[11] But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. [12] For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? [13] But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. ~1 Corinthians 5:11-13 KJV

This is very clear. Remember, Paul commanded us to follow his example as he followed Christ. He made judgment calls against others every time he went to a church in order to keep the church holy. This shows us that we are called to a high standard.  In fact, here is another example of Paul judging a man– without being present– to deliver him over to Satan because of his sin of sleeping with his father’s wife.  He does this so that person would be sorry and perhaps saved.:

[3] For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, [4] In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, [5] to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. ~1 Corinthians 5:3-5 KJV1 Added Paul’s example. 5/26/2017

We don’t judge people outside of the church, but we judge people in the church. Paul tells us to not even hang around them at all. He even gives us a list of examples of wickedness. God judges the people on the outside, therefore kick the wicked doer out and they will be judged further by God.

Now meditate on that for a moment: Think about all the “Christians” who embrace and exalt sinners by saying that God will use them. It’s a deceiving mark of the endtimes.

Though we do not judge the unbeliever, we do make judgments about clean and unclean:

[13] Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged. [14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? [15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? [16] And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them ; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing ; and I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. ~2 Corinthians 6:13-18 KJV

Judgment begins in our churches:

[17] For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? [18] And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? ~1 Peter 4:17-18 KJV

Check out “Moment of Truth: Casting Down Lies #12”

Wrong Verses Right: 1 Timothy 1:15 KJV

Read Isaiah 58:1-2 KJV

[1] Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. [2] Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of Me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. ~Isaiah 58:1-2 KJV

When your obedience in Christ is fulfilled, you will revenge all disobedience.  We see this through Ananias and Sapphira, through Paul, Jesus, and the prophets.

[2] But I beseech you , that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. [3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: [4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) [5] Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; [6] And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. ~2 Corinthians 10:2-6 KJV

[1] Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? [2] Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? [3] Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? [4] If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. [5] I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? [6] But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. [7] Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? [8] Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren. [9] Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, [10] Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. [11] And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. ~1 Corinthians 6:1-11 KJV

In this passage, the apostle Paul is rebuking the church for following the way of the world; going to court over small matters before unbelievers. He wanted Christians to understand that sainthood is important.

It is shameful that the Corinthians were unwise saints. They obviously lacked discretion by disputing minor issues in front of the world and waiting for a worldly sentence from a judge. They should have been wise enough to judge their tiny matter inside the church.

[39] And He spake a parable unto them, “Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? [40] The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his Master.

[41] And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? [42] Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye. [43] For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. [44] For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. [45] A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. [46] And why call ye Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not the things which I say? [47] Whosoever cometh to Me, and heareth My sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: [48] He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. [49] But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.”~Luke 6:39-49 KJV

“Judge not lest ye be judged” is in the context of being a hypocrite. It’s astonishing how many Christians think that the very act of judging means that you are a hypocrite. They willingly claim sinner over saint thinking that it is the humble thing to do. Well, if you haven’t been taking Christianity seriously, repent, but don’t keep turning back again. Habitual sinning is not okay.

Jesus tells us that good does not produce bad and bad does not produce good and we will know by what they speak. Then He compares between the man who hears and does with the man who hears, but doesn’t do it. This is the hypocrite. Jesus rebukes hypocrites.

You are not a hypocrite for judging someone else in church whom you know is sinning. You are only a hypocrite if you judge someone else and yet, you are choosing to sin too. For example, in Romans, Paul rebuked the hypocrite who judged the homosexual because they were doing the same things that the homosexual was doing; walking in unclean lusts and even committing sodomy, etc.

And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? ~Romans 2:3 KJV

This is why Jesus said, “Take the pole out of your own eye” because those who were judging were not living a repentant life. They were hypocrites.

[31] For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. [32] But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. ~1 Corinthians 11:31-32 KJV

Examine yourself. Are you adhering to the doctrine? If so, bravo. We are not all sinners, we are saints if we live in truth.

Saints judge the body of Christ to uphold righteousness because saints examine themselves to make sure they are not hypocrites.

If we are found guilty of sin by God— though fearful— I do love how God corrects us so that we will not be condemned in front of the world. If you were born of the baptism that comes by fire where Christ comes to live in you, you know He is faithful to correct you physically when it’s needed.

[22] But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, “Thou fool,” shall be in danger of hell fire. [23] Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; [24] Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. [25] Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. ~Matthew 5:22-25 KJV

Let’s examine this in context: Jesus talks about anger against a brother. Then He speaks of acting quickly to reconcile. Notice that if your brother is angry with you, you cannot turn it around and be angry with him because you’re the one who sinned against him. Therefore, he has a right to be angry with you, but you are just angry because he got angry. In other words, you have no right nor cause, so be reconciled.

Raca is term of contempt. It means that someone is vain or worthless. Don’t call your brother worthless. Also, don’t judge him unless he sinned against you or is sinning. Otherwise, your judgment is without a cause. Therefore, examine yourself and take responsibility if your brother or sister first accuses you of hurting them.

Moreover, learn to recognize— and repent of— a despising spirit if you find yourself hating someone who isn’t sinning or hasn’t done anything to you. A good example of this are people who are connected to you, but because of their disdain of you, keep you at a distance even if you’ve done nothing wrong. They’ve judged you without a cause.

God calls us to be real and reconcilable with one another, not fake.

Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. ~James 4:11 KJV

This is a great reference pertaining to gossip. We should never stir up evil remarks against another in the church who is innocent, and if they’re guilty, we still use wisdom by not gossiping about it.

This is also similar to learning to recognize a despising spirit.

The reason that I specified “innocent” brother is because there are several scriptures in the New Testament through Paul and others that show us that certain names were called out in front of the church because of their sin, which may be determined by some as “speaking evil” of a brother by calling them out.

