JUDGING: The Sequel

Definitions (Webster)


1. Judge: "to form an authoritative opinion about


2. Reprove: (1) "to administer a rebuke to"; (2) "to express disapproval of: censure, condemn" ("reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault")


3. Rebuke: "to criticize sharply


4. Admonish: 1a. "to indicate duties or obligations to"; b. "to express warnings or disapproval to esp. gently, earnestly, and solicitously; c. "to give friendly earnest advice or encouragement to", (syn.: reprove)


5. Correct: 1a: "to make or set right: amend"; b. "to alter or adjust so as to bring to some standard or required condition; 2a. "rebuke, punish"; b. "to point out for amendment the errors or faults of"


Purpose


1. Help a brother who is sinning


2. Cause repentance


3. Maintain purity in the Church


4. Bring glory to God


Elements of Judging


1. Authoritative
a. Know the standards for judging, namely the Scriptures (John 7:24, Lev. 19:15)
b. Know the facts of the situation (Matt. 18:16)


2. Correct a Fault
a. Inform a brother of a fault and the Scriptural basis that defines the fault (Luke 17:3)
b. Process (Matt. 18:15-17)
1) Inform a brother of his fault (v. 15)
2) If he does not listen, take one or two others (v. 16)
3) If he does not listen, take it to the church (v. 17)
4) If he does not listen to the church, remove him (v. 17, I Cor. 5:13)


3. Kindly intent (Judging/correcting to be done:)
a. With the best interests of brother in mind
b. In a loving, respectful, upbuilding way
c. With mercy (James 2:12-13)
d. To glorify God


Attitudes and Actions to Avoid


1. Gossip


2. Anger


3. Vengeance


4. Pride/self-righteousness


5. Hypocrisy (Matt. 7:1-6; Rom. 2:1)


Who and What to Judge


1. Other believers (I Cor. 5:12; example 2 Thes. 3:6-13)


2. What we are told about God (I Cor. 10:14-15, 14:29; Matt. 7:15-20)


3. All spiritual things (I Cor. 2:15; I Thes. 5:21; example Acts 17:11)


What Not to Judge


1. Matters of opinion or conscience (Rom. 14:1-6; Col. 2:16)


2. According to manmade criteria (James 2:4; Lev. 19:15)


3. Non believers (I Cor. 5:12-13)














5/13/94