“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.”
Romans 2:1-11 NKJV
The things Paul is referring to here are written in chapter one. He was calling out the hypocrisy that existed in the church in Rome. He basically said the very thing you’re condemning others for, you’re practicing. Jesus called that plank versus speck. It’s amazing that we can recognize in someone what we despise in ourselves. Or seek to help correct their habits while struggling with the same sin. Paul said we’re actually condemning and judging ourselves. Two drowning people cannot save each other. One has got to be a better swimmer, so they both won’t drown.
Sin in us and others, no matter how religious we are, is still sin. You drink I cuss, it’s still the same to God who judges all righteously. He doesn’t see big and little sins, all unrighteousness is sin. He told His disciples that their righteousness must exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees, who considered themselves to be the epitome of virtue. They thought they were better than anyone else. Remember the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee? Luke 18:10-14. He thought because he could pray with superfluous words that he was better than the Publican. But the One who answers prayers, heard differently. We’re humbled whenever we view our brothers and sisters through the lenses of our own weaknesses. The only character trait that may set us apart is our obedience to the Word of God and our willingness to be transformed. Other than that we’re all sin prone.
Paul goes on to say that by practicing the very same sin we’re condemning in our brother or sister, causes us to forget that it’s the goodness of God, not our judging, that leads both them and us to repentance. Hardness and impertinence leads the judge and judged to the same place of wrath. None of us are good enough in and of ourselves. It’s the riches of His goodness, forbearance and longsuffering that has kept us from dying in our sins. Paul isn’t writing to the unsaved but the saved. There’s more hanky panky happening in God’s house than anyplace else. We think we can hide behind our hallelujahs and amens. Because yours is covered and mine is exposed doesn’t change anything. God gives the same measure to all. He wants His church cleansed.
The Pharisees were self- seeking, church folks, but rotten to the core. God in Christ is calling us to better. He wants us to do good works so that when it’s necessary to correct, not judge, they will see our lives as authentic and turn to following Jesus. Our lives are greater witnesses than our words. Until we have been delivered and set free from habits that seek to derail us, we cannot help someone else who’s struggling with the same weaknesses. If you’re still smoking pot as a Christian, or living with someone you’re not married to, or lying and stealing (this isn’t just speaking of money) or gossiping, and slandering others reputation, murmuring and complaining, We are not in a position to tell someone else not to do those things. We’re who Jesus calls ‘Blind guides of the blind.’ Matthew 15:14; Matthew 23:24-26
You can’t take me where you haven’t been spiritually. Overcomers have the greater witness. Do you want to help me? Help yourself first. Then come take my hand and show me how you did it. Or let us agree to become whole together. Seeking Truth, God’s Truth. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all Truth. John 16:13. He has come. So instead of trying to look good by putting someone else down, let’s drop the act and help each other get well. God’s goodness still offers repentance. The longer we remain hardened to sin, trying to cover our tracks, the harder it gets to come clean. Don’t allow the enemy to rob you of your Father’s great love for you not one more day. Remember love covers. See morning messages September 16, 2020. Love the person you’re judging and you’ll love yourself. We’re in this walk together. We don’t encourage or approve of sin in ourselves or others. But we become whole so we can help them get to where God in Christ needs them to be.
Pointing fingers always leads to four pointing back at us. Be the difference, not the judge.
“You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself?
Romans 2:21a NKJV
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant
October 27, 2021
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