God's Judgment: Embracing Grace Over Human Accusation
Summary
In the sermon titled "El sermón dominical: ¿Quién acusará a los escogidos de Jehová?" the speaker begins by acknowledging God's presence and expressing gratitude for His mercy and grace. The congregation is encouraged to walk with God and not be swayed by the judgments of others. The central question posed is "Who will accuse the chosen ones of God?" with an emphasis on the salvation and holiness of believers, referencing Paul's call to be saints.
The speaker then discusses God as the ultimate judge, asserting that the enemy does not know us better than we know ourselves. By knowing the truth, believers can have confidence, even when their conscience condemns them, because God is greater and offers grace, salvation, and mercy. The importance of seeking God's favor over pleasing people is stressed, along with prioritizing spiritual principles over worldly titles and possessions.
A balanced perspective and humility are highlighted as crucial, warning against extreme attitudes and self-centeredness. The speaker discusses the spiritual battle and the importance of understanding the spiritual realm, referencing a divine council and the enemy's attempts to destroy both God and humans.
The sermon also addresses the need for peace that surpasses understanding and the importance of changing our anthropology based on God's view of us. The speaker points to the divisions in the Corinthian church as a cautionary example of focusing on human opinions rather than unity and growth.
Five questions related to the believer's relationship with God are discussed, emphasizing that Christ intercedes for us and that no tribulation can separate us from His love. The speaker shares personal struggles with shame and inadequacy but encourages acceptance of forgiveness and salvation.
The concept of condemnation and judgment is explored, with the speaker reminding that only God has the authority to judge, and we should follow Jesus' example of not casting stones.
The consequences of valuing others' opinions over God's are discussed, with the apostle Paul's teachings on not comparing ourselves to others. The speaker warns against the discouragement that can come from listening to others instead of wise counsel and God's word.
Contention and division among believers are addressed, with the speaker urging against aligning with different leaders or factions within the church or judging others based on political affiliations. The importance of responding in a godly manner and trusting in the Lord's judgment is emphasized.
The power of the enemy and the importance of a new identity in Christ are discussed, with the speaker asserting that accusations hold no power when aligned with God's plan. The battle in the spiritual realm and the defeat of Satan are mentioned.
Finally, the speaker reflects on different levels of courts and judicial systems, applying this to how we judge people. The speaker questions who has the authority to judge and accuses others, emphasizing that it is not about what others say or think about us, but the consequences of giving humans the authority to condemn.
Key Takeaways:
- The true judge of our lives is God, not the enemy or our own conscience. When we understand and embrace the truth of God's grace and mercy, we can overcome self-condemnation and find confidence in our identity as His chosen ones. This assurance allows us to prioritize spiritual growth over worldly achievements. [30:28]
- Humility and a balanced perspective are essential in the Christian life. Believers must avoid the dangers of self-centeredness and extreme attitudes, recognizing that true wisdom comes from God. Understanding the spiritual battle is crucial for standing firm against the enemy's attempts to destroy our relationship with God. [24:26]
- Achieving peace that surpasses understanding requires changing our view of human nature to align with God's perspective. The divisions and contentions within the church at Corinth serve as a warning against the dangers of valuing human opinions over divine unity and spiritual growth. [07:24]
- The power of Christ's intercession means that no accusation or tribulation can separate us from His love. Personal struggles with shame and inadequacy can be overcome by embracing the truth of our forgiveness and salvation, leading to peace and assurance in our relationship with God. [40:53]
- The authority to judge and condemn lies solely with God. As believers, we must resist the temptation to judge ourselves or others based on human standards and instead follow Jesus' example of mercy. By doing so, we uphold the truth that God is for us, and no one can bring a charge against His elect. [37:27]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 8:33-34: "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."
2. 1 Corinthians 4:3-4: "I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me."
3. Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 8:33-34, who has the authority to bring charges against God's chosen ones?
