Category Archives: Judging

Man speaking at a podium with Turning Point USA sign at Freedom Conference
Bible, Blasphemy, Evil, Good, Gospel, Judging, Romans, Scripture, Truth

GOOD IS NOT EVIL

ROMANS 14:16

“Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil;”

When I read this verse, I thought of the late Charlie Kirk. He was assassinated for speaking truth – plain and simple. Those who hated his message of adherence to holiness and truth rallied against him and tried to turn his message to one of hatred and intolerance. What was meant as a good thing was turned into something evil. Charlie never wanted this. He only wanted to encourage others to live a life honoring God and His Word.

Paul warns us in today’s verse to not let our freedom in Christ be seen as judgmental toward others, thereby, turning the good news into a message of hate of others who have a different view. Sure, we must stand for the truth. That can alienate some. But we must always share the good news of our freedom in Christ with an attitude of humbleness and love for others.

APPLICATION

The word used “be spoken of as evil” is the Greek word blasphémeói from which we get our word “blasphemy.” We often think that only applies to us speaking against God. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day accused Him of blasphemy against God when Jesus spoke of forgiving sins. They had no idea what Jesus was really talking about. They did not realize they were accusing the Lamb of God of doing the very thing He was sent to earth to do – forgive sins.

We are taught in Scripture that the sin of blasphemy is speech that dishonors, slanders, or demeans the divine character, titles, or works of God. When we flout our spiritual superiority over others, we are blaspheming. We may never speak a word against God, but our attitude goes against everything that honors Him. Paul is warning us to guard against this spirit of blasphemy by honoring all people, whether they are correct in their teaching or not. Honoring does not mean condoning.

Have you ever thought about blasphemy in that way? I sure had not until reading this. When we are quick to judge others, we are in danger of blaspheming the very nature of God Who dwells in us as followers of Christ. There may come a time when you have to draw a line in the sand and defend the truth of the Gospel, like Charlie Kirk did, but we are not called to pick a fight and risk driving people away. We do not want them to call evil what we know is good. We are also told back in Romans 12:19, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.” Let’s strive to do that today.

Father, I never want my words or actions toward others to be construed as evil. Forgive me if I ever lean that way and correct me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Destroy, Destruction, Jesus, Judging, Judgment, Romans, Scripture

DON’T BE A DESTROYER

ROMANS 14:15

“For if because of food your brother or sister is hurt, you are no longer walking in accordance with love. Do not destroy with your choice of food that person for whom Christ died.”

When I was in high school, I played football (real football, not soccer, lol). I loved to destroy people! I had the privilege to play linebacker on defense. That position usually gets the most tackles in a game. During my freshman year I was still dressing out for the Junior Varsity team, as well as the varsity. I practiced all week with the varsity squad and played JV on Thursday nights. After a week of playing with the “big boys” those Thursday night games were like shooting ducks in a barrel. I dominated and destroyed many an opponent.

That is NOT what Paul is talking about in today’s verse when he writes about destroying others. That destruction is mainly done with words through judgment of others or unkind or even mean words and actions. Paul is not letting up on this judgment thing. He reminds us that every person we think we have the right to judge is a person Christ died for. They are precious in His sight.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “destroy” is apóllymi “(from apó, ‘away from,’ which intensifies ollymi, ‘to destroy’) – properly, fully destroy, cutting off entirely (note the force of the prefix, apó). Apóllymi (‘violently/completely perish’) implies permanent (absolute) destruction, i.e. to cancel out (remove); ‘to die, with the implication of ruin and destruction’ (L & N, 1, 23.106); cause to be lost (utterly perish) by experiencing a miserable end.” (HELPS Word-studies). I know that was a long definition, but I wanted you to see the weight of this word. Paul is saying our judgmental attitudes toward others can totally destroy them.

This is the same word used in John 10:10 where it says the devil comes to kill, steal and destroy. Just as he wants to totally destroy you, your judgments can have the same effect. How is that possible, Carl? Your judgmental attitudes can push someone away from Christ. They see you, who profess to be a follower of Jesus, acting that way and decide they want no part of Him. Supposedly Gandhi once said that if it weren’t for Christians, he would become one. Obviously, some “Christian” had not been very Christlike to him.

Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.” The word “perish” is apóllymi. God does not want this for anyone. So, He certainly doesn’t want us destroying someone. We should desire that everyone we meet come to a saving knowledge of the Lord. Watch your words. Watch your actions.

