The Church that Rightly Judges Itself

Knowing the Church Series Part 14

The Church on the Way is a Church that rightly Judges itself

Honesty does not come easily, even among the children of God. If it did, there would be no problems in the church. However, there are besetting sins in the church for which Paul gives us a severe warning. Severe because the Corinthians failed to discern disobedience and sin in themselves and brought sickness and premature passing from this life to some.

The Church that Rightly Judges Itself Avoids God's Judgment

1 Corinthians 11:29-32, "For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. For this reason, many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep. But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world."

Who has not heard the statement made out of ignorance? How can God allow such suffering in the world? I have a far better question: What does God want me to learn from this discipline? Or how about this one: Do you think God is judging me for the wrong I've done? After all, God has said, "But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons" 1 Corinthians 12:8. Can the person who never recognizes God's discipline in their life be God's child?

By Receiving God's Word, the Church Can Rightly Judge Iself

Matthew 23: 8-12, "But do not be called Rabbi (scholar); for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. "Do not call anyone on earth your father (earthly father); for One is your Father (originator of created life), He who is in heaven. "Do not be called leaders (Professor, One from whom knowledge originates); for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. "But the greatest among you shall be your servant. "Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." Can a church avoid judgment that does not push back against those things that increase pride? Two-thirds of the responsibility of leveling the disciple-making field is on the plate of the shepherds. Please notice in the Matthew 23 passage, "Do not be called is said twice by Jesus, while "Do not call anyone" only once. The bottle-neck is created by trusting in man-made abilities over those of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus said, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples..." Matthew 28:18, 19. There is no command to be a pastor, an elder, a shepherd, not even a prophet, a teacher, and certainly not one of the twelve Apostles in the New Testament. However, everyone is called to make disciples. Our Lord Jesus Christ asks us to beseech God in prayer. "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." Luke 10:2. Do you think Satan's plan may have been to distort the believer's understanding of the church by making them believe in terms of a scholarly leader instead of a Holy Spirit-filled fool according to the flesh to shame the wise? (1 Corinthians 1:27). Why scholars? The average believer should want to study God's word until they are blind. Is it that way in America? I know we go to church and spend most of our time learning or being entertained, but what of prayer and learning at home in our closet alone with God?

The error begins in the seminaries created to further certain branches of theology attached to particular denominations, which divide the church rather than bring the unity that would exist if God were strictly followed rather than men.

The Church Rightly Judges Itself When it Sees Jesus' Sacrifice Clearly

1 Peter 4:15-19, "Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God, and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right."

Century after century in Israel, God brought prophet after prophet speaking judgment upon Israel's kings, priests, and people, but to little avail. It is always the remnant that is saved, whose hearts are changed, whose faith is made sufficient when the creator God rebirths a person's spirit, and they become a new creature in Christ. Judgment doesn't end with salvation; sin's penalty is removed from the repentant and placed upon the Son. Nonetheless, the driving force of sin is meant to be replaced with a passion for God's grace and love as that new love fills the heart of the redeemed. Judgment was carried out for the slaves of sin to set them free from new self-induced slavery out of gratitude for Him who took our place.

Every Church member is responsible for rightly judging themselves so that God will not have to judge the church. A sense of ongoing judgment must pervade the membership so there is no pushing off the responsibility on anyone else. There should be no schism in the body where leaders and members are seen as more or less responsible. The same blood was spilled for all; all should mature and become responsible for others, too. The believer who never develops to fully disciple others by word and lifestyle is under judgment; both member and minister will carry the weight of what is lacking on Judgment Day.