. “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet…He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth.” It seems that those involved think that God has spoken these same words to them today and they are leading the fight vociferously in defense of God’s kingdom (or possibly their own). Whether this is true or not, it’s where my mind went. But then as I start to condemn them for their nasty behaviors, I jump over to I Corinthians 8:7-13.

The other emotion I feel for them besides anger is pity. I feel sorry that their hyper-condemnatory views and actions are probably turning people off to the message of Christ. I feel sorry that they live such angry lives that the only way they know to express themselves is with flamboyant displays of futility. I think a point Paul is trying to make is that how we react to situations with which we disagree or even detest especially in the sight of others is an important part of our testimony to believers and non-believers alike. Whether I think I’m the stronger or weaker brother in this situation is not even important. But if I react with anger, bile, hatred, rudeness or even apathy to the situations around me, someone is watching. It might be my 11 year old son, the neighbor across the street, a coworker, or a complete stranger.

So many times in my life I’ve unfairly judged others by standards I made up. I remember as a teenager very much having a holier-than-thou attitude towards others in the youth group who didn’t show up for every event like I did or maybe only showed up for the “fun” events like Six Flags or camp. It was also fun to criticize all the stupid rules that other adults put in place for things that go on in the church.

As I’ve grown up I’m sorry to say that some of this attitude still remains. I criticize those that aren’t as good as me and fight with those who try to put too many walls in places I don’t think they should be. Whether I’m right or wrong in my assessments is not the point. My judgments and grumblings are not conducive to the spreading of the gospel. Thankfully Paul shows us an attitude of humility. And when attacked, he doesn’t fight back. He defends his case lovingly and thoroughly. His goal is not to make himself look good but always to advance the cause of Christ and never to do anything to hinder it.

Father, give me a spirit like Paul that I may be humble and not say and do the stupid stuff that will turn others away from you.

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Day 250: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 — Distinctions in Judging

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

I hear the question often, “who are we to judge another? This is an important question, especially in view of Paul’s statements in 1 Corinthians 4:1-6 about being judged by a human court. If we go to Jesus, we find more warnings. Jesus said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). And James asked, “Who are you to judge your neighbor?” after pointing out that God alone is “Lawgiver and Judge” (James 4:11-12).

Yet when we look at 1 Corinthians 5:3, we find that Paul had “already passed judgment” on one member of the Corinthian fellowship. He commanded the church to assemble and “hand this man over to Satan” (I Corinthians 5:5). He told them “not to associate” with sexually immoral persons, which necessarily calls for an evaluation or judgment of who is and who is not immoral! Paul even tells us to judge inside the church (1 Corinthians 5:12).

While on the surface this may seem contradictory, it is not when we make a simple distinction. We don’t use the word “judge” correctly. We apply the word rather shallowly in our contexts. Yet, the Bible is rich in distinctions…there are various uses and applications. As one of my old professors used to say “Context, context, context is important!” Without understanding the distinctions, we are fooled by the world’s myopic point of view. Here are some examples of the distinctions of the word “judge” in the New Testament:

Preference (e.g., Romans 14:5). It is used to think, consider or evaluate (e.g., Acts 13:46; Acts 26:8; Acts 4:19; 1 Corinthians 10:15; Luke 7:43).

Decision or intending to do something (e.g., Acts 3:13; Acts 20:16; Acts 25:25; 1 Corinthians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 5:3; Titus 3:12; Acts 27:1; Acts 21:25; 1 Corinthians 7:37; Romans 14:13; 2 Corinthians 2:1; Acts 16:4).

Legal term – judge, decide, before a court, condemn, also hand over for judicial punishment.

In the context of a human court (e.g., Acts 13:27. John 18:31; Acts 23:3; 1 Corinthians 5:12; John 7:51; Luke 19:22; Acts 25:10; Acts 26:6; Luke 12:57; 1 Corinthians 6:6).

In the context of a divine court occupied by God or Christ (e.g., John 5:30; John 8:16; John 8:50; Revelation 6:10; Matthew 7:1-2; Luke 6:37; Revelation 11:18; John 5:22; John 8:15; 1 Corinthians 5:13; 2 Timothy 4:1; 1 Peter 4:5; Romans 2:16; Acts 17:31; 1 Peter 1:17; Revelation 20:13; 1 Peter 2:23; Revelation 19:11; James 2:12; John 3:17; Acts 7:7; Romans 2:12; Romans 3:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:12; Hebrews 10:30; James 5:9; 1 Peter 4:6; Revelation 18:8; Revelation 19:2; John 16:11; Revelation 16:5).

Men divinely commissioned to judge (e.g., Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:30; Romans 2:27; 1 Corinthians 6:2).

Pass an unfavorable judgment upon, criticize, find fault with, or condemn (e.g., Romans 2:1-3; Romans 14:3-13; Colossians 2:16; James 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 10:29; Romans 14:22; Romans 3:4).

