Stop Playing God
According to the Bible, it’s wrong to judge:
James 4:11-12 (NIV)
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January 28 & 29, 2012
Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or
judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law,
you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on 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?
James 4:11,12 (NIV)
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Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV)
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When I draw conclusions before hearing all the facts.
When I judge someone based on religious practice.
Colossians 2:16 (NIV) Romans 14:1, 2 (NIV)
It makes my sins seem insignificant.
It appeals to my ungodly curiosity.
Gossip is so tasty! How we love to swallow it!
When I draw conclusions based on appearances.
John 7:24 (NIV)
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Proverbs 26:22 (TEV)
When I speak evil about another person.
When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.
(Vs. 11c) NIV
But God isn't so easily diverted. He sees right through all such smoke screens and
holds you to what you've done. You didn't think, did you, that just by pointing your
finger at others you would distract God from seeing all your misdoings and from
coming down on you hard …
Romans 2:2-3 (MSG)
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When my judgment blinds me to my own faults.
John 7:51 (NIV)
I judge people because:
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Romans 2:1-3 (NIV)
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I play God when I judge others.
When I’m practicing the same sin.
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
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When I question a person’s motives.
1 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV)
Use TLC to break the habit (of gossip, slander and judgment)
Three reasons God says, “Don’t judge.”
Treat people like you want to be treated.
1. We are all part of God’s family.
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others,
you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV)
Brothers, do not slander one another. (Vs. 11a) NIV
Slander = Devil
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire.
He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth
in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father
of lies.
John 8:44 (NIV)
2. We are all called to be loving.
Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law
and judges it. (Vs. 11b) NIV
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as
yourself," you are doing right.
James 2:8 (NIV)
3. We are not worthy to judge.
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? (Vs. 12) NIV
Look out for my own personal accountability.
So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop
passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any
stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.
Romans 14:12-13 (NIV)
Communicate the same mercy to others that God
gives to me.
Mercy = not getting the punishment we deserve
… because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been
merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
James 2:13 (NIV)
~ MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK ~
Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his
brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it.
James 4:11 (NIV)