Judge “Inside”

“For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore ‘put away from yourselves the evil person.’” 1 Cor. 5:12-13.

When true light shines, it brings judgment. Even believers generally beg to be spared from this judgment, and thus exclude themselves from a greater light. This is to their own detriment. When judgment from the light shines on areas of a person’s life where they should have known better than what their actions show, then they are without excuse. To draw back from this judgment will cause them to fall away.

The church is God’s judgment seat among believers on earth. Not only do we have the right to judge “inside the church,” it is our duty to do so. “I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren?” 1 Cor. 6:5.

People often say, “God is my judge; I will not be judged by any man.” Just the fact that they feel judged, and that they acknowledge that they were judged, is clear evidence that light has shone into areas that they would rather have kept in the dark.

Simon (the sorcerer) tried to come among God’s people, and he offered money in exchange for the power to impart the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. But what did Peter answer him? “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.” Acts 8:20-21.

Peter would never have said these words to Simon if Simon had not tried to get “inside.” He could have just as well continued with his sorcery “outside”; Peter would never have condemned him for that. But it was when he wanted to bring his impurity into the sanctuary that Peter spoke these sharp and condemning words.

In the church (inside) everything must be pure; the lies of Ananias and Sapphira are not tolerated there. “But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.” God has placed such people outside, and if any of them come inside, we have the right and duty to put them outside immediately. This is not their judgment; because God will judge those who are outside. However, as ungodly people, they must not be allowed to remain in the congregation of the righteous.