To judge or not to judge?

Question from Lianne:

Good afternoon Bro. Bob, or so it is here in Hannover, Germany... I saw your blogspot on facebook and decided I wanted to ask you a question.

One day...I saw on your facebook status that we were not to judge and you listed the verse Matt. 7:1. ok, well, my question is this.

In 1 Corinthians 6 it talks about judging in verse 2 it says: "Do you not know tthat the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?" and then verse 3 says: "Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertian to this life?"

So are these verses given us permission to judge within the church? because I have been told that this is the case...

Answer from Pastor Bob:

Lianne,
The Bible gives several guidelines for judgments and discipline in the church:
1. Before you judge, examine yourself. Matthew 7:1-5 teaches us not to be judgmental, but after one takes the log out of his own eye, then he can see clearly to remove the speck from his brother's eye.
2. If a Christian sins against you, go to him in private first. If he refuses to listen, take one or two others with you. If he still refuses to listen, you may then bring the matter before the church. Matthew 18:15-17.
3. If a Christian is caught in wrongdoing, the spiritually mature may confront him, but should do so with a gentle spirit and taking care not to also fall into temptation. Galatians 6:1.
4. The goal of any discipline is to help him spiritually, not to hurt him. 1 Corinthians 5:5.
5. If a Christian repents, he should be forgiven and comforted. 2 Corinthians 2:7-8.