Judging Righteously: Love, Humility, and Self-Reflection
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we are diving into the topic of judgment, specifically what the Bible says about judging others. We began by addressing the common phrase, "Don't judge me," which is often used to silence critics. However, the Bible does not forbid all forms of judgment. Instead, it emphasizes the spirit and motive behind our judgments. In Matthew 7:1-6, Jesus teaches us to judge righteously and not hypocritically. We must first remove the beam from our own eye before we can help our brother with the speck in his eye.
We are all on the winning side as Christians, regardless of what happens in the world or in politics. God is still in control, and His Word remains unchanged. We are soldiers of Jesus Christ, and with God, it is impossible to lose. However, we often lose personal battles because we fight the wrong ones, such as fighting with our flesh or with each other. We must remember that our true enemy is sin, not our fellow Christians or even non-Christians. We should hate sin but love the sinner.
As Christians, we are called to keep our eyes on things above and not dwell on the past. Just as a driver must look forward and not constantly in the rearview mirror, we must focus on the future and the cause of Christ. Looking back leads to discouragement and depression, as exemplified by Lot's wife. We should pray for God to search our hearts and reveal our faults so that we can correct them and help others in a spirit of love and humility.
In Matthew 7, Jesus shifts the focus from our relationship with God to our relationship with others. We are to treat others with respect and love, even when we need to correct them. The key is to do so with the right spirit. Constructive criticism should be aimed at helping, not belittling. Before pointing out someone else's faults, we must examine ourselves and ensure we are not guilty of the same or worse.
We also discussed the importance of self-reflection and humility. David, despite his significant sins, was used by God because he was willing to be corrected and humbled. We should never compare our spirituality to others but always strive to measure up to Jesus. Our goal should be to help others grow in their faith, not to tear them down.
Finally, we must be cautious of the types of judgment we practice. Presumptive, superficial, self-righteous, intolerant, unforgiving, deceitful, and egotistical judgments are all sinful. Instead, we should aim for righteous judgment, which is done in a spirit of love and humility, seeking to restore rather than condemn.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Sovereignty and Our Victory: Regardless of what happens in the world or in politics, God remains in control. As Christians, we are on the winning side because God's Word is unchanging and His plan is perfect. This assurance should give us peace and confidence, knowing that we are soldiers of Christ who cannot lose with God on our side. [01:04:38]
2. Focus on the Future, Not the Past: Just as a driver must look forward and not constantly in the rearview mirror, we must keep our eyes on the future and the cause of Christ. Dwelling on the past leads to discouragement and depression. Instead, we should pray for God to search our hearts and reveal our faults so that we can correct them and move forward in our faith journey. [01:06:18]
3. The Spirit of Judging Others: The Bible does not forbid all forms of judgment but emphasizes the spirit and motive behind it. We must judge righteously and not hypocritically. Before pointing out someone else's faults, we must examine ourselves and ensure we are not guilty of the same or worse. Constructive criticism should be aimed at helping, not belittling. [24:09]
4. Self-Reflection and Humility: David, despite his significant sins, was used by God because he was willing to be corrected and humbled. We should never compare our spirituality to others but always strive to measure up to Jesus. Our goal should be to help others grow in their faith, not to tear them down. [48:19]
5. Types of Sinful Judgment: Presumptive, superficial, self-righteous, intolerant, unforgiving, deceitful, and egotistical judgments are all sinful. Instead, we should aim for righteous judgment, which is done in a spirit of love and humility, seeking to restore rather than condemn. This approach aligns with the teachings of Jesus and helps build a stronger, more loving Christian community. [30:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[09:17] - Trust and Obey
[11:51] - I Shall Not Be Moved
[13:22] - Announcements
[19:23] - Introduction to Judging
[24:09] - The Spirit of Judging Others
[26:35] - Misinterpretation of "Judge Not"
[30:08] - Types of Sinful Judgment
[35:33] - Handling Faults in the Church
[45:08] - David's Example of Humility
[48:19] - Self-Reflection and Humility
[54:40] - Removing the Beam from Our Own Eye
[59:00] - Judging with Righteous Judgment
[01:04:38] - God's Sovereignty and Our Victory
[01:06:18] - Focus on the Future, Not the Past
[01:09:33] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 7:1-6: "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you."
