Don't Judge Others, Judge Yourself - Zac Poonen - September 15, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/dont-judge-others-judge-yourself http://rlcfchurch.org/growing-spiritually River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker cautions against the sin of being a busybody, drawing from 1 Peter 4, which warns against meddling in others' affairs. He emphasizes that judging others is arrogant because we lack the full context and knowledge of the situation, citing Jesus' example of not judging by sight or hearing. The core message is to emulate Christ's reverence for God by withholding judgment until all facts are known.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What does it mean to be a busybody?Peter warns believers not to suffer as a busybody or one who tries to oversee other people's affairs, which makes someone a nuisance in the church.
Learning from the example of JesusJesus operated in the fear of the Lord and did not judge by mere sight or hearsay, ensuring complete fairness and righteousness.Isaiah 11:1–4
The balance between discernment and judgmentPaul prayed that the Philippians would abound in discernment, proving that believers should not be mindless zombies but wise as serpents and harmless as doves.Philippians 1:9
Why we must not judge before the timeBelievers are told not to pass judgment before the Lord comes because He will reveal the true motives behind people's actions.1 Corinthians 4:5
Where judgment must beginFirst Peter states that judgment must begin with the household of God, requiring us to judge ourselves for things like anger or stealing reputations.1 Peter 4:17
The Old Testament law of thorough investigationGod's law in Deuteronomy instructs believers to investigate, search out, and inquire thoroughly before taking action on rumors.
Refusing the spirit of the accuserThe devil is known as the accuser of the brethren, and the kingdom of God comes in power when we cast out this accusing spirit.Revelation 12:9–10
Who do you think you are to judge your neighbor?James asks who we think we are to judge our neighbor when there is only one Lawgiver and Judge who is able to save or destroy.James 4:11
Judging ourselves so we will not be judgedFirst Corinthians 11 states that if we judge ourselves rightly, we will not be judged by the Lord when He returns.1 Corinthians 11:31
God's judgment will be merciless to the mercilessJames 2 warns that judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has not shown mercy in how they assessed and judged others.James 2:13
Following Christ's example of compassionJesus, the only one without sin, did not throw stones at the woman caught in adultery, demonstrating that we must be merciful as He was.
