Embracing Humility: The Dangers of Judgment
Summary
Today’s focus is on the deep and often misunderstood issue of judgment, as James addresses it in chapter 4, verses 11 and 12. Pride is at the root of our tendency to judge others, and it is a sin that both Jesus and James confront directly. Pride robs God of His rightful glory and authority, placing ourselves in a position only He deserves. When we judge, criticize, or speak evil of others, we are not just harming them—we are usurping God’s role as Judge and acting as if our condemnation carries more weight than His. This is especially egregious when directed at fellow believers, whom Christ has already declared free from condemnation.
Judgment, as James describes, is not simply discerning right from wrong, but rather the act of tearing others down, condemning them, and assuming a position of moral superiority. This is a universal temptation, fueled by our desire to boost our own egos, justify our choices, or vent our pain. It is easy, natural, and even feels good in the moment, but it is always rooted in pride and always sinful. Yet, the call is not to ignore sin altogether. Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount clarifies that we are to address sin, but only after first examining and dealing with our own. The goal is restoration, not condemnation.
There is a right and wrong way to call out sin. Public shaming, online arguments, and self-righteous displays are not only ineffective but also contrary to the spirit of Christ. Instead, we are called to rely on the Holy Spirit, pray, and approach others in the context of genuine relationship. The aim is always to point people to Christ, not to prove ourselves right or superior. We must shift our focus from what we are not supposed to do—judge in pride—to who we are called to be: ambassadors of grace, truth, and hope. In all things, let us be known for lifting others up in love, reflecting the mercy we ourselves have received.
Key Takeaways
- Pride is the root of sinful judgment. When we judge others, we are not merely expressing an opinion—we are attempting to take God’s place, robbing Him of His glory and authority. This act of pride is not just a personal failing; it is a spiritual offense that distorts our relationship with God and others. True humility recognizes God alone as Judge and seeks to honor Him above self. [02:08]
- Criticizing and condemning others, especially fellow believers, is a serious sin. When we speak evil or add condemnation to those whom Christ has already declared free, we are acting as if our judgment is greater than His. This not only wounds others but also reveals a deep misunderstanding of grace and the finished work of Jesus. Our words should reflect the freedom and forgiveness we have received. [10:24]
- The temptation to judge is universal and often feels justified. We criticize to boost our egos, justify our own choices, or vent our pain, but these motivations are rooted in pride and insecurity. Measuring our righteousness by the failures of others is a dangerous and foolish path that leads us away from the heart of God. Instead, we are called to find our identity and worth in Christ alone. [18:53]
- There is a biblical way to address sin, but it requires self-examination, humility, and relationship. Jesus teaches that we must first deal with our own sin before helping others with theirs. Calling out sin is not about public shaming or self-righteousness, but about restoration and pointing others to Christ. The Holy Spirit must lead, and our approach must be saturated with prayer, love, and a desire for genuine connection. [27:44]
- Our calling is not to play God, but to be ambassadors of grace and truth. Rather than focusing on what we are not supposed to do—judge in pride—we should focus on who we are: people who share the hope of the gospel. Let us use our words and actions to lift others up, reflecting the mercy and love we have received, and always seeking to build deeper relationships that point to Jesus. [38:37]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:08] - The Danger of Pride in Judgment
[03:15] - Focusing on James 4:11-12
[05:49] - What Does It Mean to Judge?
[06:56] - Misreading “Who Are You to Judge?”
[07:45] - Criticizing and Speaking Evil
[09:15] - The Sin of Condemning Others
[10:24] - Judging Fellow Believers
[11:20] - Setting Yourself Up as Judge
[12:51] - The Two Spiritual Conditions
[14:43] - Jesus’ Mission: Not to Condemn
[16:37] - Why We Love to Criticize
[18:53] - Comparing Ourselves to Others
[21:27] - Criticism as Payback
[22:56] - Is Judgment Ever Right?
