Subject Verse:

Romans 14:13
[13] Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother’s way.

1 Corinthians 5:12
[12] For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

This is a touchy subject when it comes to some people.

But to clarify, as Paul said in 1Cor 5:12, “For what have I to do to judge them also that are without?” What does this mean? This means that as part of God’s Church, it is not our right (our job) to judge those outside of the Church (the unbeliever). God is the only lawgiver and just judge(Jas 4:12). When the time comes, instead, we should be witnesses and be loving to the unbeliever by explaining how Jesus took our sin upon himself and payed the ultimate price of dying on the cross for our sins. We can use the The 10 Commandments as a mirror, to show the unbeliever their sin to help draw them to Christ.

The 10 Commandments are found in both the Old Testament, where they are first mentioned, and where they are repeated throughout the New Testament.

When we share the Gospel with the unbeliever, with the Holy Spirit working through us, we’re not judging them. Instead, we are showing them love. We are explaining why it is vital, so spiritually vital that they repent of their sins and turn to Christ.

I’ve heard the snake analogy before, about instead of telling someone there’s a snake around the corner, just let them do them and let them get bitten. I wouldn’t want someone to not tell me about the snake. So why would I not warn someone what they will face if they don’t repent?

That’s like if you’re a parent, you want to love your children as much as possible. You’ve made it through trials of your own, and I’m sure you don’t want your children to go through the same. You tell them what’s expected of them. You warn them of bad influences. You explain to them why it’s wrong to steal and to lie and it’s consequences. You want to love them and not see anything bad to happen to them.

That brings us to Romans 14:13, “… but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother’s way. “

The word “stumblingblock⁴³⁴⁸” here means a “spiritual hinderance”. The word “occasion⁴⁶²⁵” means “said of the teaching of things to the contrary to sound doctrine.”

Paul said, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29)”

We should be building each other up not tearing each other down by judgements and what we personally think. We should be helping our fellow brothers and sisters understand the Scripture. When we do this, who is the judge? God, his infallible, inspired Word, that has never changed throughout history since the beginning of the Church.

Instead of from someone personal belief but by studying the Bible, through sermons and Sunday School, we can learn where we have fallen. We should not be afraid to ask fellow believers for help when we fall and we should offer a hand to those who has fallen.

Why should we not judge? Because the world already judges the Church. Unbelievers has always judged the Church through the lens of their own preconceptions. God has always expected the Church to act a certain way and be a certain way because as Christians, we are suppose to live separated and free from the sins of this world even though we live in it.

Jesus said, “… Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mar 16:15-16)” I believe, as a believer, that is our job. Not to judge or to tear down others.

Everyone doesn’t have the calling to become a preacher, but that doesn’t mean you can’t share God’s Word with others. There are a lot of offices in the church. Maybe you have the calling to become a youth leader or Sunday School teacher, coordinate a Bible Study, or visit a nursing home. I pray, whatever your calling, do it to the best of your ability with Jesus as your focus and your audience’s soul in mind.