What does it mean to judge?

[SavedByGrace3]

What does it mean for a Christian to judge?
Example: fornication.
This poll regards the interpretation of Rom 2:1

Romans 2:1 KJV
1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

Many students of the scripture think this pertains to the Jews. ALL the Jews.
Reading the verse by itself, it seems to be speaking to everyone who might judge another. I disagree. The first word of the verse is "Therefore" which would mean "in light of what was previously discussed." This refers to the previous chapter, where Paul articulates a long list of behaviours by sinners. The final verse says:

Romans 1:32 KJV
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Romans 2:1 speaks to these people. They were rank sinners whose sins were so bad that they deserved death. Paul would seem to be saying that these sinners should not judge others who do the same things they were doing.

Romans
1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

 

[CerebralCherub]

I'm not 100% sure what you're trying to say. Are you saying we should/shouldn't judge sin as followers of Christ or only if we are guilty of the same sin we are seeking to judge?

 

[SavedByGrace3]

I'm not 100% sure what you're trying to say. Are you saying we should/shouldn't judge sin as followers of Christ or only if we are guilty of the same sin we are seeking to judge?

Not really saying anything solid. Just fielding opinions.

Pro 24:6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in mulytude of counsellors there is safety.

I am pondering that people read Romans 2:1 wrong.

2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

The verse starts with the word "therefore," forcing us to look to chapter 1 for context.
If so, then this verse is talking to and about the rank sinners discussed in chapter 1, and not about all of us. It is telling them (rank sinners) that they should not judge people who do the same things as they are doing ("... for thou that judgest doest the same things.") But we, who are not guilty of the gross sins discussed in chapter 1, may judge, and in fact, have to judge (assess) the sinners to determine their status. Not to punish or pass sentence, but merely for church standards.
So I guess I am suggesting we (who have not engaged in the horrendous death penalty sins of chapter 1) should, in fact, "judge" when necessary. In this case, we should "assess" the actions of others to determine their status, and this for many reasons. How will we assess who to associate with if we cannot assess their status? Paul talks at length about sin in the church and how we should respond.

 

[CerebralCherub]

Ok, I thought that was what you were saying but wanted to clarify in case I missed the mark.

If you're saying that we are to judge, as long as we're not guilty of the sins we are judging, I believe that is correct.

I believe it is our duty to 'judge' so that a) we can educate non-believers about what it means to follow Christ b) we ensure believers are staying on the correct path

 

[Richard T]

To me there are some scriptures that might apply to such a situation. However, I never understand why how many people would actually know what someone else does? Shunning too would require the sin be an ongoing issue, (not a one-time event, or an addiction that the Christian is trying to overcome) This is where modern times are so different. Sure it is easy if they posted it on social media but many are not like that. Shunning too means very little because even if they wanted to go to church it would seem rare that they would be denied. I do assume though that if it was a fact, that yes, you as an individual might have to shun that person if they are saved and you know for certain they are habitual and unrepentant in the sin.

Still, Jesus with the woman at the well who had five husbands was not condemned. Neither was she like the woman caught. in adultery where Jesus said to go and sin no more. Interestingly, though he knew she was not married, asked her to call her husband. She said she was living with the man but he was not her husband. It seems almost as Jesus was testing her. She replied truthfully though. I am not sure how much of a believer that she was but she previously mentions Jacob as her father. This was a different time though as Jesus had not yet ascended. Still, rather than shun her, he shows himself very gently and in a sort of way likely points out her situation perhaps assuming that this revelation of living water and the Messiah perhaps set her on the right track?

Matt 18:16
But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’


I Cor 5:11 But I now have written unto you not to keep company with any man who is called a brother if he is a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner. With such a one you are not even to eat.

 

[Clare73]

What does it mean for a Christian to judge?
Example: fornication.
This poll regards the interpretation of Rom 2:1

Romans 2:1 KJV
1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

Many students of the scripture think this pertains to the Jews. ALL the Jews.
Reading the verse by itself, it seems to be speaking to everyone who might judge another. I disagree. The first word of the verse is "Therefore" which would mean "in light of what was previously discussed." This refers to the previous chapter, where Paul articulates a long list of behaviours by sinners. The final verse says:

Romans 1:32 KJV
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Romans 2:1 speaks to these people. They were rank sinners whose sins were so bad that they deserved death. Paul would seem to be saying that these sinners should not judge others who do the same things they were doing.

Romans
1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

The Christian is to judge:
1) open sin in the body (1 Co 5:1, 12-13, Gal 6:1),
2) doctrine (Ac 17:11, 1 Th 5:21),
3) disagreement between believers (Mt 18:15),
4) ourselves (1 Co 11:31) - which is not a part of judging others,
5) rightly, by actions (Jn 7:24).

 

[SavedByGrace3]

The Christian is to judge:
1) open sin in the body (1 Co 5:1, 12-13, Gal 6:1),
2) doctrine (Ac 17:11, 1 Th 5:21),
3) disagreement between believers (Mt 18:15),
4) ourselves (1 Co 11:31) - which is not a part of judging others,
5) rightly, by actions (Jn 7:24).

Thank you for this list!