JUDGING RIGHTEOUSLY

Introduction

We live in a day and an age when people are told that they are not to judge. To do this they quote one verse Matthew 7:1. This is the only verse they know. They do not realize that there are more than one verse in the Bible. One verse taken out of context leads to error. A correct rendering of Matthew 7:1 must also take into account through to verse 5 to have the proper understanding of what is being prohibited in verse 1. Matthew 7:1-5 reads, "Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye." The Lord Jesus Christ is obviously not talking that we should not judge serious matters in light of God’s word. The judging here would be hypocritical judging. That is doing the same thing you condemn in someone else.

How is it they quote Matthew 7:1 but not John 7:24? John 7:24 says, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." Here we are instructed by the Lord to judge righteously. One cannot use the Lord Jesus against the Lord Jesus. We are instructed to avoid hypocritical judgment and enjoined to judge according to truth which is according to God’s law.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

In fact, John 7:24 is an application of Leviticus 19:15 which reads, "Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour." When we judge a matter, we are to do so impartially and fairly. We are not to judge by economic status but by the actual merits of the case. This is righteous judgment. We would demand the same for ourselves. The Golden Rule of Matthew 7:12 is applicable even in this instance, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." Since Leviticus 19:15 comes from the law, this principle of treating others like you wanted be treated is appropriate.

In all cases of judgment, we are not be respecter of persons. Personality is not to be determinative of our decisions. The law of God is our standard by which we make our determinations. To says that we can never judge means that no one can be held accountable for their actions and denies the sin nature in the heart of man. It is antinomianism right out in the open. It is a love of the criminal rather than the victim. It is unrighteous judgment.

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:15, "But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man." This means essentially the same thing as does 1 Timothy 1:8-10, "But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine." The civil law is not designed for the righteous man because he does not disobey the law. He is righteous, not unrighteous. The spiritual man, likewise judges everything, in determining whether it be from the Lord or no, but no man especially the natural man can judge him because he does not comprehend spiritual matters.

Our chosen text, prohibits unrighteous judgment but commands righteous judgment. Obviously, there are matters to be judged, otherwise, this verse would become absurd. We are to think analogically. This means to follow the example of the Lord. This is explained by Paul in Romans 2:5-8, "But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath." Notice how God judges. He does so in righteousness, without showing favor to any man. With the Lord, you get what you deserve. In judgment He has no favorites. Do good and you get a positive judgment. Do wickedly and you will pay for your wickedness.

Conclusion

All matters deserve righteous judgment. Paul passes judgement on the unrighteous in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, "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, 10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." Paul judges here righteously. He judges and condemns what God has already judged and condemned. Go and do likewise.

THE LAW AND INTEREST

Introduction

Interest is a fact of life. It is inherent in the operation of money. We do not always have adequate funds for different items of purchase and have to borrow money. Those lending money need to be compensated for the use of their money. Money’s Investment Terms defines "interest" as "1. Cost of using money, expressed at a rate per period of time, usually one year, in which case it is called an annual rate of interest..." Therefore an interest rate is based on a rate plus a time period. The Lord Jesus said in Luke 19:23, "Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?" Obviously, the Lord Jesus did not condemn the use of money and receiving interest on the lending of that money. Business could not be conducted without the use of interest. Without an incentive to loan money, none would be lent. People have to compensated for their efforts and their taking of risk i.e. being paid back the money they have lent.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

However, there are times when it is not appropriate to charge interest. This is the exception and not the rule. The exception establishes the rule. Leviticus 25:35-38 is an instance, "And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. 36Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee. 37Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase. 38I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God." The condition here is that a brother is poor. If so, no interest is to be charged upon a loan to him. It would be hard for the poor man to pay back the loan with an added burden of interest. In other words, it would compound the problem rather than solving it.

1 John 3:17-19 is a restatement of this Old Testament law, "But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him." We know that the law of God defines what love is. When we see a brother in need, we are to be compassionate and either give or lend as he have need. We are not just to say that we love them, but rather prove it and the best way to do that is by actions.

The only way one can have faith is by actions rather than words, which is the message of James 2:14-17, "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." We are obviously back up our talk with action. The poor brother and sister have needs that can only be met by giving, whether by a charity loan or an outright gift. Do not say what great faith you have, if you do not back it up with practicality.

Paul instructed us in Galatians 6:10, "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." We are to look out for the needs first of all those who are brother and sisters in the Lord. Then we are to look out for the needs of others. We are to take of our own first. Looking out for and taking care of the poor was something the first century church considered to be normal operating procedure as Galatians 2:10 says, "Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do." Helping the poor is practical way of taking back charity from the government who turn people into welfare dependents. The goal is the all charitable help is to be short term in nature. We do not want people to become dependent but rather independent. The charity loan is a stop gap measure to help someone get back on their feet, not as a permanent form of income.

Some people are unscrupulous and seek to take advantage of people. They may prosper short term but Proverbs 28:8 says not in the long run, "He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor." No one ever prospers by breaking God’s law. They will not be able to prosper. David explains what a holiness man looks like in Psalm 15:1-5, "LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. 3He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. 4In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. 5He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved." He lends without taking interest. He lends willingly to his poor brethren. In other words, he obeys all of God’s law.

