Word Study

Rom 14: 13     Therefore let us not ajudge one another anymore, but rather determine this—bnot to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.

Matthew 18:15-25. Forgive a brother 7*70 times. Servant with a debt holds fellow servant to account. Jailed.

Matthew 7:1-2 Do not judge lest ye be judged...

What I do is okay, what they do is disgusting/wrong/awful/despicable.

I am okay, they are bad.

Who do you think you are?

Judging others for fun and profit.

There is One who is both Lawgiver and Judge. He has decided the standard, the law, what is right. Our moral compass, our conscience is but a shadow of His. It is part of the Image of God, but twisted by sin and in the process of rebuilding by the Holy Spirit.

Word Study

Judge - κρίνω

To separate, pick out, select, determine/resolve, to pronounce an opinion, to preside over with the power of giving judicial decisions (prerogative of kings and rulers).

Predominantly legal sense in the LXX (even when it means deliverance or salvation for oppressed)

A secular judge judges from the outside by comparing behavior against an external norm (law).

The God of Israel has revealed His will in covenant, bound Himself to the people as Lord and Judge, and is "just as concerned about the observance of this revealed will as He is about keeping the promise given in the covenant" (Kittel).

Adherence to an external objective norm or "righteousness" expressive of relationship.

"Neither flabby indifference to the moral condition of others nor the blind renunciation of attempts at a true and serious appraisal of those with whom we have to live" (Kittel).

Superiority is excluded. Self-righteousness is excluded.

There is recognition without condemnation? Readiness to forgive and to intercede.

Questions of the Text

Why is judging our brother judging the law?

Judging throughout time. Looking back at Medieval Times, we are horrified. They would be horrified by our lack of chastity, purity, honesty and honor. They are right too.