JUDGE NOT ???

I heard a message from our pastor this morning that made me think of something I had overlooked.In his message he started with John 3 vs 16,a verse which almost everyone,lost or saved,knows.For God so loved the world,that he gave his only begotten Son,that whosoever believeth in him should not perish ,but have everlasting life.What he pointed out is vs 18.He that believeth on him is not condemmed:but he that believeth not is condemmed already,because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.Always use them both especially to those who say they do not believe in 16.

A second verse that all lost people seem to have memorized is Matthew chapter 7 vs 1 Judge not that ye be not judged. Lost people use this as one of their main answers when a Christian tries to witness to them.The problem here is that Matthew chapter 7 vs 1 does not apply to Christians.Always remember that Jesus earthly ministry was to the Jews and it was to the Jews that the book of Matthew was written.Indeed,much of the book of Matthew is about the Tribulation period and the Millennial Kingdom. We study the book of Matthew today in order to better know Jesus but not to get our pattern for Christian behavior.So,are Christians to ignore this verse in Matthew and judge?The short answer is yes and here is why:1 Corinthians ch 6 verses 2 and 3 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world?and if the world shall be judged by you,are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

Know ye not that we shall judge angels?how much more things that pertain to this life?

1st Corinthians Chapter 6 verse 4 If then ye have judgements of things pertaining to this life ,set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.This is a case of judging other members of the church group who have fallen into sin.In cases like this the offending member is to be given the chance to give up the sin and make things right and if he,or she will not then they shall be put out of the church until such time as they repent.

Now,the take away from this is that Christians should first judge themselves and their personal conduct.Be certain that your life can stand close scrutiny.After that they should judge such things as their church's conduct before the lost world.We are even given instructions on how to judge brethren who have fallen into gross sin and who refuse to repent and put away their sin.Finally,others should never be judged as a way to build up your own self esteem.This is often the case with those who have an inferiority complex. You see it often in gossips.If this is your kind of judgement deal with it and get it out of your life.