Jul. 21, 2024
The saying “only God can judge me” has become an anthem for those seeking to distance themselves from the interfering observations of others. It has been proclaimed from pulpits and engraved in skin: ”Only God can judge me.” Is “Only God can judge me” a biblical truth or a worldly adaptation?
About this series:
The Bible Didn’t Say That?
There are many phrases used today that sound scriptural yet are contrary to what the Bible actually teaches. These mistaken beliefs about God and our Christian Walk can be more damaging than helpful. This four-week series looks at common misconceptions and what Scripture tells us about how we should approach these situations in life.
Today we ask is it true, "Only God Can Judge Me?"
The Bible Didn’t Say That?
There are many phrases used today that sound scriptural yet are contrary to what the Bible actually teaches. These mistaken beliefs about God and our Christian Walk can be more damaging than helpful. This four-week series looks at common misconceptions and what Scripture tells us about how we should approach these situations in life.
Today we ask is it true, "Only God Can Judge Me?"
Is “Only God can judge me” a biblical truth or a worldly adaptation?
The answer to this one is not as simple as yes or no. It is yes AND no.
God is the ultimate judge and has exclusive authority in determining guilt, innocence, and eternal consequence.
In this sense, the answer is “yes” this is biblical. James 4:11-12 seems to provide clear instruction on this but is that the full context?
The answer to this one is not as simple as yes or no. It is yes AND no.
God is the ultimate judge and has exclusive authority in determining guilt, innocence, and eternal consequence.
In this sense, the answer is “yes” this is biblical. James 4:11-12 seems to provide clear instruction on this but is that the full context?
Why Does This Quote Pose a Problem?
People sometimes use Jesus’s words “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1) as justification for individuals to live as they wish to live, without being held to any form of account.
Jesus' instruction during the sermon on the mount is often misunderstood. It's not a call to accept all behaviors or teachings unconditionally. Instead, it's a warning against hypocrisy.
This statement “Do not judge” is a reminder to make right judgements and not to be judgmental and critical. Those who judge like this will in turn be judged, not by other people but by God.
When we judge others, we elevate ourselves as morally superior, which often stems from false humility and pride.
Jesus says there is a right way to judge… John 7:24
People sometimes use Jesus’s words “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1) as justification for individuals to live as they wish to live, without being held to any form of account.
Jesus' instruction during the sermon on the mount is often misunderstood. It's not a call to accept all behaviors or teachings unconditionally. Instead, it's a warning against hypocrisy.
This statement “Do not judge” is a reminder to make right judgements and not to be judgmental and critical. Those who judge like this will in turn be judged, not by other people but by God.
When we judge others, we elevate ourselves as morally superior, which often stems from false humility and pride.
Jesus says there is a right way to judge… John 7:24
Inspect yourself
Part of judging correctly is that we must first deal with our own sin, then we can see clearly to help others who are caught in sin.
Judging others becomes sinful behavior when we judge with pride, comparison, or to belittle another. Speaking bad about others, gossiping, spreading falsehoods.
Judgment like this can harden our hearts, increase arrogance, and can hurt those that we judge.
Part of judging correctly is that we must first deal with our own sin, then we can see clearly to help others who are caught in sin.
Judging others becomes sinful behavior when we judge with pride, comparison, or to belittle another. Speaking bad about others, gossiping, spreading falsehoods.
Judgment like this can harden our hearts, increase arrogance, and can hurt those that we judge.
Fruit Inspectors (John 7:24)
Jesus teaches us to discern the true nature of actions through results (fruits.)
The difference between judgement and discernment
Judging is determining the guilt or innocence. Discerning is being able to determine truthfulness, or being able to know what is right or wrong.
Judgment is outward focused: it is about what other people do, say, or think.
Discernment is internal. It is your ability to know what is right and wrong, and meant to guide you.
The spiritual gift of discernment is the ability to sense the presence of both godly and evil spiritual influences. It is to understand or know something through the power of the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:10
Spiritual Discernment goes beyond what you see and into the spirit realm.
Jesus teaches us to discern the true nature of actions through results (fruits.)
The difference between judgement and discernment
Judging is determining the guilt or innocence. Discerning is being able to determine truthfulness, or being able to know what is right or wrong.
Judgment is outward focused: it is about what other people do, say, or think.
Discernment is internal. It is your ability to know what is right and wrong, and meant to guide you.
The spiritual gift of discernment is the ability to sense the presence of both godly and evil spiritual influences. It is to understand or know something through the power of the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:10
Spiritual Discernment goes beyond what you see and into the spirit realm.
How do I apply this?
1. We are urged to judge ourselves before we judge others.
2. The metaphor of the log and the speck is a powerful reminder to address our own faults before pointing out the faults of others.
3. Jesus teaches us to discern the true nature of actions through their fruits.
1. We are urged to judge ourselves before we judge others.
2. The metaphor of the log and the speck is a powerful reminder to address our own faults before pointing out the faults of others.
3. Jesus teaches us to discern the true nature of actions through their fruits.
Final thoughts:
This week, let's challenge ourselves to apply these teachings in practical ways:
1. Examine Your Heart: Before judging others, take time to reflect on your own faults and seek God's help in addressing them.
2. Approach with Humility: When you need to address someone else's behavior, do so with a spirit of love and humility, recognizing your own imperfections.
3. Pray Earnestly: Commit to praying for wisdom and guidance in your interactions with others. Ask for the spiritual gift of discernment.
4. Practice the Golden Rule: Treat others with the same kindness, respect, and understanding that you desire for yourself.
Power Text: (John 7:24)
This week, let's challenge ourselves to apply these teachings in practical ways:
1. Examine Your Heart: Before judging others, take time to reflect on your own faults and seek God's help in addressing them.
2. Approach with Humility: When you need to address someone else's behavior, do so with a spirit of love and humility, recognizing your own imperfections.
3. Pray Earnestly: Commit to praying for wisdom and guidance in your interactions with others. Ask for the spiritual gift of discernment.
4. Practice the Golden Rule: Treat others with the same kindness, respect, and understanding that you desire for yourself.
Power Text: (John 7:24)
Live Steaming
Groups
