If We Judge Ourselves We Will Not Be Judged (Message to Women) -- Annie Poonen -- August 18, 2021
Also in
http://rlcf.church/media/sermons/judge-ourselves-not-be-judged River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is the necessity of daily self-examination and repentance, rather than waiting for special occasions. The speaker emphasizes that instead of judging others, believers must continually examine their own hearts, drawing inspiration from Psalm 139. This process should be done with hope and a desire to become more like Christ, avoiding the pitfalls of self-condemnation and discouragement.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why must we be watchful and judge ourselves?In these last days, the New Testament constantly calls believers to be alert, pray, and purify themselves in preparation for the Lord's return.
A daily cleansing like tears in our eyesJust as natural tears constantly cleanse the eyes to keep vision clear, spiritual self-judgment should be a continuous daily practice rather than an occasional habit.
Avoiding self-condemnation and looking to JesusWhen examining ourselves, we must avoid falling into heavy psychological depression or beating ourselves up; instead, we look to Jesus as our mirror and allow the Holy Spirit to change us joyfully.
God is the judge of all the earthScripture makes it clear that God is the ultimate judge, and He has committed all judgment to His Son Jesus Christ, before whose judgment seat all humanity will eventually stand.Psalm 58:11
The authority given to parents and leadersWhile individuals cannot take God's place in judging others, God has granted specific authority to human governing officials, church elders, and parents to guide those under their direct care.
Guiding children through worldly pressuresMoms and dads have the privilege and responsibility to gently teach their children how to discern unbiblical things taught in schools and stand firm in their faith with wisdom.
Judge not that you be not judgedJesus warned us not to judge other people's motives, as doing so puts us in the place of God and ignores His patience with them.
Judgment without mercy for the unmercifulWhen we see the faults of others and fail to show love and mercy, God will hold us to that same standard and judge us without mercy.
Applying self-judgment in our home situationsIt is easy to judge husbands or family members for their shortcomings, but God holds us accountable for our own responses rather than our husbands' omissions.
Hymns and scripture as aids for self-examinationSinging and meditating on hymns that ask God to search our hidden motives help keep our lives open before the Lord.
The threefold heart: Flame, love, and steelQuoting Augustine, the speaker desires a heart of flame toward God, a heart of love toward fellow men, and a heart of steel toward oneself to avoid self-pity and demand for attention.
