Index To The Four Most Dangerous Mistakes Any Christian Can Make
1) Believe that we, or our pastor/denomination/spiritual leader cannot be fooled, 2) Attribute every personal testimony and “sign” as being of or from God, 3) Take Bible verses out of context and 4) believe that we, as Christians, are not to judge anything or any one. Not necessarily in that order.
Also See
Why Christians Are Deceived
That deception is so rampant in the church can be primarily attributed to just one underlying fact - the vast majority of Christians today are Biblically illiterate. Fraternizing With The Enemy
Few seem to realize that Christians are commanded to separate themselves from those who teach and practice false doctrine True and False Unity
Although doctrine has often been allowed to divide people in disgraceful ways, division is not something that can be avoided. You could scour the Scriptures for the next ten years without finding a single word about being united at the expense of truth. Ignoring important areas in which we differ is simply a papering over of the rot in the walls
Thou Shalt Not Judge! ... 11th Commandment Or Politically Correct Statement?
"Many tender-minded Christians fear to sin against love by daring to inquire into anything that comes wearing the cloak of Christianity and breathing the name of Jesus. They dare not examine the credentials of the latest prophet to hit their town lest they be guilty of rejecting something which may be of God. They timidly remember how the Pharisees refused to accept Christ when He came, and they do not want to be caught in the same snare, so they either reserve judgment or shut their eyes and accept everything without question. This is supposed to indicate a high degree of spirituality. But in sober fact it indicates no such thing. It may indeed be evidence of the absence of the Holy Spirit. Gullibility is not synonymous with spirituality. A. W. Tozer Please Note: THERE ISN'T A SINGLE INSTANCE of Jesus or the Apostles dealing gently with those were leading others astray and introducing false doctrine into the church. From The Savior down, every one of them dealt with heretics harshly, publicly and immediately. And that is the New Testament. In the Old Testament false prophets and the people who listened to them were destined to perish by sword or famine or be put to death. See Deuteronomy 13:5, Ezekiel 13, Jeremiah 14:15-16, Zechariah 13:3 etc.
ON THIS PAGE
What "to Judge" Means
"Judge Not"
A common cliché that stems from political correctness not the Scriptures "Judging" Or Carefully Evaluating Is Critical. AND Is One Of The Gifts of The Holy Spirit If Judging Others Is As Unchristian as It Is Often Made Out To Be, How Do You Explain These Instructions Certain Types Of Judging Is Wrong. He That Is Without Sin Among You - "Proof Text"? Who Are You To Say? Attack Dogs of Christendom What The Bible Says About Publicly Warnings Against The Wolves
And The Very Strong Language Frequently Used To Denounce False Teachers In Conclusion - Judging is Monumentally Important... What The Bible Says
Try doing any of these without 'judging'
What "To Judge" Means
All too many Americans believe that one has to accommodate whatever anyone else might believe - even if it contradicts the facts or makes absolutely no sense. When it comes to religion and faith issues anyone who dares voice the opinion that what someone else believes is incorrect or defies common sense is often accused of being intolerant, unloving etc. They are often told that they should not judge.
What we really need to do is take a close look what the word intolerant means and what it means to judge some else's beliefs. Intolerant The English word 'tolerate' means to put up with something you may not like, agree with or approve of etc. In fact, one person cannot tolerate someone else unless he, or she, disagrees with that person. For example, although we might be the most tidy of people who deplore an mess, we might tolerate or put up with a member of our family who leaves their clothes strewn around. In other words, the word "tolerance" does not apply to someone who shares our views or lifestyle. In a religious context, tolerance simply means that a person of one faith will tolerate or put up with other religions and will not, in any way, discriminate against someone because of their religious convictions. And no one can argue that this not is the right thing to do.
Also See Three Common But Erroneous Beliefs of Religious Pluralism Biblical Judging
Although the word judgmental can be applied to someone who tends to make self-righteous judgments (particularly moral ones) based on their personal opinions or standards, this is not the kind of 'judging' being spoken about here. As Merriam Webster's says, to judge is to form an opinion through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises. To determine or pronounce after inquiry and deliberation. to form an estimate or evaluation of
By which definition it means that when a person is told not to judge, they are being told that they should not consider and evaluate the evidence. What seems to be rarely considered is that we make judgments every single day of our lives. If we are wise we do not make important decisions such as what job to take, what car to buy, which insurance company to go with, which candidate to vote for etc. without doing the appropriate research. If we are wise, we make our decision based on a careful evaluation of the evidence we gather. Unfortunately, in all too many cases poor judgment is closely connected with ignorance of all the facts, a lack of understanding and/or insufficient thought and deliberation given the matter. In this article 'to judge' is used to determine or form an opinion or estimation after consideration or deliberation. Yet, how often do we hear one person telling another not to judge...