2. Galatians 6:1: "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
3. James 4:11-12: "Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of 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 one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus say about the way we should judge others in Matthew 7:1-6?
2. According to Galatians 6:1, how should we approach someone who has been overtaken in a fault?
3. What warning does James 4:11-12 give about speaking evil and judging others?
4. In the sermon, what are some types of sinful judgment mentioned? ([30:08])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to remove the beam from our own eye before addressing the speck in someone else's eye? How does this relate to self-reflection and humility? ([28:41])
2. How does the concept of righteous judgment differ from sinful judgment, and why is the spirit and motive behind our judgment crucial? ([24:09])
3. What does it mean to restore someone in a spirit of meekness, and why is this approach significant in the context of Christian community? ([59:00])
4. How can focusing on God's sovereignty and our victory in Christ help us avoid the pitfalls of sinful judgment? ([01:04:38])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you judged someone harshly. How could you have approached the situation differently with a spirit of love and humility? ([24:09])
2. Are there areas in your life where you need to remove the beam from your own eye? What steps can you take to address these issues before helping others? ([28:41])
3. How can you practice self-reflection and humility in your daily interactions with others? What specific actions can you take to ensure your judgments are righteous and not hypocritical? ([48:19])
4. Think of a person in your life who may need correction or guidance. How can you approach them in a way that is constructive and aimed at helping rather than belittling? ([24:09])
5. How can you keep your focus on the future and the cause of Christ, rather than dwelling on past mistakes or failures? What practical steps can you take to maintain this forward-looking perspective? ([01:06:18])
6. In what ways can you demonstrate God's love and humility when addressing faults within your Christian community? How can you contribute to building a stronger, more loving community? ([59:00])
7. How can you ensure that your judgments are based on biblical principles rather than personal convictions or biases? What practices can help you align your judgments with God's Word? ([52:30])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Sovereignty and Our Victory
As Christians, we can find peace and confidence in the fact that God is in control, regardless of the chaos in the world or political landscape. This assurance comes from knowing that God's Word is unchanging and His plan is perfect. We are soldiers of Christ, and with God on our side, it is impossible to lose. This perspective should shift our focus from worldly concerns to our spiritual mission, reminding us that our ultimate victory is already secured through Christ.
In our daily lives, this means trusting in God's sovereignty even when circumstances seem dire. It encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God’s plan is unfolding perfectly. This assurance should embolden us to live out our faith boldly, sharing the hope we have in Christ with others, and standing firm in the face of adversity.
Matthew 10:29-31 (ESV): "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's sovereignty? How can you remind yourself of His control and perfect plan today? [01:04:38]
Day 2: Focus on the Future, Not the Past
Just as a driver must look forward and not constantly in the rearview mirror, we must keep our eyes on the future and the cause of Christ. Dwelling on the past can lead to discouragement and depression, as seen in the story of Lot's wife. Instead, we should pray for God to search our hearts and reveal our faults so that we can correct them and move forward in our faith journey. This forward-looking perspective helps us to stay motivated and focused on our spiritual growth and the mission God has for us.
By focusing on the future, we align ourselves with God's ongoing work in our lives and the world. It allows us to let go of past mistakes and failures, embracing the new opportunities God places before us. This mindset encourages us to live with hope and anticipation, trusting that God is leading us toward His greater purposes.
Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV): "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What past events or mistakes are you holding onto that hinder your spiritual growth? How can you shift your focus to the future and the cause of Christ today? [01:06:18]
Day 3: The Spirit of Judging Others
The Bible does not forbid all forms of judgment but emphasizes the spirit and motive behind it. We must judge righteously and not hypocritically. Before pointing out someone else's faults, we must examine ourselves and ensure we are not guilty of the same or worse. Constructive criticism should be aimed at helping, not belittling. This approach fosters a community of love and support, where individuals are encouraged to grow in their faith without fear of harsh judgment.
Righteous judgment involves a heart of humility and a desire to restore rather than condemn. It requires us to approach others with empathy and understanding, recognizing our own imperfections. By doing so, we create an environment where people feel safe to be vulnerable and open to correction, knowing it comes from a place of love.
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: Think of a recent situation where you judged someone. How can you approach similar situations in the future with a spirit of love and humility? [24:09]
Day 4: Self-Reflection and Humility
David, despite his significant sins, was used by God because he was willing to be corrected and humbled. We should never compare our spirituality to others but always strive to measure up to Jesus. Our goal should be to help others grow in their faith, not to tear them down. This requires a heart of humility and a willingness to be corrected ourselves. By focusing on our own spiritual growth and encouraging others, we build a stronger, more loving Christian community.
Self-reflection is a crucial part of this process. It involves regularly examining our hearts and actions, asking God to reveal areas where we need to grow. This practice helps us to stay humble and open to correction, allowing God to use us more effectively in His work.
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
Reflection: How often do you take time for self-reflection and ask God to reveal areas where you need to grow? What steps can you take to cultivate a heart of humility today? [48:19]
Day 5: Types of Sinful Judgment
Presumptive, superficial, self-righteous, intolerant, unforgiving, deceitful, and egotistical judgments are all sinful. Instead, we should aim for righteous judgment, which is done in a spirit of love and humility, seeking to restore rather than condemn. This approach aligns with the teachings of Jesus and helps build a stronger, more loving Christian community. By avoiding sinful judgments, we create an environment where people feel valued and supported in their spiritual journey.
Righteous judgment requires us to look beyond the surface and understand the heart of the matter. It involves patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others grow. By practicing this type of judgment, we reflect the love and grace of Christ, fostering a community where individuals can thrive in their faith.
Galatians 6:1-2 (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. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you made a presumptive or superficial judgment about someone. How can you practice righteous judgment in your interactions with others today? [30:08]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Praise God, as a Christian, we are on the winning side. I mean, think about this. You're on the winning side. I don't know what's going to happen in America. I don't know what's going to happen in the next election. All I can tell you is I don't know what's going to happen in elections. To me, I mean, I'll do my part, but I don't know what's going to happen. But you know what? God's still in control. God's still on the throne. Regardless of who gets elected in the next election, the Bible's not going to change, okay? It's not like God be like, oh, snap, that ruins the plan for Revelation. Oh, man, that's going to change things. Man, I got to rewrite the Bible now. I wasn't planning on this one. No, it all falls in line with what's going to happen. And so if that's the case, we know we're on the winning side." [01:04:38]
2. "I am so glad that I'm a child of God. And I don't, I may have to worry about things in this life. I worry about my kids. And as a parent, you never stop worrying about your kids. I never understood that until, you know, I got kids older. I'm like, yeah, he's still there. I'm like, yeah, he's still there. I'm like, yeah, he's still there. I'll never stop worrying about them. But you know what? I don't have to worry about eternity. I don't have to worry about the mansions being prepared for me and John. I don't have to worry about what's going to happen when my life on this earth is over. I don't have to worry about any of that. And I tell you, with that in mind, and that's why the Bible tells us constantly, and the New Testament says, keep your affection on things above." [01:06:18]
