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Using Righteous Judgment
Sermon by Kim MyersAs God's firstfruits, we are called to judge situations, our government, people in office, each other, and especially ourselves, constantly. However, our judging must be righteous, grounded in the Word of God, the Bible, and not based on personal opinions or political correctness. God grants us permission to discern right from wrong, as seen in Matthew 7, where He instructs us to avoid casting pearls before swine and to beware of false prophets, necessitating judgment based on doctrine and deeds. Our judgments must be like a referee's call in a game, neutral and according to the rulebook, which for us is God's Word. Righteous judgment differs from being judgmental; we must not condemn others or pass sentences as a court judge would, nor should we judge others' motives. Instead, our discernment should be exercised with compassion, recognizing our own sins and need for repentance. God instructs us in I Corinthians 5:11-12 to judge within the Body of Christ, making calls on actions that could harm us, while avoiding a condemning attitude. Hebrews teaches that the spiritually mature discern between good and evil through practiced senses, emphasizing the importance of righteous judgment. We must judge with love and humility, speaking truth to one another as brethren, not ignoring sin in the name of avoiding judgment. Our primary focus should be on judging ourselves, examining our hearts and actions, seeking God's help to root out sin. When God reveals our faults, we must repent and make changes. Righteous judgment, balanced and rooted in love, requires us to confront erring brothers gently, practice church discipline, and support one another through God's laws and commandments, always setting a godly example to prevent stumbling or doubt among the brethren.
The Weightier Matters (Part 2): Judgment
Article by StaffJesus lists judgment as the first of the weightier matters in Matthew 23. Judgment is a major part of Christianity, but needs to be properly understood.
Judgment, Tolerance, and Correction
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughA common mantra, even among Christians, is 'You shouldn't judge.' Is this a right concept? Here is the problem, and how righteous judgment should be done.
Elements of Judgment (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The last days of the Worldwide Church of God demonstrated a dearth of righteous judgment. God expects us to judge wisely within the parameters of His Law.
Elements of Judgment (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)None of God's law has been 'done away', though there is not always a literal application. Not every law of God has the same weight of importance.
Elements of Judgment (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We need to learn to judge in a godly manner, putting merciful restraints on our tendency to condemn or jump to conclusions. One size does not fit all.
Righteous Lot?
Sermon by Bill OnisickWhile Lot's decisions may seem grievous to us, the repetitious references to 'righteous' indicates that God penetrates through to the heart.
Infected?
Sermonette by Bill OnisickJesus warned His disciples to cease pretending to be better than they are, focusing on the faults of others while whitewashing and justifying one's own.
Judging in the Church
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Human nature is strongly competitive and full of pride, making judgment inherently problematic. Nevertheless, God wants us to learn to judge with equity.
Do Not Judge
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile we do not have the prerogative of condemning and passing judgment, we do have the responsibility of observing behaviors or inspecting spiritual fruit.
The Relationship Deficit (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIn Laodicea, the people judge, but they are judging according to themselves. They are not seeking the will of Christ, and thus their judgment is distorted.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride destroys relationships, rendering righteous judgment next to impossible. Self-righteousness (a product of pride) makes an idol out of self.
Seeing Is Not Believing
'Ready Answer' by Ryan McClureOur senses can be deceived through distraction and misdirection, which becomes especially critical when determining matters of spiritual importance.
God's Stare Decisis
Sermon by Mark Schindler'Stare Decisis' is a principle that precedent should determine legal decision in making a case involving similar facts.
Qualifications of a Godly Judge
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's disciples are going through a rigorous training period to qualify for positions of leadership in God's Kingdom by conforming to Christ's image.
John (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe overriding motivation for the individuals bringing to Jesus the woman caught in adultery was to trap Him, impaling Him on the horns of a dilemma.
Whose Side Are We On?
Sermon by Bill OnisickWhen we step into the role of the accuser, especially when we dare to accuse our spiritual siblings, we are acting on behalf of Satan the devil.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSins committed presumptuously by people of high responsibility (leaders) are judged more rigorously than those sins committed by people in ignorance.
Mercy: The Better Option
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidIt is easy to fall into the traps of judgmentalism, gossip, and unforgiveness. We must overcome our natural reactions and use forbearance in our relationships.
The Second Commandment (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany fail to perceive the difference between the first and second commandments. The second commandment defines the way we are to worship the true God.
Biblical Principles of Justice (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the Old and New Testament are complementary to one another, the emphasis of justice in the New Testament switches from national to personal in scope.