"Judge Not.
The phrase "judge not" has become one of the oft quoted Bible verses far more popular than many other New Testament statements like "go and sin no more" (John 8:11), Without holiness no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14) or, in the case of non believers, "....unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." (John 8:24)
Although this common cliché comes from political correctness rather than Scripture, sadly even Christians are beginning to accept that this absurdity is a guiding principle of Christian living and behavior - the eleventh commandment if you will. In fact, in his book The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren wrote "God warns us over and over not to criticize, compare, or judge each other. When you criticize what another believer is doing in faith and from sincere conviction, you are interfering with God's business. 'What right do you have to criticize someone else's servants? Only their Lord can decide if they are doing right' ... Whenever I judge another believer, four things instantly happen: I lose fellowship with God, I expose my own pride and insecurity, I set myself up to be judged by God, and I harm the fellowship of the church. A critical spirit is a costly vice " [01]
It is completely ludicrous to lump the words criticize and judge together when they mean vastly different things. "To criticize" means to find fault with whereas - as explained earlier - "to judge" means to form an opinion after weighing the available evidence. When it comes to Christianity, ALL teachings must be evaluated against God's word thus we need to carefully compare some of what Rick Warren preaches and teaches with the Scriptures say. And when that is done The Purpose Driven Life comes up very short.
If Judging Others Is As Unchristian As It Is Often Made Out To Be,
How Do You Explain The Following
(John the Baptist to King Herod): "It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife." (Mark 6:18) Paul: But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. (Galatians 2:11 NASB) We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:14 NASB) If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. (2 Thessalonians 3:14 NASB) Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned. (Titus 3:10-11 NASB)
Also, in the 18th chapter of the book of Matthew, Jesus instructed His disciples that they were to confront a brother who sins and, if necessary, the church was to discipline him. I would love to know how they were supposed to do this without first judging that the brother was sinning. "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. "But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17 NASB)
James spoke of how important it was to try and turn someone from error. My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20 NASB)
"Judging" Or Carefully Evaluating Is Critical Because Without It
How can we possibly know who the false Christs and false prophets are who will arise and show great signs and wonders, to mislead if possible, the elect. (Matthew 24:24) Mark and avoid those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine we have learned. (Romans 16:17) How can we know if someone is deceiving us with empty words (Ephesians 5:6 and 2 Thessalonians 2:3) or trying to delude us with persuasive argument (Colossians 2:4) How can we "abhor what is evil" and cling to what is good (Romans 12:9) if we cannot tell the difference How will we know if we are being "tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; (Ephesians 4:14 NASB)
There are many more explicit instructions in the New Testament that we could not possibly obey without carefully evaluating where what is being taught is right or wrong - judging in other words. See Footnote I Which is why...
Discernment or "Judging" Is One Of The Gifts of The Holy Spirit
In speaking of the "diversities of gifts" given by the Holy Spirit, Paul says some are given the gift of miracles, others prophecy, or various kinds of tongues. Yet other are given
Strong's Hebrew and Greek lexicon defines diakrisis as "judicial estimation". NASEC says it is "the act of judgment" and Thayer's lexicon says it is "distinguishing, discerning, judging". In other words, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is the ability to judge or determine between two things as to which is right and which is wrong. This kind of judgment is an absolutely crucial because it protects God's people. WHY are we forgetting Paul's words to the Corinthians that apply just as much to us as it did to them. (Emphasis Added) I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler - not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? (1 Corinthians 5:9-12 NASB)
However, there is NO question that
Certain Types Of Judging Is Wrong.
However, what is interesting is that those who do quote the "judge not" verse are vaguely aware that it is somewhere in the Bible, while their more knowledgeable counterparts have actually narrow it down to something that Jesus said. Few however, seem to have any idea where exactly the phrase is to be found. Whichever the case, this situation perfectly illustrates the old saying... "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing" because the Bible nowhere condemns judging in general, but does point out that certain types of judging is wrong.
The First Kind of "Wrong Judging" Is To Judge Hypocritically.