[10] But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. [11] For it is written, “As I live,” saith the Lord, “every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” [12] So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. [13] Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. [14] I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. [15] But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. ~Romans 14:10-15 KJV

Certain Jewish Christians were convicted about what they ate. This passage tells Christians not to cause a brother to sin if he feels convicted about what he eats. For example, don’t despise him or create a stumbling block for him by eating pork in front of him if he feels convicted that it is unclean. Live charitably with him instead of against him.

[9] Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. [10] Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. [11] Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. ~James 5:9-11 KJV

Prior to this section, James warns the rich and tells us about how the church has robbed the sheep and God hears the cries. He tells us to stabilize our hearts for the Lord’s coming. Then, he reminds us not to grudge against our brother because that is judging. With this, James tells us to remember the example of the suffering of the prophets. Therefore, in context, James is saying that some Christians will need help and it is our duty to help them without sighing about their dependence upon us. Be pitiful and of tender mercy like the Lord, rather than being like the church who has robbed, and remember the prophet’s example.

[29] Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. [30] If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. [31] For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. [32] And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. [33] For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. ~1 Corinthians 14:29-33 KJV

This is fairly self-explanatory.

[3] And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, “Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor,” “Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:” [4] Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? ~James 2:3-4 KJV

This is also very clear.

I am sure that these “judges of evil thoughts” also despised the unpopular, socially-poor; the rejected poor in spirit.

[35] But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. [36] Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. [37] Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: ~Luke 6:35-37 KJV

This passage references loving your enemies. If you want to know what an enemy is, read the Psalms. Psalm 35 and Psalm 55-56 are great examples. Also, David’s story also gives us a great example of how to love an enemy. When an enemy pursues you, seek God’s judgment.  I have seen the fearful results of God fighting for me when I have sought Him and He punished my enemies.

[47] And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. ~John 12:47 KJV

This is a lesson that Westboro Baptist could use. We do not judge the unsaved, but we show mercy to them because they do not know the magnitude of what they are doing. We draw them with truth—through love and sobriety.  Being loving does not mean that we hang around them to support or partake in their sins, but we do hope to draw them to Christ through His love. If they reject it, we move on.

HOWEVER.  Please understand that many Christians today think that this means we should stay around them so they can observe our manner and we can become friends who resist telling them that they are going to hell.

Remember how Paul instructed the church to “come out from among” the wicked in Example “#1  You must judge the sinner in church.” of this article?  Paul already warned them earlier to leave the unbeliever.  Therefore, the same rule applies.  Come out from among them if they are not willing to receive the truth.

Therefore, if you are honestly born-again, then you remember how you were before you got saved.  How would you want someone to minister to that type of person to try to convince them?  Sometimes this requires contending for the faith.  In fact, being nice isn’t always the answer, but rather being wise.  Take the example of Jesus calling the Gentile woman a dog.  It seems this form of reverse psychology caused a person to think because His ultimate goal was to get them to the truth.  This is love– to get them to the truth.

However, certain Evangelical Conservatives, who call themselves Deplorables and take up guns and show themselves to be rude and crude against government leaders or unsaved individuals, are not fighting for God’s purpose when they themselves live unholy lives. What good is their Christianity if they show their hypocrisy?

[56] Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? [57] Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? [58] When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. [59] I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite. ~Luke 12:56-59 KJV

Let’s look at the context. Jesus was talking to all the followers plus His disciples. (Notice the distinction.) Prior to this passage, He told them a few parables about being faithful, wise, giving, and being prepared for the Lord’s return. Then, He calls out the hypocrite in this passage that references settling a matter to be delivered from your enemy quickly who will take you to the magistrate. If you examine the entire context, it becomes clear that Jesus is talking about Satan, the enemy of our souls. Look at the time we are in and reconcile yourselves to God all matters whether you are saved or unsaved in this life so that you won’t be judged before God because you will be taken to court by the devil’s accusations if you don’t.

[21] For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: [22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: [23] Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously: [24] Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by Whose stripes ye were healed. ~1 Peter 2:21-24 KJV

Suffer for righteousness sake and don’t retaliate against the world. The Lord will judge.  We disconnect, though we are “lambs” who suffer, but God collects the evidence against the wolves for judgment.  By the way, we treat Christians–  who don’t repent– the same as an unbeliever; by separation.

[23] If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? [24] Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. ~John 7:23-24 KJV

Jesus rebuked a hypocrite for being angry about a healing on the Sabbath, when normally certain Jews had circumcised a man on that day. Jesus was making the point that the man was judging Jesus’ work as a work rather than judging His work as a righteous work. We ought to consider judging righteously over judging appearances too. Many do this today when they judge Christian headcovering as a work rather than a righteous work. Therefore, judge not according to appearance, but judge righteously. Nevertheless, the world still judges our appearance. May it be holy.

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days : ~Colossians 2:16 KJV

We must not judge our brother over his food, drink, respect of a holy holiday.

Please note: This is not in the context of accepting sin such as a Christian partaking in Halloween. We are definitely not supposed to join in the sins of the world. Of course, those that argue about this, claim that they only dress like angels and nice things, but this is a deception for them. Halloween is most widely-known and accepted as an evil day regardless of what it may have been hundreds of years ago according to some. It is not holy. Partaking is also similar to celebrating a real holy day like Christmas, but training the kids to believe in Santa Claus.

Therefore, understand the distinction of the scripture when it says “respect of an holy day.” It is not referencing how it is celebrated, but rather, not hindering the desire to respect God through an2Using an is acceptable before words with a soft “h”sound, and I like it.holy celebration.