Friends in Christ,

"Only God can judge me." That phrase was made famous by hip hop legend Tupac Shakur on his fourth and final album titled, "All Eyez on Me." Though the album was released in 1996, the phrase (and album) has only grown in popularity and use. Perhaps you've heard someone say it. Maybe that someone was even you. But is it true? Well, yes and no. 

Let's start with the 'no.' The thought is: "It doesn't matter what you or anyone else says about my actions, only God can judge me." But it does matter. Throughout the Scriptures, we routinely see God's people judging one another. The most obvious examples are the Old Testament prophets. That was largely their entire ministry! Men like Isaiah and Jeremiah were almost exclusively called by God to preach God's judgment to the the people of Israel. God made the judgment, yes, but it was communicated through His spokesmen. 

You see, this is the key. Is the judgment lobbied against you one that is communicated in God's Word, i.e. by God? Then it must also be communicated by God's representatives and His people. In Matthew 18, Jesus says, "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault" (v. 15). That confrontation is gonna sound an awful lot like judging and it should because it is. And yet, Jesus says 'go' and judge. Call a sin a 'sin' and a sinner a 'sinner.' In Matthew 7, Jesus warns, "Watch out for false prophets...By their fruit you will recognize them" (v. 15, 16). You are to judge a preacher and teacher of the Bible by the fruit of his preaching and teaching, by what you hear him proclaim and how you see him live. Meaning that every Sunday (and every day) you should be judging me. Was the sermon a true exposition of God's Word? Was my teaching accurate? Is my life in line with Scripture? If it's not, you are not only allowed but you must confront me with judgment. 

I can't hide from other people's judgment when it comes from the Word of God Himself. "Only God can judge me." Sure, but until you meet Him face to face or the Last Day comes, His judgment will come to you from the face and mouth of another Christian. Out of love for one another, we will and must judge lest temptation and sin go unchecked and the devil gets a foothold.  

The sad irony when people say, "Only God can judge me" is that they seem to think their odds are better escaping God's judgment rather than yours or mine. I can only judge what I see. But God sees and knows the heart. I can only judge what I hear. But God listens to my thoughts and knows my true feelings toward another. Honestly, I would much rather be judged by another person. It's much easier to fool you than God. 

"Only God can judge me." Instead of insisting on God's judgment to avoid yours, I should be asking, "What will God's judgment of me be?" I should've clarified earlier: I would much rather be judged by people rather than God...if it were not for Jesus. It is Jesus who provides the answer to that most important question. 

In our second Scripture reading on Sunday, we'll listen to (in my opinion) words from the single greatest chapter in the Bible: Romans 8. In it Paul addresses this topic of judgment. Paul writes: "If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things" (v. 31, 32)? If God is for me...well, is He? Of course He is. How do I know? Because He gave up His Son, Jesus, for you. 

But there's more. If God is for us and Jesus proves He is, then what other judgment should worry us? Paul asks: "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies" (v. 33). God has already judged you when He sentenced His Son to pay the wages of your sin on the cross. In Christ God has justified you, that is, declared you innocent. Paul continues: "Who is he that condemns" (v. 34)? The implied answer is 'no one.' If God has justified you, then who can override His judgment and condemn you? "Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us" (v. 34). Not that He would but if God could somehow ever be tempted to change His mind about you, well, the One who paid your entrance fee into heaven is standing between you and the Father constantly pleading your case. Jesus shows His hands, feet, and side reminding the Father that you are forgiven and free forever. 

"Only God can judge me?" Yes and no. When a fellow Christian comes to you in love concerned about your spiritual well-being, receive it as love. It will probably sound like judgment and it might even be exactly that. But if their judgment comes from the Word of God, then it is God's judgment. Repent and know that God is for you on account of Christ. Rejoice in your justification and the constant intercession of your Savior. God has judged me and found me perfectly holy and innocent because of Jesus. 

May God richly bless your weekend and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

In Christ,

Pastor Bater