Maybe we need to understand the distinctions in judging. We need to know when it is not appropriate and when it is.

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Day 157: John 8:1-20 — But What Was He Writing?

Sunday, June 6th, 2010

This week we focus on one of the most familiar stories in the Bible. John 8:7 is a line that so many people quote for both good and bad reasons. Unrepentant Christians and sinners alike will sometimes throw this line at you if you engage them in a discussion about making changes in their lives.

However, today I’d like to focus on a different verse in this story. You are all aware of what happens. Pharisees bring a woman caught in the act of adultery. Yes! They finally have a way to trap Jesus! What to do with this woman? There is a big crowd around anxiously awaiting Jesus to either a.) fire back or b.) shrink to the challenge. Big moment here. The fate of this woman hangs in the balance. The fate of Jesus’ teaching hangs in the balance.

What will he do?

John 8:6-8

My question is – what was he writing in the ground? The Beatitudes? The Ten Commandments? What about the names and sins of the woman’s accusers? Just a thought here – check out Jeremiah 17:13. I know that had Jesus written my name and my sins for others to see, it would have gotten my attention real quick.

May God bless you this week.

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Day 155: John 7:24 — Judge Correctly!

Friday, June 4th, 2010

judge correctlyChristians are told over and over not to judge others. I don’t think we have the right to judge who is going to heaven or hell. That is our Lord’s authority. However, we are to judge correctly (John 7:24). Now in context, Jesus is in a heated debate with some opponents. However, John 7:24 provides us with an interpretive key to the exchanges between Jesus and the crowd and authorities in chaps. 7–8. Most of the conflict and hostility from John 7:25 arise from a misperception of Jesus’ identity. So, there is an incorrect judgment based on appearance (e.g., John 7:25-27; John 7:41-42; John 8:15; John 8:48; John 8:53; John 8:57). In addition, in the broader Gospel context, when one sees a sign simply as a miracle, one judges by appearance, and when one sees the sign as revealing the presence and identity of God, one judges with right judgment (John 2:11; John 4:48; John 6:26; John 9:3; John 11:4). So, the question pops in my head, are we judging the things of God or our personal little issues?

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Day 125: Luke 18:1-8 — “An Unjust Judge”

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

In Luke 18:1-8, A widow cries for vindication and deliverance. Yet right before the cries, Luke announces the thrust of the coming parable as encouragement to persist in prayer to God. He does not say it in so many words, but it is clear from the context that this prayer is about the end-time resolution of the problems of the present and not simply about answered prayer in the normal sense. Luke describes the judge that undermines all confidence that one could look to him for justice. He is exactly the opposite of what a judge should be. He answers to no one, not God or the needs of those around him. When the widow is introduced, we have to remember she has absolutely no leverage at all in society. Luke sets us up for a complete failure of justice. However, the widow persists in her request for the protection of the law.

How much more can God be relied upon to provide vindication than can the wicked judge of our story who, despite his wickedness, when he faces the prospect of public embarrassment will change his mind to deliver justice? How much more should we continue to trust in God, seek His guidance, and ask for vindication and deliverance from an unjust world? Will we continue to ask until the end? Will we be faithful when Jesus returns? How much more will the justice of our God be than the wicked judge?

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Day 99: Luke 6:41-42 — Inspection

Friday, April 9th, 2010

My daughter has been going through the process of selling her house. One of the things required for the sale of the home to proceed was an inspection by a certified home inspector. As I looked over the list of things he had noted on his report, it was easy to see some of those items needed immediate attention. Others were more of a judgment call. I’m glad to say none of them were hard to take care of, and she has complied with all of the necessary repairs and the sale of her house is proceeding.

I wonder though what the inspector’s house looks like. You know about the old story of the cobbler’s children having no shoes. We don’t like others telling us what is wrong in our lives especially when it is so easy to see the flaws in theirs. Jesus said in Luke 6:41-42 (NASB95)

41“Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42“Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.

Verses 41-42 caution us about being inspectors. He doesn’t say never mention a need to someone else, but rather check yourself first. We would rather not do so; it is so much easier to pick someone else apart.

I want you to take this passage seriously. Many, many times I have put a half-finished sermon back on the shelf because I realized the need to clean up the log jam in my own life first. That is one of the problems with preaching, we don’t preach to straighten others out; we preach because doing so causes us to look at self first. We preach, while pleading for your help, to get our own lives right with God.

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Day 92: Luke 3:15-18 — Judgment, Justice, and Jesus

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

John the Baptist has never been one of those biblical figures that attracts many people. He was popular in his day and many people wondered if he was the coming Messiah (Luke 3:15). He ate locusts and had what we might call an eccentric wardrobe. If anyone needs to go on the television show “What Not To Wear,” it has to be John. John uses phrases like you “brood of vipers” and a “fruit of repentance.” I don’t know but this is not a man that knows how to win friends and influence people, at least not in our culture. It is a shame too, because, John has something to say. John’s preaching contains three important messages. First, he provides a prophetic warning against the coming judgment (JUDGMENT). Second, he calls people to practice justice and compassion in our dealings with others (JUSTICE). Third, he focuses on the real Messiah that is coming (JESUS).

