“Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1, KJV)
I have written about this on other occasions but feel the need to keep pressing the issue and what this actually means, within the context. To flippantly quote Scripture out of context is dangerous, not only for the one doing so, but also for the audience who might be led astray.
If we read further, verse 5 instructs, “Hypocrite!
First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to
remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Mat. 7:5, NKJV).
This clearly teaches that to “judge not,” means that
we are not to condemn another when we ourselves are guilty of bigger, more heinous
sins. Further, we are not to judge in the sense that another is going to hell.
Only God has the authority to judge in this manner. No, we are to live holy, or
set apart, lives and only then can we instruct our brothers and sisters to turn
from their sins.
In the New Testament, we read over and over,
warnings about false teachers, wolves in sheep’s clothing, or some other
variation of this idea. I hear so many today quoting “Judge not,” when an issue
is raised about a person who is teaching false doctrine. Many well-known
pastors and Christian musicians are propagating false doctrine and we need to
be aware lest we, or our children, be led astray.
I am not saying that we must agree on everything or
one of us is lost. There are many points we might disagree on but if anyone
teaches anything that stands in contrast to the Bible, they are wrong. That
said, we do not condemn them to hell. No, we can try to lead them to a clear
understanding of God’s truth, but I only recommend this if you are already well
grounded in the Bible, lest they confuse you and lead you astray. This is why
studying the Bible is so important. I cannot stress this enough. You don’t have
to be a biblical scholar, just a faithful disciple. The Psalmist wrote, “Thy
Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm
119:11, KJV).
The book of Jude is a short book, it amounts to
about one chapter; only twenty-five verses. As to Jude’s identity, this is not
completely clear. It may be that he is the half-brother of Jesus. It is debatable,
but he does refer to himself as the brother of James (v.1), which very well may
be, and is most likely, the half-brother of Jesus, making Jude Jesus’ half-brother
as well.
Picking up in Jude, verse 3 and following:
Dearly loved friends, I
had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But
now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the truth
of the Good News. God gave this unchanging truth once and for all time to His
holy people. I say this because some godless people have wormed their way in
among you, saying that God’s forgiveness allows us to live immoral lives. The
fate of such people was determined long ago, for they have turned against our
only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ (vs. 3-4, NLT).
What if we applied “Judge not” here?
Apparently, Jude had planned to write something else
but heard that false teachers had infiltrated the church, so he abandoned his initial
thoughts to address the more important need: avoiding false teachings.
What follows is a stern warning as he reminds his readers
of others who went against God’s truth and suffered greatly. Among them are the
Israelites whom God delivered out of Egypt, the fallen angels from Genesis (chapter
6), and those who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah. While Jude does not judge these,
he clearly reminds his readers of God’s judgement on them. Likewise, we do well
to remember also.
As Jude prepares to close his letter, he writes,
But you, my dear
friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ told you,
that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to
enjoy themselves in every evil way imaginable. Now they are here, and they are
the ones who are creating divisions among you. They live by natural instinct
because they do not have God’s Spirit living in them. But you, dear friends,
must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And
continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit. Live in such a way
that God’s love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord
Jesus Christ in His mercy is going to give you. Show mercy to those whose faith
is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There
are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren’t
contaminated by their sins.
What if we applied “Judge not” here?
We can look around and see that this is true still
today; perhaps, even more so than in Jude’s day. If someone preaches a gospel
devoid of accountability, seriously question their words. If they make excuses
for a lifestyle that conflicts with Scripture, brace yourself. If they believe
truth is relative (your truth and my truth may not be the same), do not fall
for their lies. Truth is truth, opinions and feelings can differ but not truth.
By its very definition, truth is truth for all people, for all time.
Lastly, it is good to study under those God has
called to minister and teach, but equally important is the need to study for
yourself. Spend time in God’s Word and ask Him to show you the truth. A
day is coming, and is already here, when those who speak truth will be silenced
and any day could see our Bibles disappear. When that happens, it will be even
harder to know the truth. But take heart, God will always make a way for those
who seek Him. At least on this side of the grave.
Jude Outline:
Vs. 1-2 Greeting
Vs. 3-4 Purpose of writing
Vs. 5-7 Punishment of the wicked in the past
Vs. 8-16 Warning about false teachers
Vs. 17-23 Resist false teachings and remain faithful to the Truth
Vs. 24-25 Closing
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