Keep me from ever saying or doing anything that would push someone away from You, O God. 

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Woman hiking on rocky trail losing balance while stepping on a rock
Bible, Judging, Judgment, Obstacle, Romans, Scripture, Stumble, Stumbling

DON’T TRIP OTHERS UP

ROMANS 14:13

“Therefore, let’s not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this: not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s or sister’s way.”

The topic of not being a stumbling block to others is not unique to today’s verse. There are actually two different Greek words used to describe “an obstacle” and “a stumbling block.” We will look at each in today’s study. But let us begin with a quote from one of my favorite commentaries. I agree with Barnes when he says, “If every Christian, instead of judging his brethren severely, would resolve that ‘he’ would so live as to promote peace, and so as not to lead others into sin, it would tend more, perhaps, than any other thing to advance the harmony and purity of the church of Christ.” There we have it!

Paul is so concerned that we as followers of Christ do nothing to hurt the chances for others to walk victoriously with Jesus. We shouldn’t judge harshly which could turn someone away. We shouldn’t behave in such a way to confuse a young follower or an unbeliever. He urges us to not be a determent to anyone in today’s verse.

APPLICATION

“Obstacle” is the Greek word proskomma. It means “any obstacle that causes a person to trip, literally on a path or figuratively on the way of faith.” (Topical Lexicon). We see that word used four times in Romans (9:32, 33; 14:13, 20). It is used by Paul again in 1 Corinthians 8:9 where he writes, “But take care that this freedom of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” This was written in the context of eating food which may have been sacrificed to idols. Interestingly, this word is used once more in 1 Peter 2:8 to describe Jesus when Peter quotes from Isaiah 8:14. “and, ‘A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE’”

The other word Paul uses in today’s verse is translated as “stumbling block.” It is skándalon. It is used three other times in Romans (9:33; 11:9; 16:17). This word represents the trigger or mechanism which closes a trap on an unsuspecting prey. We should never set a trap for another person to make them fall into sin. You and I have heard far too many stories of Christian leaders who have done this. They will answer for this one day.

Who is watching you? Are there little ones who mimic your every move? How awful it would be for them to see you engaged in some sinful activity and cause them to choose a similar action. Our intentions toward others must always be about building them up in Christ. We do that my setting the example ourselves. We do that by living holy lives worthy of imitating. Will you do that this week? Be Jesus to those around you.

Father, I am far from perfect, but I want to be just like You so others will follow You, not me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Accountability, Eternity, Glory, Judging, Judgment, Service, Works

WE WILL GIVE AN ACCOUNT

ROMANS 14:12

“So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.”

Have you ever been called into your boss’ office to give a report on your work? It can be intimidating, can’t it? If you have done your job well, there is usually nothing to worry about (unless your boss is just an ogre, lol). But if you’ve been slacking on the job or have not met goals that were set for you, you might me in for a little “woodshed” time. That is never comfortable. I always tried to avoid those kinds of meetings by doing what I was asked to the best of my ability.

Paul continues the discussion of the bema seat judgment for believers with today’s verse. He reminds us that we have to give an account of ourselves to the Lord and Master of the universe. Don’t skip over that first word, though. Paul writes, “So…” This participle in the Greek is ara and it is decisive. You could translate it as “no doubt, then, therefore, wherefore.” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). No believer will be exempt from this. It doesn’t matter how long you were a Christian and how much you think you may have done for the Lord, you will give an account.

APPLICATION

But let’s take a look at that phrase “give an account.” Barnes says this phrase means, “That is, of his character and conduct; his words and actions; his plans and purposes. In the fearful arraignment of that day every work and purpose shall be brought forth and tried by the unerring standard of justice. As we shall be called to so fearful an account with God, we should not be engaged in condemning our brethren but should examine whether we are prepared to give up our account with joy, and not with grief.” I love how he points it back to Paul’s discussion earlier in this chapter about judging others.

The Greek for this phrase, however, is not anything elaborate or difficult to understand. It literally reads “will give a word.” We will have to explain ourselves. Afterall, at the time of this judgment we will not be able to justify our actions or lack of action. What has been done is done. I wonder if the Lord will ask us any questions. I don’t think so. All we can really say at this point is, “Here I am, Lord. These are the works I have done in Your name.” Then the fire will test them. Whoof!

