Judging: When? Why? How?

by Derek Prince

Some passages of Scripture say, “Judge,” while others say, “Don’t judge.” Most Christians aren’t sure that they should judge anything, while others feel responsible to raise a moral standard but don’t know how much authority they have. Derek Prince cuts through the apparent conflict to answer such questions  In a world that turns its back on God while crying, “Don’t judge me,” Derek Prince weighs in with a scriptural affidavit for sound judgment.
 

Genres: Christian

Paperback

First published January 1, 1920

About the author

Derek Prince (1915-2003), was an International Bible teacher and founder of Derek Prince Ministries International, wrote more than fifty books.
He was born in India of British parents. Educated as a scholar of Greek and Latin at Eton College and Cambridge University, England, he held a Fellowship in Ancient and Modern Philosophy at King’s College. He also studied Hebrew and Aramaic, at Cambridge University and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. His daily radio broadcast, Derek Prince Legacy Radio, still reaches listeners around the world.

Reviews

[Ayo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Solemn discoveries and relevant meditations and considerations. Scripturally supported information excellent.

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The primary function of judging is to protect the righteous.
A stable society depends on just judgment. Psalm 82 calls on God to reassert His right to judge where injustice has been perpetrated. The Father is the ultimate Authority, the ultimate Ruler, the ultimate Judge. He had delegated the function of judging to Jesus. Jesus has then delegated the authority to His own word (John 12:48) We are to therefore judge ourselves by the standard of His word.

Jesus is reflecting the words of the Israelite who accused Moses of killing an Egyptian when he says to the man who asked Him to intervene in an inheritance dispute: "Who made Me the judge over you?" (Exodus 2:13, Luke 12:13)

When people are given responsibility to rule, they must also be given responsibility to judge. We cannot divorce responsibility from authority. Responsibility without authority is ineffective.
Authority without responsibility is despotism.

The Greek word for "church", ecclesia in contemporary secular literature meant governmental assembly. The very essence of church is governmental.

Gifts, such as those on a Christmas tree, are put there and taken away by a single act. They do not mature. Fruit, such as on an apple tree, requires planting, watering, tending, pruning and collecting once ripened.

Safeguards before we act on a judgment are given in Deuteronomy 13: inquire, search out, ask diligently, check the truth and be certain it is proven.

Jesus is Lord over the church and the Spirit is Lord in the church. (Ephesians 1:22 and 2 Corinthians 3:17)

Acts 13:1 describes Paul and Barnabas as part of a group of prophets and teachers. It is only in 14:14 after they have been sent forth that they are called apostles. The ministry of an apostle should be attested by significant miracles. Supernatural signs, however, do not guarantee the person is a believing Christian, he or she may be an agent of Satan.

It is unscriptural to permit the exercise of prophecy in public unless opportunity is given for it to be tested.

[Lori Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

We started this book in the adult Sunday school class on May 15. We discussed the first two chapters and there were a lot of thoughts on the two chapters. As we have moved through this book, the discussions have continued. It has made us as a group examine thoughts and beliefs. I do think that the author believes some things that I/we do not. I will say reading with others and discussing it made it a good book; just to read it on my own, might have confused me.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

A difficult topic indeed, more so in the connection with what we assumed as false doctrines in the body of church. Here the author try to breakdown who we are responsible and not responsible to judge and on what matters.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think all Christians need to have a better understanding of judging others. I think Derek Prince wrote on an extremely and much needed subject. This is something that confronts Christians daily. I highly recommend.

[Mark Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that needs to be read. A tough subject that sheds light. Much needed.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really informative

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Difficult subject well presented in a very short informative booklet.

[Jeremiah Tiongson]

This book was EXTENSIVE and EXCELLENT. Powerful message. They are like a series of sermons that flow very well.

[Desarae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful, clear, and scripturally supported.

[Christopher Lewis Kozoriz · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." ~ Matthew 7:3-5, New International Version

It is clear from the above scripture that we need to judge ourselves before we judge others. Those who do not judge themselves first have no authority to judge others righteously. We must remove "the log in our own eye".

This book covers judging ourselves, members of the Body of Christ, unbelievers, apostles, prophets, etc. And when it is appropriate to judge and not to judge.

This book is not an exhaustive topic on judging, but it is a good starter book for those who would like to know how to judge better and when not to judge.

[BookemDano · Rating 3 out of 5]

"There is an apparent paradox in the statements of Scripture, primarily in the New Testament, about whether or not we are to judge. A number of passages say that we are not to judge and just about as many say that we are to judge. Which are we to follow?" Derek Prince

This book methodically plows through scriptures giving insight into biblical judging. What is permissible and when. Also, what we are "not" responsible to judge. It also addresses the role of authority in judging and the requirement that one does not exceed one's authority.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book holds true to its title Judging, when? why? and How? where ever the bible talks about judging we need to use the correct context to understand the judgment. Should I judge? is it for the Church or God to judge. is a judgement that will take place now on earth or at the Judgment seat of Christ? There are not many other books that speak on this subject in detail as this book, its format is easy and fast to read through. the format is great to break into lessons.

[Jeremiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, now if I can remember all that it says and apply it!

[Rudolf Lobo · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read