2. In 1 Corinthians 4:3-4, how does Paul describe his attitude towards human judgment and self-judgment?
3. What does Philippians 4:7 say about the peace of God and its effect on believers?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that God is the ultimate judge (Romans 8:33-34) impact a believer's confidence in their salvation and identity in Christ? [30:28]
2. What does Paul mean when he says he does not even judge himself in 1 Corinthians 4:3-4? How can this perspective help believers deal with self-condemnation? [12:17]
3. How can the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7) help believers navigate conflicts and divisions within the church, as seen in the example of the Corinthian church? [07:24]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt judged by others. How can the truth that only God has the authority to judge (Romans 8:33-34) change your response to such situations? [30:28]
2. Have you ever struggled with self-condemnation? How can Paul's attitude in 1 Corinthians 4:3-4 help you find freedom from self-judgment? [12:17]
3. Think about a current conflict or division you are aware of within your church or community. How can seeking the peace of God (Philippians 4:7) guide your actions and attitudes in this situation? [07:24]
4. How can you prioritize seeking God's favor over pleasing people in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to focus more on spiritual growth rather than worldly achievements? [02:46]
5. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate or ashamed. How can embracing the truth of your forgiveness and salvation in Christ help you overcome these feelings? [40:53]
6. How can you resist the temptation to judge others based on human standards and instead follow Jesus' example of mercy? What specific actions can you take to show mercy in your interactions this week? [34:58]
7. Consider the divisions and contentions within the church at Corinth. How can you contribute to unity and growth in your own church community? What steps can you take to avoid aligning with different leaders or factions? [07:24]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Divine Judgment
God's grace and mercy are the true measures of our lives, not the accusations of the enemy or the whispers of our conscience. When we grasp this truth, we can stand confidently as God's chosen, focusing on spiritual growth rather than earthly accolades. [30:28]
1 John 3:20 - "For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from self-condemnation to embracing God's grace in areas where you feel inadequate?
Day 2: Cultivating Spiritual Wisdom
A balanced perspective and humility are non-negotiable in the Christian walk. By avoiding extremes and self-centeredness, believers can discern God's wisdom and stand firm against the enemy's schemes. [24:26]
James 3:17 - "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice humility and seek heavenly wisdom in your daily interactions?
Day 3: Pursuing Divine Peace
True peace comes from aligning our understanding of humanity with God's perspective. This peace transcends human divisions and leads to unity and spiritual maturity, as opposed to the strife seen in the Corinthian church. [07:24]
Colossians 3:15 - "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Reflection: What steps can you take to foster peace and unity within your community, even when faced with differing opinions?
Day 4: Resting in Christ's Intercession
No accusation can stand against us because of Christ's intercession. Embracing our forgiveness and salvation allows us to overcome feelings of shame and inadequacy, finding peace in our relationship with God. [40:53]
Hebrews 7:25 - "Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them."
Reflection: Can you identify a recent moment of self-doubt or shame and bring it to God, trusting in Christ's intercession for you?
Day 5: Upholding God's Authority to Judge
Only God has the authority to judge and condemn. Following Jesus' example of mercy, we resist the urge to judge by human standards, affirming that God is for us and no charge can stand against His elect. [37:27]
James 4:12 - "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?"
Reflection: How can you practice withholding judgment this week and instead show mercy as Jesus did?
Quotes
"hay una batalla e igual todos los días hemos visto ejemplos google android donde se reúnen los hijos de jova es un tema fundamental en un concilio divino" [24:26] (Download)
"Es muy importante se dice donde no hay dirección sabia, caerá en pozo; más en la multitud de consejeros hay seguridad." [19:00] (Download)
"Aunque nada se llama la conciencia, no por eso soy justificado; pero el que me juzga es el Señor. Nosotros vamos a estar analizando parte por parte." [12:17] (Download)
"El de vosotros esté sin pecado sea el primero en arrojar la piedra con raíles nosotros de la mano de edad cuestionable es realmente debemos luego escuchar." [35:45] (Download)
"Si somos prisioneros y somos esclavos de Cristo Jesús, no de hombres, entonces los juicios de otros tribunales no nos afectarán, porque nuestra verdadera libertad viene de adherirnos a la corte suprema del Juez Supremo." [33:13] (Download)
"pero si estamos en su proyecto esas acusaciones no tienen poder sobre nosotros y aquí vemos aquí también las vestiduras hay una nueva identidad y eso lo que pasa en nosotros cuando nos creamos al exterior" [27:37] (Download)
"hay una batalla espiritual por los cuerpos tiene destruídos y quieran usar en el capítulo 8 versículo 44 dice que el vamos a leerlo dice vosotros sois de vuestro padre del y los deseos de nuestros padres queréis hacer" [28:40] (Download)
"el enemigo ajustándolos pero él tiene todo el poder porque nosotros aparte de mis últimos el dinero quien acusará al escogidos no puede hacer no trato de hacerlo elba donde vamos a la corte suprema" [29:41] (Download)
"El valor de lo que decían los demás y cuáles las consecuencias hermanos y ahora aquí es donde quiero escuchar de ustedes cuál es la consecuencia de poner al ser humano a alguien más darle la autoridad de condenar a una persona." [15:52] (Download)