And it is important to point out that we will give an account of ourself. No one is going to step up and defend our works for us. Nor will we be able to speak on behalf of someone else. Each believer will give an account for their own works. So, let me ask you, are your works fireproof? Will they pass the test? Make sure the works you are doing for Jesus are works He has initiated and blessed. Don’t do something and then ask the Lord to bless it. Ask Him first. If He says to do it and you do it as He instructs, I guarantee it will pass the test. Serve Him wisely.

Father, I want all my works to be done for Your glory and not mine.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Judge T.D. Anderson seated at bench with attorneys and courtroom audience during proceedings
Bible, Judging, Judgment, Love, Romans, Scripture

JUDGMENT SEAT OF GOD

ROMANS 14:10

“But as for you, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you as well, why do you regard your brother or sister with contempt? For we will all appear before the judgment seat of God.”

I have only had to appear before a judge in court once. That was for a traffic accident way back in 1984 or 85. I sat in that courtroom for a few hours until my case was called. Then I had to approach the bench, which was at least four feet above me. There the judge sat while the officer gave the details of the accident and said that it was a “no-fault” accident and recommended dismissal. The judge never lifted his eyes from what he was reading. He just banged his gavel and ordered me to pay the fine. The officer shook his head at me, and we walked away.

The judgment seat Paul refers to in today’s verse is the Bema seat. The bema seat was a raised platform which someone had to approach to receive a reward or a punishment. The Topical Lexicon describes it this way. “Paul applies the familiar civic image to Christ’s final evaluation of believers. The context is not condemnation (Romans 8:1) but accountability. Works are tested, motives revealed, and rewards dispensed (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). The judicial metaphor lends weight to everyday choices, urging holiness and sincere service.”

APPLICATION

I want all my works to pass the test. I desire they all be done for His glory and not my own. However, I am sure there will be a little smoke when I approach it. Some of the “good” things I have done have not been exactly what He would have had me do. A lot of my worldly achievements will vanish like a vapor. I truly want to lay everything down at His feet and know they are acceptable.

Paul gives this description of believers’ future accountability as he has been discussing how we treat each other. So, this must be a big deal. This must really matter to the Lord. He must really want us to love and respect one another. What do you think? Why else would this be brought up in today’s verse? After all, didn’t Jesus tell us to love another?

So many of our actions are done out of selfishness or jealousy. These can play no part in the life a follower of Christ. Those emotions will lead us to judge each other wrongly and to mistreat others. See your treatment of others as something that must pass the fire test. Will this behavior survive the bema seat? That’s a great question.

Father, help me love in such a way that I know my actions will be meet with approval on that fateful day I appear before You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Elderly woman with an ash cross on forehead, wearing scarf and coat
Bible, Scripture, Worship, Freedom, Law, Judging, Celebrate, Romans

ONE DAY OVER ANOTHER

ROMANS 14:5

“One person values one day over another, another values every day the same. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.”

All through Christendom there has been a debate about which day(s) should be observed by Christians as more holy than others. For some denominations, Ash Wednesday is a very holy day that precedes the Easter season on the first day of Lent. Others hold strictly to Easter Sunday and Christmas as the most holy days. Some believe you should worship on Saturdays (the Jewish Sabbath) while others adhere to Sundays.

Paul includes this debate in his instructions to the readers of this letter. Go back and read Romans 14:1-4. You will see that Paul is trying to show them that judging others, no matter the issue, is not what God intended. The Jewish believers still held to many of the Jewish festivals. They were family occasions and times to gather and celebrate. These were hard to just stop. So, Gentile believers or Jewish believers who had ceased recognizing those days should not be critical.

APPLICATION

In Galatians 4:10-11, Paul warns the young believers, “10 You meticulously observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain.” Of course, Galatians was written in part to defend against the influences of the Judaizers, the ones who taught that Gentiles should follow the Mosaic law in addition to following Jesus. No! We are free from the restraints of such laws.

The same held true as Paul wrote to the Colossian believers. In Colossians 2:16 we read, “Therefore, no one is to act as your judge in regard to food and drink, or in respect to a festival or a new moon, or a Sabbath day—” This was a wide-spread issue, not just isolated in Rome. Paul’s desire was for all believers to dwell in unity and not argue about things that did not pertain to their salvation in Christ Jesus.

After all, Paul had been a Pharisee. If anyone would have wanted to hold on to the ceremonial law which had driven his life, he would. But Paul knew Jesus had come to fulfill the Law and set all men free from the impossible demands. God gave Moses the Law to guide and prepare the Jewish nation. Man had corrupted it and added burdensome regulations. Paul is saying, “Enough is enough! Those days are no longer binding. Live in harmony.” Let’s agree to not be critical of others who celebrate Jesus differently than we do. Amen?

