Jesus Did Not Allow a Stoning
Today, we delve into a profound and often misunderstood topic: judgment. Our lesson, "Stone Him," revolves around Jesus preventing a stoning and the broader implications of judgment. This lesson is particularly vital as it addresses misconceptions surrounding judgment and its role within the Christian faith.
The False Doctrine of Non-Judgment
Over the next few minutes, I want to clarify a widespread false doctrine—the idea that Christians should never judge. This belief is a lie from the pit of Hell, perpetuated by those who misinterpret or selectively read scripture. Jesus Himself called out liars and labeled them as children of the devil. He emphasized that being a child of the devil inherently makes one deceptive.
Scriptural Basis for Righteous Judgment
Our devotional reading is from Matthew 7:1-5. These verses are often cited to support the notion that we should not judge. However, a closer examination reveals a more nuanced teaching. Jesus begins with "Judge not, lest you be judged," but He continues by instructing us to first remove the beam from our own eye. Only then can we see clearly to remove the speck from our brother’s eye.
This directive underscores the importance of self-reflection and righteousness before passing judgment on others.The background scripture for this lesson is John 8:1-11. This passage narrates the story of a woman caught in adultery, brought before Jesus by the Pharisees. They intended to stone her according to Mosaic Law. Jesus’ response, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone," not only prevented the stoning but also highlighted the importance of righteous judgment and mercy.
Understanding Righteous Judgment
Righteous judgment requires spiritual and moral clarity. In Romans 2, Paul echoes Jesus' message, cautioning against judging others while committing the same sins. This hypocrisy undermines the spiritual authority given to believers. Leaders and preachers who discourage judgment often fall into three categories: the ignorant, the cowardly, and the corrupt. Each of these groups perpetuates false doctrines for different reasons, but all contribute to the erosion of spiritual authority within the church.
The Role of Church Leaders
Church leaders are responsible for guiding their congregations with integrity and truth. However, many fear accountability and resist righteous judgment. This resistance is often justified by misinterpreting scripture, such as the admonition not to "touch God's anointed." Contextually, this refers to God's prophets under divine anointing, not to leaders living in sin. Believers are called to hold their leaders accountable, exercising judgment when necessary to maintain the church's purity and righteousness.
The Story of the Adulterous Woman
The story of the adulterous woman in John 8 provides a powerful example of Jesus’ approach to judgment. The Pharisees, akin to modern-day church leaders, brought the woman to Jesus, demanding her stoning. Jesus’ response, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone," forced her accusers to confront their own sins. This act of judgment was not about condemning the woman but about offering correction and mercy.
Judgment of Correction vs. Condemnation
Jesus demonstrated the judgment of correction rather than condemnation. He corrected the woman, forgave her, and instructed her to "go and sin no more." This approach contrasts sharply with the Pharisees' condemnation, which sought to punish rather than redeem. The lesson here is clear: believers are called to exercise judgment that leads to correction and restoration, not to condemnation and exclusion.
The Authority of Jesus and the Church
Jesus has the authority to judge because He is the "I Am," as stated in John 8:58. This authority, given by God, extends to His followers. In John 20:23, Jesus grants His disciples the authority to forgive or retain sins, a responsibility that underscores the importance of righteous judgment within the church.
The Role of the Apostles
The apostles, as the first leaders of the church, exercised this authority in various situations. For instance, in Acts 5, Peter judged Ananias and Sapphira for lying to the Holy Spirit, resulting in their deaths. This act of judgment reinforced the seriousness of maintaining integrity and righteousness within the church.
The Importance of Righteous Judgment
As believers, we are called to exercise righteous judgment. This responsibility includes holding church leaders accountable, correcting fellow believers, and maintaining the purity of the church. Righteous judgment is not about condemnation but about offering correction, mercy, and restoration.
Spiritual Disciplines for Avoiding Judgmentalism
To avoid the sin of judgmentalism, believers must cultivate spiritual disciplines such as self-reflection, prayer, and study of the scriptures. These practices help ensure that our judgments are rooted in righteousness and aligned with God’s will.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, righteous judgment is an essential aspect of the Christian faith. It requires spiritual clarity, integrity, and a commitment to upholding God’s standards. By embracing this responsibility, we honor God and strengthen the church community. Let us reject false doctrines and embrace the call to righteous judgment, ensuring that our actions reflect the love, mercy, and justice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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