The fact is, that "Judge not, that ye be not judged" is not a stand alone statement that Jesus pulled out of thin air, then saying no more on the matter, went off to try his hand at fishing for his lunch on the Sea of Tiberias. In fact, it has been terribly wrested from it's context. Just a couple of verses later Jesus Himself called certain people "dogs" and "swine" (7:6), and "wolves in sheep's clothing" (7:15) so... Perhaps we should allow the Lord to complete His thought AND His sentence. "Do not judge so that you will not be judged. "For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. (Matthew 7:1-5 NASB) "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye. (Luke 6:42 NASB)
Jesus wasn't saying or even implying, that we should never make judgments about anyone at any time. Nor was He telling us that we should never pull the speck out of our brother's eye. What He said was that we should first examine ourselves in case we are guilty of the same or worse problems. We have to take the log out of our own eye BEFORE removing the speck from our brother's eye. In other words, we are not to judge hypocritically. Paul did not tell the Romans and Galatians that they were never to judge anyone however, he clearly warned against hypocritical judgment. Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? (Romans 2:1-3 NASB) Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. (Galatians 6:1 NASB)
The Second Kind of "Wrong Judging" Is To Judge According To Appearances Or Material Possessions.
Remember what Jesus said to the Pharisees about judging righteously and James' warning to the church about judging according to status or wealth
"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." (John 7:24 NASB) For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, "You sit here in a good place," and you say to the poor man, "You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool," have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? (James 2:2-4 NASB)
A Third Kind of "Wrong Judging" Is To Judge On Unimportant Matters
I have hear several verses in the 14th chapter of Romans used to validate the position that Christians should not judge each other.
Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. (Romans 14:1 NASB) 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. (Romans 14:4 NASB) But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. (Romans 14:10 NASB) Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this - not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way. (Romans 14:13 NASB)
However, a careful reading of the context (See previous Chapter - Context is Crucial) makes it clear that in this chapter Paul was endeavoring to settle some areas of disagreement between the Jews and Gentiles. This was possibly due to the Jews being inclined to want the Gentile converts adhere to their own customs and to insist on the observance of the Mosaic law. The particular issues were whether it was lawful to eat the meat that was offered in sacrifice to idols, whether to observe days of fasting, and whether some certain animals were clean or unclean. Even though the Bible gives no definitive commands regarding any of the above, people were judging each other over these issues, However, Paul pointed out that one person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only and neither is to judge the other (Vs. 14:2-3). Every Christian is at liberty to consider a day to be holy or not holy, as he happens to be persuaded in his own mind (V.5). And that no meat is unclean in and of itself, but is unclean if the person concerned believes it is (V.14) In other words, these more 'secondary issues' were to be decided by the individual concerned according to which way he is fully convinced in his own mind. As Paul said "The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves (V.22) However, in the previous verse he did say "It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles. (Romans 14:21 NASB)
In The Sin of Judging Others, Steven J. Cole lists other ways we judge wrongly. Copy and paste into your browser
https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-17-sin-judging-others-james-411-12
He That Is Without Sin Among You
One verse often used to support the idea that one should not judge anyone else, is found in the eighth chapter of the book of John. When the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman to Jesus who had been found in the very act of committing adultery and demanded to know what Jesus had to say about the fact that the law of Moses commanded them to stone her. (John 8:4-5) Jesus' ignored them at first but...
... when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7 NASB)
By this time the religious leader had seen and heard enough to know that Jesus had compassion on sinners which they assumed would make it very difficult for Him to condemn the woman. If He did not, He would be seen as opposing the law of Moses, contradicting Himself when He said that He had come to fulfill the law not abolish it (Matthew 5:17-18). They thought they had Jesus trapped, but how little they knew about our Lord. He did not deny the woman's guilt, and did not ask for mercy for her. She was an adulteress and deserved to die. But there was one problem - who would cast the first stone? Jesus' words were a warning to the Pharisees whose zeal for the law became so unbalanced that it affected their judgment and completely excluded the spirit of the law ( See Jesus and The Law). They unfortunately believed oral tradition was as authoritative as the written Law and thought of themselves as a sort of spiritual police force taking pride in denouncing 'ungodliness' in others but rarely looking to themselves. It is no wonder that Jesus called them hypocrites and pronounced several 'woes' on them. See Are We Also Pharisees? Thus when forced to, they gradually melted away leaving the woman alone with Jesus, who told her that her accusers had disappeared and because He did not condemn her she was free to go. However, Jesus never gave her license to sin, but urged her to forsake her sin in the future. What is interesting about this whole incident is that in the law of Moses which the Scribes referred to, both the adulterer and the adulteress were to be put to death (Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22). But the hypocritical Scribes and Pharisees only dragged the woman before Jesus which leads one to believe it was a set up. They had far more interest in backing Jesus into a corner than they were in applying the law. A second challenge thrown down at the feet of those who dare to challenge their beliefs, doctrine, or practices is ....
