Judge Judge Judge – ἀνακρίνω – Study 2-C

Thanks for returning to this series on “Judge Judge Judge” and my feeble attempt to understand a believers responsibility and right to make judgments.
Another purpose of this series hopefully is to understand the believers restriction on judgement.
What can a Christian judge? How is he to judge? What is prohibited in the Christian life to judge. So many questions and concerns.

Our second greek word related to judging is…

ἀνακρίνω – anakrinō – “examine, judge, ask question, search, discern”

This word is found 16 times in 14 verses within the New Testament. A full listing of all verses may be found below for your self study. I will consider the verses that are not clear, that create questions in my mind, with the remaining verses left for the reader to ponder.

Judged by Believers

1 Corinthians 4:3-5

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.

For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.

Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.

Three people are making judgement on one man here.

1. First off, it is the bad selfish divided church making judgement on the apostle – remember the context of this passage – the church is following men, creating the first denominations, and this must disgust Paul.
2. Secondly – Paul himself. Paul refuses to judge himself. Yet I imagine Paul knows himself much better than the Corinthians. It seems things are a bit backwards here.
3. Thirdly, in this passage, there is One who rightly can judge, and it is because He will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness.

Notice a few things

Judgement is based on knowledge, not feelings. The greater the knowledge the better the judgement. The greater the feelings, the greater the possibility of error!

Judgement is dependent on time. Pronouncing judgement prematurely is incorrect judgement.

Judgement is not necessarily associated with anger, wrath or discipline. It may be in some passages, but in this case, Paul mentions commendation from God for each man.

Interesting!

Have you considered that some day, after a life of seeking to please God, and yet in your heart feeling you have disappointed Him and yourself, that God will find commendation for your efforts and actions? Is there a word for that?

• Justice?
• Mercy?
• Grace?
• Love?

Consider what that may mean – that is to be commended by God.

(That slightly blows my mind!)

Thanks for joining me in this study. Hope to visit with you in our next post as we look at the Greek term βῆμα which is commonly translated judgment seat, throne, to set (one’s) foot on in the New Testament.

Be Blessed.

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Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.