OCTOBER 4, 2020
FAITH THAT STOPS PLAYING GOD
HOW TO STOP PLAYING GOD
James 4:11-12
Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks
against the law and judges it. There is only one lawgiver and judge,
the one who is able to save and destroy. But you, who are you to
judge your neighbor?
We’re playing God when we speak against our brother.
I. Why do we like to judge others?
II.
1. To excuse our own faults.
Romans 2:3 – So when you, a mere man, pass judgement on
them, and yet do the same thing, do you think you will escape
God’s judgment?
2. It appeals to our pride.
Proverbs 26:22 – Gossip is so tasty! How we love to swallow it.
III. Why should I not judge others?
It is unchristian.
Vs. 11 – Brothers do not slumber, anyone who speaks against
his brother or judges his brother.
It is unloving.
Vs. 11 – Anyone who judges, speaks against the law.
(James 2:8)
It is unjustified.
Vs. 12 – There is only one lawgiver and judge, who are you to
judge your neighbor?
IV. When is it wrong to judge others?
1. When you are doing the same thing.
Rom. 2:1-3
2. When it blinds me of my own faults.
Matt 7:3-5
3. It’s wrong to draw conclusions on outward appearances.
John 7:24
4. It’s wrong to judge before you hear the facts.
John 7:51
5. It’s wrong to judge spirituality on the basis of the external.
Col. 2:16
6. It’s wrong when you put yourself above the law.
James 4:11
7. It’s wrong to judge before the appointed time.
I Cor. 4:5
V. How to break the habit of judging others.
1. Remember you will be judged by the same standard you
use to judge others.
Matt. 7:1-2 -Do not judge others, so that God will not judge you,
for God will judge you in the same way you judge others, and
He will apply to you the same rules you apply to others.
2. Remember you’re accountable to God.
Romans 14:12-13 – Everyone of us, then will have to give an
account of himself to God. So then, let us stop judging one
another.
3. Remember how merciful God has been to you.
James 2:13 – Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Parable of the unforgiving servant.
Matt. 18:21-35