Judgment

Where Faith Meets Life
JUDGMENT
Pastor Mark Johnson
February 13, 2011
 
James 4: 11-12; James 4:11-12 (ESV); Matthew 18:15-17; James 4:11-12 (The Message); 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; James 4:111212 (HCSB); Galatians 6:1; James 4:11-12 (NCV); Ezekiel 33:7-9; James 4:11-12 (God’s Word); 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; James 4:11-12 (Amplified)
What is the deal? Certainly many people are confused about the meaning of the Bible on this subject.
 
One of the most quoted lines of Jesus today is
Matthew 7:1 (NIV84)
 
Try to encourage someone’s life today and you may be greeted by this verse.
The enemy is trying to use false doctrine to make us a nation of fools. 
 
The Bible’s thoughts on correction:
Proverbs 10:8; Proverbs 10:8 (ESV); Proverbs 12:15
 
Many believers have the idea turned around.
 
If someone comes to me with a concern I should welcome it but if they talk about someone else I should rebuke it. Today we do the opposite of this.
 
What would the Bible say about this condition?
Proverbs 9:8-9 (NIV84)
 
Are you wise or foolish?
 
The place to point out faults is face-to-face.
When we discuss evil with others we undermine the very work of God. We undermine their ministry to others. We undermine the testimony of the grace of God.
Proverbs 11:12 (AMP)
What do you do when you have a problem? You go to them. 
 
There are two reasons to go to a brother, and then only in a spirit of humility.
  1. They have offended me.
  2. They are bringing disrepute on the Kingdom.
Otherwise just forgive them and be patient as they grow.
Let me make the judgment in James real practical:
When we judge someone’s salvation and heart we make ourselves out to be judges and try to take God’s place. This sets us in opposition to the law itself.
The law is summed up in two commands:
Matthew 22:34-40
When we speak evil of others we break the law that we pretend to defend.
 
When someone approaches us having been offended or to give instruction, our hearts should be open to grow wiser still. When someone speaks against another, we should stop the conversation.
 

« Back to All Sermons