Main Idea of James:
True faith in Jesus Christ is demonstrated through a life characterized by perseverance, good works, controlled speech, resistance to worldliness, and patient endurance.
Questions to Consider:
Why is speaking against or judging a fellow believer such a serious offense?
How does this behavior contradict God’s law?
How can we cultivate a more positive and encouraging attitude towards others?
The Text:
“Do not speak evil against one another, brothers and sisters. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?”– James 4:11-12 (CSB)
Observation:
v. 11: James commands believers not to speak evil against one another. He equates speaking against or judging a brother to speaking evil against and judging the law itself.
v. 12: He emphasizes that judging the law makes one a judge, not a doer of the law. He points to God as the only true lawgiver and judge, who has the authority to save and destroy. He concludes by questioning our right to judge our neighbor.
Interpretation:
v. 11: Speaking against a fellow believer is not just a personal offense; it’s an attack on God’s law, which calls for love and unity within the body of Christ.
v. 12: When we judge others, we place ourselves above the law and usurp God’s role as the ultimate judge. This reveals a prideful heart that is not focused on obeying God’s commands.
Application:
v. 11: We must be mindful of our words, ensuring that we do not speak negatively about or judge our fellow believers. This includes avoiding gossip, slander, and critical speech.
v. 12: We should focus on being doers of the law, obeying God’s commands and demonstrating love towards others, rather than setting ourselves up as judges.
Connection to the Main Idea:
This passage connects to the theme of controlled speech, highlighting the importance of using our words to build up rather than tear down. It also emphasizes the need for humility and submission to God’s authority, which are essential for persevering in faith and demonstrating true Christianity.
How does this text point to Christ?
Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:39) and to forgive others (Matt. 6:14-15). He warned against judging others (Matt. 7:1-5) and demonstrated compassion and grace towards those who were judged and condemned by others. By following Jesus’ example, we can learn to show love and grace towards our fellow believers, avoiding judgment and slander.
Summary:
James warns against speaking evil against or judging fellow believers, emphasizing that this behavior violates God’s law and usurps His role as judge. He calls believers to focus on obeying God’s commands and building each other up in love.
But wait, doesn’t this contradict other verses about judgement? No, not at all.
While James 4:11-12 strongly warns against judging others, there are other passages that seem to call for some form of judgment. The key is to understand the context and the type of judgment being discussed.
Here are some verses that address the issue of judgment, along with how they harmonize with James 4:11-12:
Matthew 7:1-5 (CSB): “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. For you will be judged by the same standard with which you judge others, and you will be measured by the same measure you use. Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your own eye? 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.”
Harmonization:
This passage focuses on hypocritical judgment, where we condemn others for faults we have ourselves. It doesn’t prohibit all forms of judgment but calls for humility and self-awareness. This aligns with James’s emphasis on being a “doer” of the law, not just a judge.
1 Corinthians 5:12-13 (CSB): “For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Don’t you judge those inside? But God judges those outside. Remove the evil person from among you.”
Harmonization:
This refers to church discipline, where believers are called to address serious sin within the church community. This is not about personal criticism but about maintaining the purity and integrity of the church. It’s a specific form of judgment with a redemptive purpose.
John 7:24 (CSB): “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
Harmonization:
Jesus acknowledges the need for discernment and making righteous judgments. This implies evaluating situations and actions based on truth and God’s Word, not on superficial appearances or personal biases. This type of judgment is about seeking truth and righteousness, not condemning others.
Galatians 6:1 (CSB): “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted also.”
Harmonization:
This highlights the importance of restoring those who have fallen into sin. It involves gentle correction and accountability, motivated by love and a desire for restoration, not condemnation. This aligns with James’s call for humility and recognizing our own vulnerability to temptation.
Overall, these verses teach us that:
Hypocritical judgment is wrong: We should not judge others for faults we have ourselves.
Church discipline is necessary: Serious sin within the church needs to be addressed with a redemptive purpose.
Discernment is important: We need to make righteous judgments based on truth and God’s Word.
Restoration is the goal: We should approach those caught in sin with gentleness and a desire for their restoration.
By understanding the different types of judgment and their purposes, we can harmonize these verses with James 4:11-12 and avoid the pitfalls of self-righteousness, criticism, and gossip.
Be Intentional:
This week, pay close attention to your conversations.
Catch yourself when you are tempted to criticize or judge others.
Instead, look for opportunities to encourage and uplift them.
Ask Yourself:
Am I quick to judge or criticize others?
Do I engage in gossip or slander?
How can I use my words to build up the body of Christ and demonstrate love towards my fellow believers?