Who Are You To Say?
This can be phrased in a number of ways... Who left you in charge? Who died and left you boss? Challengers are often referred to as "heresy hunters" in an effort to disparage them. Who actually goes hunting for heresies?. The fact is that some people are more aware of heresies than others. They read or hear something and realize that what they have heard or read is not Scriptural.
Through the ages there have been watchmen appointed by the Lord, and as the days grow more and more dark, it is highly unlikely that He has stopped appointing watchmen. To be noted is that the watchman is held responsible if he does not warn someone of their iniquity. "Son of man, I have appointed you a watchman to the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from My mouth, warn them from Me. "When I say to the wicked, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to warn the wicked from his wicked way that he may live, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. (Ezekiel 3:17-18 NASB) 'But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet and the people are not warned, and a sword comes and takes a person from them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require from the watchman's hand.' (Ezekiel 33:6 NASB)
No one should ever be afraid to stand up and challenge false teachings showing how it differs from the Scriptures. Unfortunately it is fairly common to run into those who want to know what right the challenger has to challenge their doctrine. In other words, they are attacking the challenger instead of the objection the challenger brings up. This response is not only irrelevant, but completely misses the point. The challenger is not saying "you have to believe me because I said so" but you should at least listen to what I have to say because my reasoning is based on the Scriptures. There's a world of difference One outstanding example of this was ....
"Attack Dogs" of Christendom
The August 2007 issue of Christianity Today carried an article by David Aikman entitled Attack Dogs of Christendom.. Is This How To Bring Grace And Savor To A Crumbling Civilization?, in which he severely criticizes what he calls the (emphasis added)
"self-appointed attack dogs of Christendom" who "seem determined to savage not only opponents of Christianity, but also fellow believers of whose doctrinal positions they disapprove".
Aikman went on to say A troll through the Internet reveals websites so drenched in sarcasm and animosity that an agnostic, or a follower of another faith tradition interested in what it means to become a Christian, might be permanently disillusioned. None of the major figures of American Protestantism in the past quarter-century have been spared from attack, from Billy Graham to Rick Warren, from Tim LaHaye to Robert Schuller. The attacks, moreover, are not reasoned or modestly couched criticism, but blasts of ire determined to discredit beyond redemption the targets of the criticism. The angriest websites are those belonging to small, but disturbingly visible, fundamentalist Protestant groups outraged that fellow Protestants appear to be holding out a welcoming hand to Catholics or Orthodox Christians." [02]
He named Ken Silva of Apprising Ministries who allegedly called Rick Warren a "milquetoast", Robert Schuller and Norman Vincent Peale "the devil's duo" and Brian McLaren and Joel Osteen "vipers of new evangelicalism" and "whitewashed tombs." What is astonishing is that Aikman said these fundamentalists attack those whose doctrinal positions they disapprove of. Entirely untrue. He completely ignored the substantial research and doctrinal arguments that usually goes into the reports of those issuing public warning against the teachings of other Christians. He declined to refute a single point brought up by any of the apologetic ministries by showing where they are wrong according to the Scriptures. He instead chose to attack the ministry itself for comparing what is being taught in some churches with the Word of God. In the final analysis, all the Christianity Today article does is highlight two facts about David Aikman and themselves.... their 1) Hypocrisy and 2) Complete lack of Biblical knowledge - in more ways than one. Hypocrisy Unlimited
As said by David Cloud The hypocrisy is obvious ... While Christianity Today claims that it is harmful and objectionable for Christians to issue public warnings against other Christians, they do not hesitate to issue a really nasty public warning against their fellow Christians at Apprising Ministries and Way of Life Literature. If Christianity Today issues public warnings, that is fine and helpful, but others are not allowed the same privilege. That sounds like hypocrisy to me. [03]
In other words, among others Aikman objected to Robert Schuller and Norman Vincent Peale being called "the devil's duo". but it is okay for him to call other Christians "attack dogs" And as far as their complete lack of Biblical Knowledge goes, both the author and the publication are apparently not aware of ...
