Some brethren have elevated themselves to, and have become content with, positions as judges of whether sermons, doctrine, and certain Scriptures are positive or negative. I have always been leery of those who think they have the authority to judge God's Word as being positive or negative. I sometimes ask churches where I hold meetings if there is anything negative about convincing, rebuking, and exhorting. Usually, someone will think that convincing and rebuking are more negative, and exhorting is more positive.

Regardless, Paul told preachers to preach "the word," which includes the "whole counsel," and to do so in season and out of season, with longsuffering (2 Timothy 5:2; Acts 20:20, 26, 27). It is "out of season" to preach what many prefer to judge as being negative. This will always be the case where brethren are bold enough to judge God's word. (I've always thought that if a person could show me how to escape hell, it would be a pretty positive thing!)

When people attempt to judge the law, they sin by making themselves above the law, rather than retaining their place under the law. James wrote,

• "So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty." (James 2:12)
  
  
• " ... But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge." (James 4:11)
  
  

If I understand James' point, we cannot exercise partiality in applying God's law. We cannot set aside one part and choose to obey another part; else, we make ourselves judges rather than doers. If we violate any part, if we reject any part, if we despise any part, we then despise it all, for it all condemns us (James 2:4, 10). The next time someone asks you to judge a part of God's word as either positive or negative think about James' admonishment: "...Behold, the judge is standing at the door!" (James 5:9)

It is ironic that while some may think they are judging the preaching of the word, it is the word that is judging them. "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

For many years, people have been discussing whether or not there is a need for a more positive message. What could be more positive then telling men about the dangers of sin and the consequences for failing to repent and correct the sin in their lives? It all depends on what you consider more important-hearing the truth or having your ears tickled! (KMG)