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 fifth greek word related to judging is…
διακρίνω – diakrinō – doubt, judge, discern, contend, waver, misc
This word is found 19 times in 18 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
Let’s remember that the general meaning of this word is to separate thoroughly, to make a distinction.
1 Corinthians 6:5 I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers,
In our previous post, we emphasized the division one can find within himself. A double minded man. (Should I mention that? Oh I don’t know – Maybe????)
This verse speaks of a double minded pair of believers. Two brothers who both have the mind of Christ and that both of them are not exercising the mind of Christ, since there is a dispute. That is the core problem. Both brothers are exhibiting a spirit of pride that will not allow for a shared resolution.
But it gets worse.
No one in the entire body of believers can guide these two bothers to a peaceful resolution. Does no one have the wisdom to exercise a humble spirit and to seek peace amongst the brethren.
Might I suggest that the item of dispute isn’t the problem, so much as the refusal of a brother to seek peace with another brother. Remember it is blessed to be a peace maker.
Are you willing to give up a debt to a brother in order to keep peace?
Consider
1 Corinthians 6:1-7
When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?
Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases?Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!
So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church?I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers,
but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers?
To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?
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