Sermon - Jeff Raines - The Heart of Judgement (Matthew 7:1-5)
Manage episode 442853296 series 3596389
September 28, 2024 * Dr Jeff Raines
40 steps closer, today's step:
Be careful when you judge, and start with yourself.
Matthew 7:1-5 & 1 Corinthians 5
Who gets to judge? Judges need to be impartial, fair, and wise - they serve an essential role in our culture.
Jesus tells a story in Matthew 7 about removing the plank in our own eye before judging others. Self righteousness is dangerous! How we judge is connected to how we will be judged. Judgemental spirits are contagious. Your attitude helps clear the air or pollute the air.
"Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors..." Matthew 6:12
There is a correlation between forgiveness and mercy.
If we are filled with judgement, criticism and resentment this shows we really haven't understood the grace and mercy of God.
Sin matters. We need to make sure sin is not running amuck among us. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 tells us we should not be surprised when the world acts sinful, but we are not to withstand this in the church. We are to work on ourselves first and foremost. This helps us be able to help other people.
How can we be better, more faithful followers of Jesus? Be careful when we judge, and start with ourselves.
18 episode