Father, You have brought us all into one family. Help us keep the family united.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Older gentleman in gray suit stands beside waiter holding whiskey decanter and glass on tray in library
Bible, Judging, Judgment, Masters, Obedience, Romans, Scripture, Servant

ANSWER TO THE MASTER

ROMANS 14:4

“Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.”

Did you ever watch the tv series Downton Abbey? The storyline had as much to do with the servants as it did Lord Graham and his family. These servants’ jobs were to cater to every whim and fancy of the Grahams. Other aristocrats who had servants had no authority over the Grahams’ servants or vice versa. It was a society steeped in tradition and long standing observances.

Paul uses the analogy of servant and master today to illustrate what he has been teaching about judging others. A servant during Paul’s time answered only to his master. No one had the right to judge that servant on the way they served their master. Only the master did. What is Paul saying? God will judge us for our service to Him. No one else has that right. As followers of Christ, we answer to one Lord. We are responsible to do what He tells us, no matter what others may think.

APPLICATION

Barnes says, “Christians are the servants of God; they are answerable to him; and ‘we’ have no right to usurp ‘His’ place, and to act as if we were ‘lords over His heritage;’” Peter tells the elders in 1 Peter 5:2-3, “2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not with greed but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as domineering over those assigned to your care, but by proving to be examples to the flock.” He goes on to say if they do this God promises them a crown of glory. Wow!

In James 4:12, we are told, “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you, judging your neighbor?” As Paul says in the last phrase of today’s verse, “for the Lord is able to make him stand.” We are beholden to no one except our Father in heaven. He has the right to judge us and forgive us. He is the one who will “make us stand.” Many scholars agree that this refers to our security of salvation.

Are you passing judgment on others? Are you judgmental of what a person wears and what they eat? As long as that person is not doing anything that goes against the teachings of Christ, we must show tolerance and acceptance. I didn’t say this was going to be easy. I struggle reconciling this in my own life at times. However, we all must bow to the wisdom of God in these things and trust that He sees the big picture. Just love each other.

Father, I do struggle at times accepting others who think differently than me. Help me accept them because You love them and desire to see them become more like Jesus.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Text reading 'Contempt and Condemnation' with words scowling judgment, scorn, censure, rejection in a grungy, cracked concrete background
Bible, Scripture, Prejudice, Judgment, Condemnation, Judging, Romans, contempt

CONTEMPT AND CODEMNATION

ROMANS 14:3

“The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him.”

We continue Paul’s instruction to the Roman believers in regard to how to treat fellow believers. I am constantly amazed at how Christians treat each other. So many in the church have no clue what the Word says about that. They excuse their behaviors and can be downright mean to other believers. Paul did not want that to be the legacy of the early church. He knew they needed each other.

Paul uses a couple of words in today’s verse that are kind of harsh – “contempt” and “judge.” I need to remind you that the issue at hand really wasn’t about food or drink. Paul is addressing how to behave, how to encourage one another. These early believers faced enough persecution from the Roman government. He did want to see them persecuting each other.

APPLICATION

The word “contempt” is the Greek word eksouthenéō “(from ek, ‘completely out from,’ which intensifies outheneō, ‘bring to naught, reduce to nothing’) – properly, cast out as nothing; set at nought; ‘to count as nothing, to treat with utter contempt, i.e. as zero’ (WP, 2, 281); ‘set at nought, despise utterly’ (A-S); to regard something as lacking any standing (value).” (HELPS Word-studies) That’s a tough one. We see it used ten other times in the New Testament. One of those is Luke 23:11. “And Herod, together with his soldiers, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, dressing Him in a brightly shining robe, and sent Him back to Pilate.” Now, let me ask you, is that how you want to treat other believers? I hope not.

The other word Paul uses, “judge,” is the Greek word krínō. It’s a commonly used word in the New Testament, appearing 115 times. J. Thayer comments that “the proper meaning of krínō is to pick out (choose) by separating.” Did I ever tell you about one of the first churches I served? It was in North Carolina during my seminary days. The church (mostly family members) had an ongoing feud over hunting. One group deer hunted with dogs and the other didn’t. These family members sat on opposite sides of the church and wouldn’t fellowship together. They had judged each other and separated themselves. How sad?

