Some of you may remember the comedian Flip Wilson and his humorous routine where he would say, “Here come da judge, here come da judge”. Is that the song people sing when you come in the room? I hope not, but if you struggle with being somewhat judgmental, Jesus has a remedy. He says, "don’t”! Ever notice that some Christians are piercingly critical people. Get a revelation folks; our criticism often crushes the one being criticized – whether you know it or not, it does. Criticism is NOT correction. Criticism is the Adam nature’s version of correction! The Spirit of God is the only One in a position to criticize because His criticism is not disparaging, it is correction in the superlative. We have to let Him do it because He is the only One who can do it with hurting and wounding. You may never voice your criticism but if you’re even thinking it, you have a problem! Let’s look at God’s training manual on this issue: Mathew 7:1-5, Romans 2:17-29, Romans 5:8-11. (Listen to entire sermon below.) If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS.
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We continue with James 3…and in the very first verse, he cautions that not everyone need run to be a teacher because they incur a stricter judgment! He was addressing that what comes out your mouth had better be the words of the Lord and not your own opinion. Our Adam nature, the broken nature from Adam’s disobedience, is not aligned with God. God says our minds are enmity (extreme ill will or hatred) to Him. Yuk! So He cautions against us mixing it with what God says, especially as it is taught to others. Verses 2-17 continue with the warning of the “tongue”…what you say and how you say it. Even though bitterness, revenge, disrespect, etc. are feelings, they are all delivered by the tongue. And just as a small rudder can steer a huge ship, so does such a small member of your body, control the direction of your life. Control it, put it under the subjection and wisdom of God and He says it will go well with you. Tough chapter here, but we must seek God for help in making sure we control the tongue so as to steer us in the right direction. (Originally recorded 12/11/13. Listen to entire sermon below. We apologize for the sound static in the first minute of the audio, but it does clear up after that.) |
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