What God Says About Judging Others
February 06, 2011 | Todd Cyphers
Luke 6:38
Luke 6:37
Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16
Jesus said, "For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:20
Jesus said, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18–20
I. We must learn to righteously judge others.
Jesus said, "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." John 7:24
"For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'If a man will not work, he shall not eat.'" 2 Thessalonians 3:10
"test the spirits, whether they are of God." 1 John 4:1
But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 1 Corinthians 5:11-12
Jesus said, "Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces." Matthew 7:6
"If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." Matthew 18:15-18
"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness." Galatians 6:1
II. We must refuse to be judgmental.
Luke 6:37
To be judgmental is to critique harshly, attack a person's character, have a holier than thou attitude and to give a condemning & final verdict.
Luke 7:36-39
Luke 18:9-14
1. We cannot see into the heart.
"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7
2. We cannot accurately judge ourselves.
"With me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you....In fact, I do not even judge myself....But he who judges me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes." 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
3. The Lord is able to righteously 'judge" & "grow" His servants.
"Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and stand he will, for the Lord is able to make him stand." Romans 14:4
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Page # 1150
Questions for this week:
I. For Starters:
1. Do you see many "professing Christians" coming across as judgmental? If so, why do you think that is?
2. One person once wrote that most people after falling short would rather be judged in a bar than a local church. Why is that possibly true and what is wrong with that choice?
3. When are you tempted to be judgmental?
4. What does being judgmental do to our testimony?
II. Overview of Scripture
1. Read Luke 6:37-45. What truths jump out at you?
2. Read John 8:1-11. What is the main theme of this passage?
3. Notice verse 3—the Religious leaders brought her out in front of everyone to Jesus. What does this reveal about them?
4. Why were they willing to carry out "the Law" so quickly? (5-6)
5. What do you think might be going through her head right now?
6. In verse 7 Jesus wants them to realize something- what is it?
7. Read verse 11. Jesus ends this scene with grace and a warning. Why must both be present in our life to reach maturity?
III. Growing deeper
1. Review Sunday's message with someone.
2. Do you lean more toward holiness and making everything right in life or do you lean more toward being compassionate and letting people off the hook? Why?
3. Pray for one another.