Independent Judgmental Baptist

John 7:14-31

(Focus on v.24)

“Judge” -

(1) To judge; to discern; to expose; to sift and analyze

(2) properly to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially)

There are three distinct TRUTHS Jesus gave concerning judging:

I. The Confusion about Judging.

“Judge not according to the appearance,”

Three things the infantry men on the front lines believe:

Things are often opposite what they appear.

The tough guy is always the guy with the edge.

If it doesn’t make sense there is a buck in it.

Three things most Baptists are confused about:

Salvation - they do not know for sure even though they believe in Eternal Life

Scripture - they do not know if their Bible is right or if the Greek is right

Soulwinning - they do not know how to spot lost people

II. The Command to Judge.

“but judge”

Who are we to judge? Everyone - (Our business is soulwinning!) Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8

When are we to judge? Always -

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

III. The Causes to Judge.

“righteous judgment” - Properly, the righteous judgment; that which is appropriate to the case in hand.

You are to judge the Salvation you have.

You are to judge the Church you attend.

You are to judge the Preachers you listen to.

You are to judge the Pastor you sit under.

You are to judge the Missions you support.

You are to judge the Friends you keep.

You are to judge the Family you have.

You are to judge the Language you use.

You are to judge the Clothes you wear.

You are to judge the House you keep.

You are to judge the People you do business with.

You are to judge the Strangers you meet.

Conclusion:

Are you willing to be judged?