WHO ARE YOU TO JUDGE?

Countless of times I have heard people, especially Christians, telling me when addressing sinful actions of believers, “Who are you to judge?”

Jesus’ command, “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged” (Matthew 7:1 NLT) could be the most quoted of His sayings and yet so often taken out of context. Many people use this verse in an attempt to silence their critics, interpreting Jesus’ words to mean, “You don’t have the right to tell me I’m wrong.” Christians are often accused of “judging” when they speak out against sin.

The Bible’s command that we “not judge others” doesn’t mean we cannot show discernment. Immediately after Jesus said, “Do not judge others,” He said, “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs!” Matthew 7:6 NLT

Later in the same sermon Jesus says, “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.  You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act.” Matthew 7:15-16 NLT

So, how are we supposed to discern those who are “unholy,” “pigs,” and “false prophets” unless we have the ability to make a judgment call on doctrines and actions? Jesus is giving us permission to tell right from wrong.

That’s why He said, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” John 7:24 NKJV

In other words, there IS a correct usage of judgment which is based on Biblical doctrines and actions of a person.

Now we also understand why the apostle Paul told the Corinthian Church that it is their responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning!

“It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning.” 1. Corinthians 5:12 NLT

Therefore, when Jesus said not to judge others, He did not mean that no one is allowed to identify sin for what it is based on God’s definition of sin found in His Word, the Bible!

BEING CHOSEN EQUALS BEING A SHEEP By Edwin Christiaan

Jesus said: “You didn’t choose Me. I chose you!” “For many are called, but few are chosen!” John 15:16, Matthew 22:14 NLT

When you are a chosen child of God, you become His sheep! And that’s why Jesus said: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me!” John 10:27 NLT

Because God’s chosen children listen to the voice of Jesus, they do not make a practice of sinning, for Jesus Himself holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them! (See 1. John 5:18)

God’s chosen sheep will be warned against those who want to lead them astray, because they have received the Holy Spirit, and He lives within them, so they don’t need anyone to teach them what is true. For the Spirit teaches them everything they need to know, and what He teaches is true—it is not a lie! So just as He has taught them, they remain in fellowship with Jesus Christ! (See 1. John 2:26-27)

If you are not chosen, even if you consider yourself to be a Christian, you will not be able to be a sheep that listens to Jesus, be His follower, or be known by Him!

For this reason, Jesus said that, “On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name. But I will reply, I never knew you!” Matthew 7:22-23 NLT

There will also be many not chosen Christians who will say: “But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets. And Jesus will reply, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you come from! Get away from Me!” (See Luke 13:26-27)

When Jesus has chosen you, He began a good work within you! You will never fall away, but you will last till He comes back to get you!

As the apostle Paul said: “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 NLT

That’s why it is written in Romans 8 verse 29 NLT that, “God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, Jesus Christ!”