A Hypocrite’s Judgment, Fault-Finding, & Healing
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Text:Matthew 7:1-5
Introduction: As has been shared in previous lessons, one of the character qualities of hypocrites is that they are fault-finders. As fault finders who do the same or similar things they will be more harshly judged by God.
Point 1: God’s Judgment of Hypocrites! Verses 1 &2
- Hypocrites beware! God is just in His judgment!
- What does it mean to “Judge” another person?
The Greek word “Krino” used here means to try, condemn and punish as assuming the office of judge.
- The Issue of Judging: How you judge will determine your eternal destiny. If you judge to condemn and execute you will be damned.
- Jesus’ Promise for Judgment: By your standard of measure in judgment it will be returned to you.
Verses: James 2:8, 12-13, Romans 2:1-5
Point 2: A “Why” and “How” for Hypocrisy Verses 3 &4
- Two common sense questions about fault-finding.
- Why?Why do they have a critical eye for others and a blind eye to their sins? Possibilities- pride, gain advantage or control, deflection of observation.
- How? How can they say, “Let me help” when they are blind and unable to see the speck? The result is that both will become blind.
Point 3: Healing a Fault-Finding Hypocrite Verse 5
- Fault-finding hypocrites can heal themselves.
- The Three Step Healing Process
- Examine: They need to honestly examine themselves according to the “Royal Law” the “Perfect Law of Liberty”
- Repent: They need to repent by changing their mind according to the “New Man” standard in the New Testament. Christ’s life is the standard!
- Heal: They must practice the standard for the new behavior and then in humility help the erroring brother with his “speck” to prove the repentance and build the conviction of truth.
Practical Applications:
What did you find most helpful from today’s sermon?
When is judgment critically important for the church?
Why must our judgment have an external standard?
Why were the two common sense questions so good in exposing the problems of fault-finding?
What are your thoughts on the healing process suggested in today’s sermon? Can you think of any other steps that might be important in the healing process?
Points for Prayer:
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