Conclusion

Proverbs 19:17 has a promise attached to it, "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again." When we lend to our poor brother, we are in essence lending to the Lord. He promises that He will pay us back and with interest.

THE LAW AND INCREASE

Introduction

Everything in this world is governed by God’s law. We are not to try and legislate what has already been legislated. Our task is simply to apply God’s law to our everyday life. God expects everyone of us to increase in our abilities that He has given unto us. In other words, He wants us to be more productive. The Lord Jesus Christ said in Luke 19:15-19, "And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities." God blesses us when we put our efforts in increasing what we have. When we are faithful, God gives us authority. Those who take responsibility will also exercise greater authority. In fact, authority flows to those who take responsibility. The market system which is undergirded by the Bible’s concept of private property allows us to increase our estates. We are to increase our net worth.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

The law of increase or tithing comes from Leviticus 27:30-32, "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD. 31And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof. 32And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD." Any increase that we receive because of productivity, a tenth of it is the Lord’s. This is how the kingdom of God is to be financed. A tithe is essentially a tax for God providing for our needs. It is also designed for us to keep in mind who our Lord and provider is.

Moses explained to those who were preparing to cross the Jordan and enter the Promised Land about wealth and increase in Deuteronomy 8:10-18, "When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. 11Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: 12Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; 13And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; 14Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; 16Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; 17And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. 18But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day." We are not to forget the reason that we have the increase of wealth. A good way to do this is to tithe. It reminds us that the Lord is the one who has enabled us to increase our net worth. To not tithe, means that we will forget where our material blessings come from. We will begin to take credit for what God has provided.

Many today say that tithing is legalistic. If not ten percent, then how much should be given? Those who claim that it all belongs to God, nine times out of ten do not even give anywhere close to ten percent. Paul expected the Corinthian church would give in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." Paul knew that God would prosper Christians. Christians understand that this if their Father’s world. In other words, they work!

Conclusion

The law of God is one of likes beget likes. The same is true in the wealth realm. Paul understood this principle in 2 Corinthians 9:6-12, "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. 12For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God." Those who do not even tithe can expect to receive back less than those who are faithful to tithe their increases. Sparingly giving begets sparingly receiving. In other words, they will have less to give when they do so. God gets His tithe one way or another. Those who are faithful in tithing have the right to expect greater increases in the future.

HOLINESS MEANS SEPARATION

Introduction

One of the attributes of God is His holiness. The soft gospel of today is characterized by love exclusively without reference to God’s holiness. It should be obvious that these are worshiping a false god. Holiness has to do with a separation from the world. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 6:17, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." We are not to be part of the world system. We are to be different as 1 Peter 2:9 declares, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." Peculiar here means special. We are to stand out as lights against the darkness of sin. John wrote in 1 John 4:4-5, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them." Greater is the Holy Ghost in us than the devil’s spirit in them. Those in the world speak and act like the world and the world loves their own because likes beget likes.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

Exodus 22:31 reads, "And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs." God’s requirement is holiness. Is not optional but essential. Without it we shall not see the Lord as Hebrews 12:14 says, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." This means to be morally separated from the world. The world is the fallen aspect of it. By God’s redeeming grace our lives are to be radically different from the lives of sinners around us. People should be able to identify us as belonging to the Lord.

The Lord declared in Leviticus 11:44, "For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." God says that we are to separate ourselves and be holy because God is holy. We are to be like Him. This verse contains a specific example of something that a holy man would separate himself from i.e. creeping things. Moses was instructed by the Lord to speak the following in Leviticus 19:2, "Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy." This is what Peter declared in 1 Peter 1:15-16, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." We are to be holy in our entire life. Our lives are to be one of a living sacrifice as Paul said in Romans 12:1, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." I believe that we get the idea that God wants His people to be a holy people. Totally set apart for His use and service.

God prohibited his people from eating meat (flesh) that had been torn by the beasts of the field. In God’s estimation, this meat was only good to be eaten by dogs. Ezekiel 4:14 says, "Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth." God used the prophet Ezekiel to do some bizarre things in an attempt to get the attention of His people and this verse was a protest by Ezekiel regarding what the Lord had instructed him to do.

The Jews did not look favorably upon dogs. Usually when dogs are spoken of in the Bible, it is not in a favorable light. The word dog is used at various times in the New Testament in a metaphoric sense. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon defines this word as, "a man of impure mind, an impudent man." Paul said of dogs in Philippians 3:2, "Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision." Here Paul was warning about the Judaizers, the false circumcision. John wrote in Revelation 22:15, "For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie." These are those who are outside the city i.e. the church. These dogs are the impure and they are not able to enter into the church because they are not separate from the world but rather their source is the world.

Conclusion

Anyone who has honestly read the Bible cannot help but notice that God is holy and He demands holiness in His people. We are to be a separate people. This does not mean that we are to become ghetto dwellers. Rather, we are to show others the way of holiness. God’s law automatically separates us from the world. The law is our righteousness. The sinner does not want to separate. He wants to conform with the profane. True ministers of the Lord will do what Ezekiel 44:23 says, "And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean." Holiness unto the Lord is what we desire.