i think this will help...

http://www.trailblazinministries.com/devotions/james073

lj.

What I am having problems with is judging our brothers in both texts. They seem to be at odds, so I'm looking for clarity in regards to what eacj author means by judging, though Paul's is define within the text. I'm not sure James' is.

Paul is pretty straightforward with his explanation of the text, so I'll leave that one alone. He is talking about the kind of judging that we typically think of.

James is a bit different. The Greek word translated "to judge" is the same (κρινω) in both passages, so we have to derive the definition & understanding from the context of the passage, which is where any word has its true meaning. The driving force in James 4:11 is the very first sentence, "Do not speak against one another..." or in plainer language... "Don't slander one another." When you're slandering someone, you're speaking negative things about them and making negative judgments on their character & person. James is warning against doing this because you are violating the command of Scripture to love one another. When we disobey Scripture we're in fact judging it, saying we think it's wrong... but I think I explained that well enough in the devotion.

The main difference between 1 Corinthians 5 & James 4 is the motivation behind the judging. In 1 Cor. 5, Paul is telling the Corinthians to judge rightly according to Scripture so as to keep their assembly pure and free from the stain of sinfulness. Church discipline and correcting our brothers to turn from sin is an act that should be completely motivated in love for the brother, wanting to see him turn from his evil ways. On the contrary, the Jews that James is writing too are judging negatively, with selfish motives in mind. Looking at the entire context of the chapter, we see that James begins by talking about their lustful passions and the measures that they were going to in order to fulfill those desires. It was this motivation that led to their judging & slandering of one another; it was motivated by the flesh and not by the Spirit of God for the purpose of growth & edification.

So, the bottom line & summary... Paul is telling Christians to judge other believers in love so as to keep them from sin. James is telling believers not to judge others for the purpose of slander and selfish gain/motivation.

Hope that clears things up. G&P!

lj.

..having a critical spirit is unprofitable to say the least. To many Christians feel bad about their own walk with God and think that telling others about their flaws somehow gives them significance..it's sick and twisted.