The Believer's Call to Judge- Part 2

Folks, one the most important things we can do as Christians is to make sure our lives and teachings are either Biblically-based or developed through a Biblical worldview. Ideas do have consequences.

When we are trying to represent Christ with our thoughts, deeds and words, it is not enough to take a verse out of its original context and make it mean whatever we like. This is not proper Biblical interpretation. Words means something and most times they mean something in particular.

With that in mind, here is Part 2 by Bob Dewaay on the believer's call to judge.

"Be on guard for yourselves and for 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. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them." (Acts 20:28-30)

It is important to see that the wolves come from two sources: outside and inside the church. Wolves are always inimical to the well-being of sheep. It is the responsibility of shepherds to make sure the sheep are safe from the wolves. To do this, the wolves must be identified. The way they are identified is through their teachings. Paul described the practice of the wolves: “speaking perverse things.” The word “perverse” means “twisted” or “distorted.” Their teachings are a distortion of the authoritative teachings of Christ and His apostles. Anyone is a wolf who purposely gives distorted teaching and refuses to repent when shown his error from the Scriptures. The elders must guard the flock against such people.

Folks, I think it is clear that it is not ok for Christians to judge motives or to judge whether or not I am better than others. It is easy for me to find someone who is worse off than me; but others are not who I ought to compare myself to. I also cannot judge the motives of another.

I must, however, judge the fruits (or teachings) someone has, and it is not just about how nice, loving, giving, etc..someone is because there are many Budhists, cultists, pagans, Jews and atheists who are nice and loving people. It is primarily about their teachings and how their actions reflect the teaching.

If someone claims to be a Christian and is living like a nonbeliever, it seems fair to call them out. This is being lukewarm and it is not a good position to be in. If someone says they are a Christian and says that all religions are the same; they are wrong. If someone is saying or doing something that seems contrary to Biblical teaching, they must be talked to, including myself. Whether or not they are wrong is another discussion.

And here's the rub, it involves a bit of judgement. I can't say someone is wrong without it. Neither can anyone correct me without it. And it doesn't feel good. Especially on the receiving end. If I am sinning, I do not like to hang out with someone who may force me to reevaluate my sin. I want to be alone or hang out with those who will not "judge" me.

But if I am in the wrong, I need that accountability. Without accountability, it is difficult for me to see beyond myself. I could be a Transformer or delusional and not even know it until a Christian brother or my wife comes to me and says, or writes something to me.

So, bottom line, so far seems to be this: Don't judge motives and whether you are better than someone. Do judge folks' teachings. We can do no less. The next post will be about Naming Names when correcting someone's teachings. Is it Biblical? Wait and see. Or go here to Part 3 early. Here's part 1 again.

Go out and judge righteously,

Derrick