What The Bible Says About Publicly Warnings Against The Wolves
To say that a preacher should not publicly warn of error flies in the face of Scripture, that clearly teaches otherwise. In fact, Scripture commands various people to reprove, rebuke, and to earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints.
preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. (2Timothy 4:2) Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints. (Jude 1:3) These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise thee. (Titus 2:15)
And The Very Strong Language Frequently Used To Denounce False Teachers In The New Testament
To say that Christians are not to use any form of strong language when publicly warning against false teachers flies in the face of numerous Biblical examples, including that of the Lord Jesus Himself.
John The Baptist was not exactly polite when he saw the religious leaders making their way to his baptism. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (Matthew 3:7 NASB)
Jesus
When dealing with the Pharisees, who were respected religious leaders of the day, Jesus' language can only be called 'harsh'. He called them hypocrites, children of hell, blind guides, fools and blind, serpents, and a generation of vipers. Sadly, His words apply to far too many religious leaders of today. You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. (Matthew 12:34 NASB) Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. (Matthew 23:27 NASB) "You serpents, you brood of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell? (Matthew 23:33 NASB)
Additionally Jesus openly accused them of numerous transgressions, including pride and hypocrisy, "They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger. "But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. "They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men. (Matthew 23:4-7 NASB)
And, as the incident at the temple shows, Jesus' words were followed by action. (All Emphasis Added) And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. And He *said to them, "It is written, 'My House shall be called a house of prayer'; but you are making it a robbers' den." (Matthew 21:12-13 NASB) That's about as judgmental as it gets. Paul
In practically every epistle he wrote, Paul issued strong warnings against error. Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. (Philippians 3:17-19 NASB) I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! (Galatians 1:6-8 NASB)
For those who believe that it's fine to expose false doctrine provided the false teacher is not specifically named. I doubt Paul would agree considering how often he named the person concerned to say nothing of his 'intemperate' language. keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme. (1 Timothy 1:19-20 NASB) But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. (2 Timothy 2:16-18 NASB) You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. (2 Timothy 1:15 NASB) for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. (2 Timothy 4:10 NASB) Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; (Philippians 3:2 NASB) I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. (Philippians 4:2 NASB) Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. (2 Timothy 4:14 NASB)
Stephen
Stephen called the religious leaders who were about to stone him to death betrayers and murderers (Emphasis Added) "You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. "Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it." (Acts 7:51-53 NASB)
Peter:
Peter's devoted the entire second chapter of his second letter to "false prophets" and wasn't exactly gracious in what he says. He called their teaching "destructive heresies" (2 Peter 2:1), and said they would "malign the way of truth" (2 Peter 2:2). and
in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. (2 Peter 2:3 NASB)
He added that they "indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority" and that they are daring" and self-willed, and do not "tremble when they revile angelic majesties", (2 Peter 2:10 NASB)
and had forsaken the right way and gone astray, "having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he received a rebuke for his own transgression, for a mute donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet". (2 Peter 2:15-16 NASB)
He also called them "unreasoning animals", "creatures of instinct to be captured and killed", "stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions" who have "eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin". And that they are " accursed children" who have gone astray" their hearts trained in greed etc. etc. etc. (2 Peter 2:12-15 NASB)
who were ... springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved. (2 Peter 2:17-19 NASB)
Finally in verse 22, he said that according to the proverb, these dogs turn again to their own vomit, and like a sow, wallow in their own mire. John:
The "apostle of love" did not mince any words when speaking of people who claimed to know Jesus but did not obey Him. He flat out called them "liars". (Emphasis Added)... By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. (1 John 2:3-6 NASB)
Additionally, he warned his readers about the "antichrists" that had appeared Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us. (1 John 2:18-19 NASB)
and spoke about Diotrephes ...unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church. (3 John 1:10 NASB)
He emphatically stated that anyone who "does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God " (2 John 1:9) Note that deciding whether or not people are abiding by true doctrine involves comparing what they preach and teach with what the word of God says.. In other words judging what is right and what is wrong. Also remember that it was John who said, Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test (Gk. dokimazo) the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1 NASB)
In Conclusion - Judging is Monumentally Important...
