Biblical Judgment: 5 Errors & 5 Commands

Before doing this study, please read the one-minute introduction called Biblical Judgement: 5 Errors. It explains 5 hindrances to judging things biblically. This study expands on the topic of biblical judgement by offering 5 Situations when the Bible commands us to judge so we can avoid things which hinder and compromise our faith.

1. Corporate/Church/formal Judgment.

Matthew 18:15-17: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”

This is a specific type of judgment which is also explained in 1 Corinthians 5. The first step (going privately to someone who has offended us or done something harmful or illegal) should be part of any situation, personal or official, with a Christian or non-Christian. But the other steps are specific for formal church discipline which addresses church members involved in an ungodly lifestyle.

We should support this type of church discipline because it is an important aspect in maintaining the faith and integrity of a church. 

2. Judging fellow believers to save them from destruction:

James 5:19-20: “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”

Judging fellow believers is an important aspect of loving fellowship. It should be done carefully, prayerfully, and with the right motives as explained in Biblical Judgement: 5 Errors. But it's an important aspect of genuine faith - both giving and receiving legitimate correction.

3. Judging our partnerships:

2 Corinthians 6:14: “Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?”(NLT) 

We are deeply influenced by partnerships, whether in business, leisure, or ministry. This doesn't mean that we can't work with non-Christians or have non-Christian friends. But we don't join with them in ways that gives them substantial influence over our choices. We realize the importance of marrying a like-minded believer, but we often overlook the importance of this command in other areas.

We have a very famous example of how partnerships can influence our faith. Dallas Jenkins employed a number of Mormons in key positions in his production of The Chosen, and even though he previously viewed them as a cult (which they are), he now believes they worship the same Jesus as evangelicals. There are many proofs that ungodly partnerships have affected Jenkin's discernment, values, and portrayal of Jesus. See Amazing Contradictions: Dallas Jenkins and The Chosen. 

4. Judging our Influences:

1 Corinthians 15:33: “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 

Ephesians 5:11-13: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.” 

Proverbs 4:23: Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

We often think that the only bad influences are those that are obviously evil, but the most effective bad influences are those that mix truth with error, causing us to lose our discernment and eventually lose our concern for accurate biblical truths.

I've seen this happen in regard to Christians who've become fans of a book or movie such as The Shack, Jesus Calling, or The Chosen. They not only defend aspects of these things when they contradict God's Word, they defend them and redefine their faith to fit the contradictions. 

I have seen Christians lose favor with their Christian friends because they showed concern for errors in The Chosen. I have been at Bible studies where fictional aspects of The Chosen were used to define Scripture. In one conversation, a man showed a casual attitude toward his personal sins by claiming the Apostles were all bad people and adulterers when Christ chose them. Of course, this isn't found in the Bible. I have also heard the most fantastic justifications for The Chosen Jesus claiming he is the law of Moses even though that statement directly contradicts Christ's mission. Read Why Scripture Refutes this claim or watch the YouTube video The Chosen's "I Am the Law of Moses" Statement. 

I believe it's best to avoid things which mix truth with error, but if a Christian reads or watches these things, they must be able and willing to honestly address the errors or they will lose their discernment and respect for God's Word. See Are You Willing to Address Scriptural Contradictions in The Chosen.

5. Judging teachings and teachers by what they teach and how they live. 

Matthew 7:15-20: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”

Successful false teachings are those which are attractive and which appeal to our fallen human nature. Satan knows how to lead us into compromise. So let's wake up and judge things accurately, making our loyalty to God and His Word our highest goal.

copyright 2016, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, updated in 2024