How to Talk To Each Other. Self-Appointed Judges James 4:11-12

Transcription

1 How to Talk To Each Other Self-Appointed Judges James 4:11-12

2 James 4:11-12 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? (ESV)

3 Judge Steve? Self-Appointed Judges

4 When you talk about others You Sit in Judgment on Them Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law (11)

5 Speaks Evil (katalaleō) Many translations use the word slander (3x). English Definition the utterance of a falsehood damaging to a person s character or reputation; a spoken falsehood maliciously uttered. Biblical Definition careless or derogatory speech against another. To speak against. It includes anything, even the truth, uttered with the intent to cause harm.

6 Biblical Slander Includes False accusations or lies about a person s character An inflammatory remark making another look bad Malicious gossip about the true shortcomings of another Any utterance intended to harm A careless comment

7 Ephesians 4:25-32 Let each one of you speak the truth let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (ESV)

8 1 Peter 2:1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. (ESV)

9 Morris Mandel Slander is the most deadly microbe. It has neither legs nor wings. It is composed entirely of tales, and most of them have stings.

10 T.H.I.N.K. before we speak Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind?

11 When you talk about others You Sit in Judgment on the Law The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. (11)

12 James Argument When you speak against another, you judge him. When you judge another, you violate God s law. When you violate God s law, you set yourself above God s law. When you do this willingly, you are intentionally placing yourself above God. So, don t judge your brother. Self-Appointed Judges

13 Judge (krinō) To reach a decision, to sit in judgment upon. When James says not to judge, he is not referring to clear issues of sin. Scripture gives us the responsibility to hold accountable and discipline in such areas. But our motives, attitude, and approach are significant factors.

14 Matthew 7:1-2 Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. (ESV)

15 Law (nomos) When James uses the word law he is speaking about the Royal Law found in James 2:8, Love your neighbor as yourself.

16 When you talk about others You Sit in Judgment on God There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. (12)

17 Uniquely Qualified God is the only Lawgiver and Judge God alone has the ability to save or destroy God alone has the information necessary to judge and condemn God alone has the authority necessary to execute judgment If God alone has the right to make such judgments, you have no right to do it.

18 James 4:12 But who are you to judge your neighbor? (ESV)

19 Assumicide (noun) Being embarrassed to death as a result of an erroneous assumption which one has made.

20 Steve s Paraphrase Dear Brothers and Sisters hear me clearly on this! You need to be careful about developing a harsh and judgmental spirit. You have no right to appoint yourself as judge over other people. You cannot see their hearts, nor do you know the situation. If you really think about it. What qualifies you to be the judge? Honestly, you are not qualified. Let s leave that job to God, who does know, and who will always do what is right.

21 Self-Appointed Judges Let s talk TO each other rather than ABOUT each other and keep the Royal Law.