Why are we forgetting what exactly is at stake here. No matter how big a duffer we manage to elect as president of the United States (as important a position as that may be) we have the consolation that he can be gone in four years and his bad policies etc. will hopefully be corrected by the next person.
However, when it comes to spiritual matters, we are talking about a life and death situation from which there is no going back. We had better start rethinking our position on being "judgmental" because the big judgment that all of us are going to face in the not so distant future is going to be made by someone who not exactly concerned with being 'politically correct'. His only basis for judgment will be whether or not we have obeyed His Word. To quote Brannon Howse Americans had better start getting comfortable with politically in-correct, non-humanistic forms of making intelligent judgments on moral issues because even if we don't make them, I’m concerned there is Someone very willing to hold our nation accountable for what we allow. And He doesn't respond well to intimidation, name-calling, flawed logic, or being quoted out of context. [04]
Finally I don't think Rick Warren is a "milquetoast" as Ken Silva of Apprising Ministries is supposed to have called him. The word milquetoast means 'one who has a meek, timid, unassertive nature'. Rick Warren is far worse, having done more than his fair share of Biblical manipulation. See The Purpose Driven Life. However, Robert Schuller and Norman Vincent Peale are unquestionably "the devil's duo" responsible for introducing innumerable occult concepts AND literature into the church. Robert Schuller and Norman Vincent Peale Joel Osteen has been all too happy to carry the banner first raised by Norman Vincent Peale and Naploean Hill (and make himself tremendously rich in the process. See Lifestyles of the Tele-evangelists. An October 21, 2005 article By Tatiana Morales on CBS News.com refers to an appearance Osteen made on The Early Show. Co-anchor Harry Smith "compared Osteen's preaching to Norman Vincent Peale's, and Osteen agreed". [05] The problem is that Norman Vincent Peale's The Power of Positive Thinking, not only displays an unmistakable resemblance to the philosophies of Napoleon Hill, but he even used one of Hill's hallmark expressions "conceive and believe" in his book Positive Imaging: The Powerful Way to Change Your Life. Osteen used exactly the same phrase in his book Your Best Life Now 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential. The wording in all three of the books is virtually identical. So where did Napoleon Hill get his ideas? Shockingly he was vastly influenced by an "imaginary cabinet" of unseen beings. See Joel Osteen - The Blind Leading The Blind - Chapter six of the Prosperity Doctrine. John Wimber and C. Peter Wagner Although there are innumerable others I would like to specifically mention John Wimber and C. Peter Wagner who along with Bill Hamon managed to turn a small movement (largely confined to Pentecostal and Charismatic churches) into a global phenomena. See Dominionism And C. Peter Wagner and The New Apostolic Reformation - Apostles Or Deluded Impostors
Footnote I - What The Bible Says (Try doing any of these without any 'judging')
Mark Them And Avoid Them: Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (Romans 16:17) Try Them: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits wheth I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (Romans 16:17) Do Not Associate Or Even Eat With A Fallen Brother.. I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler: not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves. (1 Corinthians 5: 9-12) Separate Yourself From Them: Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (2 Corinthians 6:17) Rebuke Them: ...rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; (Titus 1:13) Reject Them: A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; (Titus 3:10) Turn Away From Them: Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:5) Withdraw From Them: ...we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. (2 Thessalonians 3:6) Have No Company With Them: And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. (2 Thessalonians 3:14) Reprove Them: And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (Ephesians 5:11) Receive Them Not: If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (2 John 1:10-11) *
End Notes
[01] The Purpose Driven Life. Day Twenty One: Protecting Your Church. Pgs. 163-164). Hardcover: Zondervan;
1st edition (October 1, 2002)
[02] David Aikman. Attack Dogs of Christendom... Is this how to bring grace and savor to a crumbling civilization? | posted 8/27/2007 http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/august/23.52.html [03] David Cloud, Christianity Today's Cheap Shot At Biblical Warning Ministries. August 28, 2007.
http://truedsicernment.com/2007/08/30/christianity-today%E2%80%99s-cheap-shot-at-biblical-warning-ministries/ OR
http://www.thechristianexpositor.org/page151.html [04] Brannon Howse. How 'Judge Not' .. the Most Misquoted Verse in the Bible.. is Destroying America.
https://www.thepropheticyears.com/enddepravity/misapplications-of-scriptures-commonplace-when-ripped-out-of-context.html [05] Tatiana Morales. Osteen: God Is On Your Side. October 21, 2005. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/osteen-god-is-on-your-side/ | 