[24:24] - The Problem with Never Calling Out Sin
[25:41] - Hypocrisy in Judgment
[26:30] - Jesus on Logs and Specks
[27:44] - The Right Way to Address Sin
[28:52] - The Conundrum of Judging and Calling Out Sin
[30:18] - Ineffective Ways to Call Out Sin
[32:14] - The Temptation to Be Seen
[33:20] - How to Call Out Sin Biblically
[34:11] - Pray and Rely on the Holy Spirit
[35:12] - Relationship Over Rebuke
[36:41] - Don’t Argue—Plant Seeds
[38:37] - Shifting Our Focus: Who We Are
[39:48] - Closing Prayer and Offering
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: James 4:11-12 – The Danger of Pride in Judgment
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### Bible Reading
James 4:11-12 (ESV)
> Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
Matthew 7:1-5 (ESV)
> Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
Romans 8:1 (ESV)
> There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to James 4:11-12, what does it mean to “speak evil against” or “judge” a brother or sister? What is the consequence of doing this? [03:15]
2. In Matthew 7:1-5, what does Jesus say is the first step before helping someone else with their sin? [27:44]
3. The sermon mentions that criticizing and condemning fellow believers is especially serious. Why is this the case, according to Romans 8:1 and the sermon? [10:24]
4. What are some of the reasons the pastor gave for why people are tempted to judge or criticize others? [16:37]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that pride is at the root of sinful judgment. How does pride show up when we judge others, and why is this so offensive to God? [02:08]
2. When James says, “Who are you to judge your neighbor?” is he saying we should never address sin? How does the sermon clarify the difference between judgment and biblical correction? [06:56]
3. Why is it dangerous to measure our own righteousness by the failures of others, as discussed in the sermon? [18:53]
4. What does it look like to address sin in someone else’s life in a way that is biblical and Christlike, according to both James and Jesus? [27:44]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says that judging others is “easy, natural, and even feels good in the moment.” Can you think of a recent time when you were tempted to criticize or judge someone? What was really motivating you in that moment? [16:37]
2. When you find yourself wanting to call out someone’s sin, do you first examine your own heart and actions? What would it look like for you to “take the log out of your own eye” before addressing someone else? [27:44]
3. The pastor warned against public shaming, online arguments, and self-righteous displays. Have you ever seen or participated in these kinds of confrontations? What was the result, and how could it have been handled differently? [30:18]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of relationship and prayer when addressing sin. Is there someone in your life you feel called to lovingly confront? How can you pray for them and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance before taking any action? [34:11]
5. The message challenged us to shift our focus from “not judging” to being “ambassadors of grace, truth, and hope.” What is one practical way you can lift someone up in love this week, especially someone you might normally be tempted to criticize? [38:37]
6. The pastor said, “Our words should reflect the freedom and forgiveness we have received.” Are there any words you’ve spoken recently that you need to apologize for or make right? What would it look like to do that? [10:24]
7. Think about your online presence or social media activity. Are there ways you can be more intentional about reflecting Christ’s mercy and grace, rather than joining in criticism or arguments? [30:18]
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Closing Thought:
Let’s remember that God alone is Judge, and we are called to be people of grace. As we discuss, let’s be honest about our struggles and encourage each other to reflect the mercy and love we have received in Christ.
Devotional
Day 1: The Danger of Pride in Judgment
Pride robs God of His rightful glory and crowns self, leading us to judge others from a place of self-importance rather than humility. When we judge, we are essentially taking the crown of sovereignty off of God and placing it on ourselves, acting as if we have the authority to determine the worth or righteousness of others. This is not only spiritually dangerous but also deeply offensive to God, who alone is worthy of such authority. Prideful judgment is a sin that damages relationships, distorts our view of ourselves, and distances us from the heart of God. Let us remember that pride is at the root of much of our critical spirit, and it is something we must continually surrender to the Lord. [02:08]
James 4:11-12 (ESV)
"Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"
Reflection: In what ways have you allowed pride to influence your thoughts or words about others this week, and how can you intentionally humble yourself before God today?
Day 2: No Condemnation for Those in Christ
When we criticize or condemn fellow believers, we are acting contrary to the truth that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. To add condemnation to someone whom Jesus has already declared free is to set ourselves above Christ, as if our judgment carries more weight than His finished work. This not only harms the person we judge but also reveals a misunderstanding of the gospel’s power and grace. Instead, we are called to remember that every believer stands righteous before God because of Jesus, not because of their own merit or our approval. [10:24]
Romans 8:1 (ESV)
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Is there a believer you have been holding in judgment or criticism? How can you release them from your condemnation and instead pray for them as a fellow recipient of Christ’s grace?
Day 3: The Call to Righteous Discernment, Not Hypocrisy
Jesus teaches that before we address the faults of others, we must first examine and deal with our own sin. Only then can we see clearly to help others in love, rather than from a place of hypocrisy. This is not a call to ignore sin, but to approach others with humility, self-awareness, and a desire for restoration rather than condemnation. True discernment requires us to be honest about our own struggles and to seek God’s help in removing the “plank” from our own eye before we attempt to help our brother or sister with their “speck.” [27:44]
Matthew 7:3-5 (ESV)
"Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to seek God’s forgiveness and transformation before you can lovingly help someone else with their struggles?
Day 4: The Right Way to Call Out Sin
Calling out sin is not about public shaming or winning arguments, but about pointing people to Christ through prayer, relationship, and kindness. The Holy Spirit is the true expert in convicting hearts, and our role is to approach others with humility, after much prayer, and with a genuine desire to maintain or build relationship. Arguments, online confrontations, and public displays rarely lead to repentance; instead, it is the kindness of God, shown through us, that leads others to change. Let us be people who speak truth in love, always seeking restoration and never acting out of pride or a desire to be seen. [34:11]
Galatians 6:1 (ESV)
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."
Reflection: Before you confront someone about a sin, have you prayed for them and for your own heart? What steps can you take to ensure your approach is gentle and rooted in love?
Day 5: Shifting from Judgment to Gospel Mission
Rather than focusing on who we are not—people who judge—let us remember who we are called to be: bearers of the good news, sharing hope and grace with our neighbors. Our identity in Christ is not defined by what we avoid, but by what we actively pursue: loving others, lifting them up, and pointing them to Jesus. When we shift our mindset from avoiding judgment to embracing our mission as ambassadors of Christ, we become instruments of His love and transformation in the world. [38:37]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the hope and grace of Jesus through you today, and how can you intentionally share His love with them in word or deed?
Quotes
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