The Book of James: Quit Playing God
James 4:11-12 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? (NIV)
WHEN WE JUDGE OTHERS, WE TAKE A ROLE THAT BELONGS TO GOD
WHY ARE WE SO QUICK TO JUDGE OTHERS?
1. It Helps Us Look Past Our Own Struggles
Romans 2:3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? (NIV)
2. It Feeds Our Pride
Proverbs 26:22 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. (ESV)
WHY SHOULD I NOT JUDGE OTHERS?
1. Because It Doesn't Reflect Christ
James 4:11a Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. (NIV)
2. Because It Violates the Law of Love
James 4:11 Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law… (NIV)
James 2:8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. (NIV)
3. Because It's Not Our Position
James 4:12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? (NIV)
WHEN IS IT WRONG TO JUDGE OTHERS?
1. When I'm Guilty of the Same Sin (Romans 2:1-3)
Romans 2:1b at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. (NIV)
2. When It Keeps Me from Seeing My Own Faults (Matthew 7:3-5)
Matthew 7:3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (NIV)
3. When I Judge by Appearances
John 7:24 “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” (NIV)
4. When I Reach Conclusions Before Knowing the Facts
John 7:51 “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?” (NIV)
5. When I Judge Others Over Personal Preferences or Secondary Issues
Colossians 2:16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. (NIV)
6. When My Words Tear Down Fellow Believers
James 4:11a Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. (NIV)
7. When I Assume I Know Someone's Motives
1 Corinthians 4:5a Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. (NIV)
HOW DO I BREAK THE HABIT OF JUDGING OTHERS?
1. Remember That the Same Standard I Use Will Be Used on Me
Matthew 7:1-2a “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged.” (NIV)
2. Remember That Everyone Answers to God
Romans 14:12-13a So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. 13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. (NIV)
3. Remember How Much Mercy God Has Shown Me
James 2:13b Mercy triumphs over judgment. (NIV)
4. Remember the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35)
God has not called us to sit in His seat of judgment. He has called us to walk in humility, extend mercy, and trust Him as the only perfect Judge.