As we continue our mini-series on one of the greatest sins of the church, judging others; we must be very careful to stay in line with the scripture. Many church goers recognize 1 Corinthians 6:2 which states, "Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest court laws?"
We lack an eternal prospective as it relates to our position with Christ in the Millennium and we fail to recognize that we should be able to settle disputes among two believers.
Our message today, however, goes deeper. The heart of the message has eternal effects.
In our message today, Paul asked some rhetorical questions that we really should be able to answer with confidence.
First, Paul asked, "But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God?" {Romans 2:3} For those persons who are doing the things listed at the end of chapter one of Romans and those self-righteous ones who are doing the same things, we must seriously call into question their salvation. For the saved, Jesus has dealt with our sins and we will be judged for our works; however, for the unsaved, they shall be condemned for their sins.
It is the condemning of others that I am most concerned about today. God commands us to love one another. It also states "judge ye not lest ye be judged." God is not a god of condemnation. God doesn’t condemn us and we should never condemn anyone else. The harsh reality is without Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we condemn ourselves.
When we work more on condemning them, then loving them, we ultimately may not be true believers ourselves and may ultimately be condemned by our own actions
The second question or message to focuse on today is the question in Romans 2:4, "Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? In our judging and condemning ourselves, we fail to express the same kindness, tolerance and patience that God has extended toward us. Church folks are good at running back to God for these merciful traits of God to be extended toward us. We fail to remember our own sinful condition at the time we became a believer or even how now we arebcovered by the grace of God. Ephesians 2:8-9 stands boldly in my mind as we challenge believers to remember, "for by grace are we saved not of works lest any man should boast."
We are challenged by the fact we can’t love the unlovable. We can’t extend mercy when we want mercy. We can't forgive when we want forgiveness. Maybe, just maybe, we are not even the same; however, even that judgment should be left into God. He will have the final say.
In our message today I just want us to consider a few points and then try to make some application to our lives.
When we judge, we need to consider:
1. The effects of judging others
2, The heart of the One judging us.
3. The opportunity we have tp avoid judgment.
We need to put the following points into application:
1. Try not to be so self-righteous.
2, Try to view others as God views you.
3. Second chances are another chance to do right and not wrong.
4. Second chances as needed just as much by the believer.
5. Condemning others will ultimately condemn us.
I leave you with this prayer: Lord, I thank you that you will help us see ourselves as clearly as we think we see others. Lord, help us to show others the same kindness, tolerance and patience that you show us. In Jesus name I pray. AMEN!