Paul wanted these believers to love one another and accept each other’s decisions about this food issue. We might say, “Don’t make a mountain out of molehill.” Let the small stuff slide and concentrate on living holy lives dedicated to the Lord and each other. Let me encourage you to do the same.

Let me not show contempt or judge a fellow believer but love them as You would, Lord.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Accountability, Bible, Guilt, Guilty, Judging, Judgment, Law, Scripture

ACCOUNTABLE

ROMANS 3:19

“Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God;”

In our Every Man A Warrior books, we teach men to be accountable to God, family and other men. We are not afraid to confront each other about our lives. We challenge each other to be better men, to treat our wives as Christ would, to love our children as unto the Lord and to live for our communities to make it a better place. Accountability is difficult at times, but it is definitely worth it in the end.

Paul reminds his readers in today’s verse about two undeniable truths. One is that in order to be held accountable to a law, there must first be a law. Secondly, in order to be held accountable, there must have been a violation of the law. Paul’s readers knew this. God’s law was present and pertained to all. Their guilt was based on the fact that they had violated at least one of those commandments, thereby violating them all. Guilt was present.

APPLICATION

In the Commitment we sign as warriors in Every Man A Warrior, number five says that we will not be defensive if our brothers challenge us (hold us accountable). That may be related to not doing the weekly assignment or memorizing that week’s verse. We want to challenge each other to help each other grow. That’s the whole purpose behind God’s accountability in our lives. His commandments were given to us to make us more like Him. Who doesn’t want that?

The Greek word translated as “accountable” is hupodikos, and it only occurs right here in the New Testament. It literally means “under sentence.” In order for a sentence to be given, guilt must be proven. In our U.S. court systems, we say everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Then and only then is the sentence rendered. Sometimes that sentence is light and other times it is harsh, such as the death penalty.

None of us have a defense against the “divine bench.” The Great Judge will render judgment on all mankind. We, however, as followers of Christ, have escaped this great judgment because our guilt was put on another. Isaiah 53:5 speaks of the suffering Servant (Jesus) when it says, “But He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings; the punishment for our well-being was laid upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” Thank You, Lord, for carrying my guilt to the cross.

I am forever grateful that You paid a debt You did owe because I owed a debt I could not pay.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Blood, Eternity, Forgiveness, Judging, Judgment, Scripture, Sin

WE WILL ALL BE JUDGED

ROMANS 3:7

“But if through my lie the truth of God abounded to His glory, why am I also still being judged as a sinner?”

In William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, Queen Gertrude in speaking to the Player Queen says, “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.” The phrase refers to someone’s excessively strong or insincere denial of something, leading others to suspect they might be guilty or hiding something. That phrase popped into my head when I read today’s verse.

Paul is kind of playing the devil’s advocate here and throwing out another ridiculous question. Can our sins ever cause God’s glory to become greater? Paul isn’t insinuating that. He is really showing the folly of such thinking. But he knows that people want to rationalize their sinful decisions. After all, why should we be judged, right? Because we are sinful creatures in need of Savior.

APPLICATION

God’s glory is not enhanced by our sin. His glory is shown by how He responds to this sin by demanding adherence to His commands. You’ve heard it said that God’s ten commandments are not His ten suggestions. They are meant to be followed. When we choose to not follow them, we are subject to the punishment that will follow, sooner or later.

Why Carl, I’ve been a sinner all my life and God hasn’t stricken me dead yet. That’s right, not yet. But we know that our sins will find us out. We will be held liable for those sins at some point. We see people all around us who seemingly get away with all kinds of sinful behavior. They may not ever face the consequences this side of eternity, but their day is coming. Rest assured, God will not be mocked.

As I write this devotional blog today, the world has been rocked by yet another senseless murder. The man killed loved Jesus and will be seen as a martyr for Christ. Even his last few words were giving testimony to the work Christ had done. And then…the bullet came that took his life. We scream for justice. We scream for retribution. But Christ died for the very man who took Charlie Kirk’s life. Charlie would have been the first to share Jesus with him, if he had only asked. And if by chance this young man turns to Jesus before his death, Charlie will be there to welcome him into heaven.

Sins left unconfessed and uncovered by the blood of Christ will cost you everything. You will lose an eternity with God. But if you confess and turn to Him, all is forgiven, no matter the gravity of the sin. Have you done that?

O Lord, forgive us for judging others when we have no right to do so. You are the one who is worthy to judge all mankind.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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