3. "Trusting in God, trusting in his truths, his principles found in the word of God. Man, you know they will never lead you down the wrong path. Never, ever, ever. The problem is I choose my way too many times instead of the Lord's way. I don't know about you, but that's something I struggle with because, man, I got a strong will. And it's like, you know what, this is what I'm going to do. Sometimes I have to stop and think, Lord, I got to obey you. What do you want me to do here? Just giving in to him for those things." [09:17]
4. "But let me tell you something. If God can use David, why can't he use me? I am nobody special. In fact, I'll be honest with you. As a pastor, I don't know why God chose me. I don't have a clue. I don't know. You ever look at that and say, God, why'd you choose me to do this certain work? Why'd you choose me to teach a class? Or why'd you choose me to do this? I don't find myself worthy at all. I just need to be obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ." [48:19]
5. "But you know what? I haven't killed anybody. But I've never committed adultery. But if I ever say I was an alcoholic and I was like, all right, brother, Stephen, say he struggled. I'll go with alcohol. All right. Now, how can I help him quit if I'm an alcoholic myself? Now, I'd be like, hey, come to me. I can, I can help you. He'd be like, no, you can't. You need to help yourself. Now, if I gain victory over that in my life, fix my fault, got victory. Now I can help. So when the Bible is talking about this, we need to make sure that we, our own faults that we're looking at our own faults and get those fixed before you can tell somebody else." [54:40]
### Quotes for Members
1. "So I say, listen, we as Christians are not the enemy. I don't know about you, but I see too many Christians, and not in our church, but I see too many Christians that hate each other, dislike them. I don't care if they're Christian or non-Christian, love the person. I tell you what, though, you know what I'm going to hate? I hate sin. I hate sin. I hate the sin of this world. I hate the sin of the month of June, and I'm proud to be a Christian. I don't like what's going on in a lot of things, but I will say this. I am so glad that I'm a child of God." [01:04:38]
2. "Let God be the one examining you. Search me. May that be your prayer. Today, God, would you search me? And let me tell you, here's what I found out in my life in my closing statements here. Here's what I found out in my life. When I say, God, would you search me? You know what happens? He searches me. Then there's a lot of things that I was planning on to say to somebody and now I don't feel the need to say. Before you talk to somebody about something, God searched me. God searched me. And I guarantee you, when you really let God search you, it'll change. It'll change how you're going to talk to that person now, or if you do. Sometimes I got up and said, that was pretty petty, what I was going to say. I'm glad I had God. God, thank you for revealing to me. God, thank you for revealing to me those things." [01:07:55]
3. "But we need to look at people when you see something and say, man, can I help you? Can I help you in your life? Can I help you get back to God? I see this in your life. But it's right and wrong. But remove the beam out of your own eye, he's saying here. In Galatians 6.1, the Bible says, Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one of the spirit of meekness. Considering thyself, lest thou be tempted. James 4.11 and 12. We read this, but the Bible says, do not speak evil one of another. So the kind of judging that's forbidden by Jesus here was the self-righteous here." [59:00]
4. "So what we see here is, uh, we see the judgment type. Now, before we get into the right type of judgment, let's, we're going to look here now at the sinful types of judgment. Now I have an acronym here for you. All right. And the acronym reads and spells out one word. And whenever we say, don't judge me, it's true of this one word. And that word is pride. Throw that slide up there. There it is. Simple types of judgment. All right. Presumptive judgment, superficial judgment. Someone judges you superficially. Uh, we've, we've done that before. Haven't we? Uh, haven't we? Have some type of superficial type of judgment to somebody. Uh, uh, you got the righteous judgment, the self-righteous judgment, uh, where, you know, we think we are in charge and we think we know it all." [30:08]
5. "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous. Judge is this judgment. How many times do we judge people based upon what they look like? Yeah, we do all the time. When I'm out telling people about Jesus, knocking on doors, whatever, sometimes I'll see somebody and go, oh, they don't want Jesus. There's no way to look at them. And that's wrong. Oh, look at that person. They're not interested in things of God. We need to make sure we don't judge according to appearance. Listen, we don't want people to judge us according to appearance, do we? No. Then why are we judging people according to appearance? We need to be careful. And I'm so glad that Jesus looked at me, and I was eight years old when I got saved, but he looked at me. I was unworthy, but he found me worthy." [44:01]
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