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Judging Life and Death
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWe in the church of God believe that God is preparing us to be kings and priests in His coming Kingdom, where both roles involve judging, one in civil matters and the other in religious matters. A judge must first consider what is just and true before extending mercy, relying on a standard to measure the merits of each side in a dispute, ruling according to that standard rather than emotional arguments or the stature of the advocates. God outlines a judge's responsibility, emphasizing that the standard a godly judge must follow is God's law, along with the statutes and judgments. In controversy, priests shall stand as judges and judge according to God's judgments, keeping His laws and statutes. Being a judge is not easy, as thorny questions must be faced in both significant and routine cases, requiring careful consideration of details rather than hasty conclusions. God is taking the time to train us in the skill and art of judgment, allowing us to ponder the questions of our time and come to wise and godly conclusions.
Judge Not, That You Be Not Judged (Part Two)
Sermonette by Ryan McClureChristians should not serve on juries because God has not equipped us at this time to look into peoples' hearts and motives.
The Yard Stick of Judgment
Sermonette by Jared M. EllisGod's saints must carefully distinguish between judging situations and judging people. Matthew 7:1-2 warns that using flawed human judgment will boomerang.
The Weightier Matters (Part 2): Judgment
Article by StaffJudgment is a weighty matter of the law, as emphasized by Jesus Christ, who urged the Pharisees to focus on justice alongside other critical aspects. For the converted Christian, judgment is a present reality upon the house of God, requiring decisions for or against in a manner akin to a tribunal, implying justice as an impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or assignment of deserved punishment or reward. Christ instructed that while legal correctness is part of proper decision-making, fairness, impartiality, and reasonableness must also be considered, elements the Pharisees often ignored. Christ's teachings clarify that judging is necessary, though it must be approached with caution. He warns against condemning others, lest we be condemned ourselves, urging us to overcome our own faults before evaluating others' deeds. He emphasizes righteous judgment, not based on appearance, but on the mind of God as expressed in His Word, and cautions that the attitude we take toward others will be mirrored in how He judges us. Life demands daily judgments about people and circumstances, whether in mundane matters or significant decisions like friendships and marriages. Proper judgment is crucial to avoid deception, such as recognizing a wolf in sheep's clothing or making sound choices in personal relationships. These evaluations, often confusing, require thorough research and contemplation to avoid snap decisions driven by lust, vanity, jealousy, or greed, which lead to grief. Our purpose in life is to learn to render proper judgments of right and wrong and to exercise wisdom, as God trains us to be leaders and teachers in His family. While He ultimately makes final judgments on all, He does so carefully over a lifetime, pondering hearts and observing deeds across various circumstances. For us, He commands looking at the fruits of others' lives to analyze their character, as seen in choosing mates, friends, or ministers. The Pharisees erred by abandoning God's instructions as their basis for judgment, relying instead on carnal reasoning and traditions that favored themselves, thus destroying godly standards and justice. Christ and others, like James, addressed such partiality, highlighting the need to base decisions on the whole counsel of God's Word to ensure justice. Judgment is weightier than the law itself because the law's purpose is to ensure justice is done, reflecting God's love and impartiality, guiding us toward perfection through His Word as our daily guide.
Using Righteous Judgment
Sermon by Kim MyersWhen we minimize sin, we become displeasing to God. God expects His people to confront brothers and sisters in Christ gently, without becoming judgmental.
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.
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.
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.
Judging
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughLike Solomon, we should be asking God for a discerning and understanding heart, capable of judging righteously, which requires knowing God's standards.
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.
Judge or Be Judged
Sermonette by Frank SimkinsThe 'new' religion of tolerance does not judge against sin, either in ourselves or others, but instead desensitizes us toward evil.
Discerning of Spirit
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamWe need the ability to discriminate in spiritual matters. Grace does not cover unrepented sins nor fellowship with those contemptuous of God's laws.
Five Major Problems of the Pilgrimage
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLearning to judge is one of the most important qualities of a leader. Consequently, Christ warned that intemperance in judging will act as a boomerang.
Casting Pearls
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus warns His disciples not to cast their pearls before those not called or those acting contemptuously to God's truth and would attack the messenger.
Without a Parable
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Christ's judgments are made according to what each person has been given. We need to internalize this practice of evaluating, especially regarding a brother.
The Gift of Discernment and Godly Love
'Ready Answer' by Ronny H. GrahamScripture warns about end-time deceivers who will seduce church members to ungodly beliefs and ways. We must make righteous judgments to reject what is false.
Recognizing the Intents of the Heart
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are counseled to seek wisdom (the power of judging rightly) and discernment (the ability to consider the end of a thought pattern or behavior).
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.
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.
When Actions Contradict Stated Beliefs
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHypocrisy consists of professing beliefs or virtues that one does not genuinely possess. The primary motivator is pride, and its resulting sin is lying.
Matthew (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEntering the Kingdom requires choosing the narrow, difficult path of sacrifice, service, and humility over the easy, broad path of selfishness.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur experiences prepare us to be a better judge or king. Though we may exercise righteous judgment, we dare not pass judgment nor justify sin in ourselves.
Discerning Truth and Applying Wisdom
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSpiritual discernment is a gift from God, enabling us to judge between good and evil, comparing things with God's Word to see if they align with His standards.
Spotting False Teachers
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTrue shepherds have genuine concern for the flock, as opposed to hirelings who only devour or take advantage of the flock.
Ecclesiastes (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are required to make judgments in our area of influence, in the home and in our own lives. We cannot be careless with God's standards in our own family.
Developing Discernment
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHuman discernment can be developed and exercised, triggering early warning systems with the reactions of revulsion and confusion when confronted by evil.