I think churches have been taught to become all things to all people and many have lost their identity. Are we really supposed to become a fashionable identity that bows to the god of political correctness and popularity? Or, are we supposed to be the embassy guard that protects our beliefs so rigidly that we forget about souls? This has been the great debate for years. I wonder if we ought not to heed John’s message of JUDGMENT (Luke 3:7-9), JUSTICE (Luke 3:10-14), and JESUS (Luke 3:15-18). I would really like to know what people think! I have heard the good news that is out there and I am sorry but there needs to be some biblical good news. Thanks, John, for reminding us that God is a God of judgment and that Jesus will separate the good from the bad (Luke 3:17). God is a God of justice and it is important how we treat each other. God is a God of grace, He sends us Jesus to come and save the world and He sends us the church to preach judgment, justice, and Jesus.

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Day 46: Leviticus 4:1-6:7; Matthew 26:6-25 — I didn’t mean to…”Pay attention.”

Monday, February 15th, 2010

How many times do you remember saying, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to (do this, say that, break this, etc.)…” My mother likes to tell her grandchildren, to their chagrin, that a great and important rule of life is “Pay attention.”

Today’s two readings, and a few of the ones subsequent, seem to collide headlong. Our readings in Leviticus give directions for sacrifices and restitution to be made for sins, thoughtless and otherwise. Matthew begins narratives for that great, wondrous Sacrifice of sacrifices.

In Leviticus several paragraphs describe atonement one must make for the unintentional or thoughtless sins. Look at how the reading distinguishes between the anointed priest, a leader, and a common person. A few truths of life emerge immediately.

  1. Sometimes we just really make a mess of things. Sometimes we drown our God-likeness in a flood of human foibles. On top of that, sometimes we do not even know that we did it! What a great and gracious Creator to know what blundering feeble creatures we can be, and rather than extinguish us He provides for a way to come back, to be at one again with Him. God calls on us to acknowledge our sin and own up to it. He calls on us to take steps to apologize, make peace, set right what we have done, Matthew 5:23-24. What we do matters. Our actions affect others. There are no victimless crimes. We need to be thoughtful, purposeful. Ephesians 5:15-21.
  2. Family, friends, people will hurt us sometimes, and they may not even know that they did it! We must be the ones to bring up those uncomfortable discussions so that we not only can clear up what we may have misunderstood, but bring to the attention of that person an area of life that needs work. We need to exercise that part of our God-likeness that looks for grace, healing, and restoration. “Hey, I really need to talk to you. I am confused about something…” Oh! Judging judging judging!  No, rather this takes self reflection, repentance, and measuring by the righteous standard, and grace!  Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 7:1-5, Matthew 18:15-18, John 7:24, Ezekiel 3:17-21, Psalms 133:1.
  3. Some sins and mistakes have greater effects and consequences than others. The high priest, a leader of the people, a common person all sin. All must be made right with God. Yet the effects, the consequences of those sins can be quite different, and so their atoning sacrifices get separate treatment in the text. How does a person go from “oops, spilled milk” to “oops, broken life”? All start with perhaps a lack of commitment to God, a lack of holy living, an attitude of “oh, that is not a big thing!” to our own weaknesses or “mistakes” (as sin is called today). Rather, be holy, committed to God in all things, so that the practice of life leads us to holiness and grace in all things. 1 Peter 1:13-21.

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Day 9: Matthew 7:1-21 — “Judge not”

Saturday, January 9th, 2010

Judge not, that ye be not judged. (Matthew 7:1)

I have a family member who used to be fond of quoting this verse. She was raised in the church, so had been exposed plenty to the Sermon on the Mount, but had left the church as a teenager. When we told her she was in an improper relationship with another woman, this verse was the first one that popped into her mind.

Her point was that we’re all sinners, so what right do any of us have to judge the actions of another? “Can’t we all just get along?” You’ve heard that one too. You ever wonder why it’s non-Christians who tend to quote this verse, and direct it at Christians?

As much as some people would like us to believe it, Jesus’ teaching was not that we should be tolerant — that we should accept others’ sin and “alternative lifestyle” as just as valid as our own life that we have given to Christ. No, His point was to get our own life right first, walk with Him every day of the week, before we spend time correcting someone else.

There’s a big difference between passing self-righteous judgment and discerning right from wrong. It’s the latter we’re called to do (Heb 5:14; 1 Thess 5:21-22).

Question:

It’s a difficult thing to point out sin in someone else. This is the job of the elders, sure, but are there ever situations where we should correct another Christian? Are we to be our “brother’s keeper”, or was that an Old Testament concept?

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