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Romans Commentary Chapters 9-16  /  Romans 14:10-13 Do Not Judge Your Brother  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 1
Paul ties “why do you judge your brother?” to standing before “the judgment seat of Christ” and to Jesus’ warning that the standard we use will be used on us; what kinds of judgments or contempt do you see yourself most tempted toward, and how does the thought of being measured by your own measure change the way you speak and think about other believers?
Another way to ask: What kinds of judgments or “looking down on” other believers are you most tempted to make? How does remembering you’ll be judged by the same standard change how you talk and think about them?

Direct Answer Based on David Bercot’s teaching, the judgments in view are especially the kinds that involve looking down on other believers over “food and similar things that are lawful,” and remembering Christ’s judgment seat should restrain our speech and attitudes because our own standard will be turned back on us.

Support from Transcript:

  • Paul’s question is framed by Judgment Day: “we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ… So why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother?”
  • Jesus’ warning is applied directly: “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged. And with the measure you measure out, it will be measured back to you again.”
  • The teacher concludes, “We condemn ourselves when we do so,” showing the danger of harsh or contemptuous evaluations.
  • He clarifies the chapter context: “the context of this entire chapter concerns food and similar things that are lawful for Christians.”
  • The “not judging” emphasis is tied to awaiting God’s verdict: “Rather, they should await the judgment to come.”
Discussion Follow-ups What would change in your tone if you pictured yourself speaking those same words “before the judgment seat of Christ”? Are your strongest opinions aimed at truly sinful things—or at disputable, lawful practices?

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