Scripture Reading: John 5:24-30
[Go to Part 1]
"You Are Not The Judge!"
(Part 2)
Intro.
1. Part 1: God is the judge of our souls and the Revealer of His standard of judgment (the word of Christ).
2. When we teach God’s word accurately we are communicating God’s judgments concerning righteousness and wickedness.
3. Many false guides/standards by which people live.
4. Followers of Jesus are guided by (and conform to) God’s word, His standard of judgment, John 8:12, 31-32; 6:63, 68 (12:48).
5. Let’s allow God’s word to judge what is right (Luke 12:57).
I. WHAT PEOPLE DECIDE, AND WHAT GOD’S WORD JUDGES.
A. About the Church.
1. People decide: “Good people of all churches (no churches) will be saved (go to heaven).” We may wish it were so, but—
-God’s word judges: Matt. 7:21-23; Heb. 5:8-9; Acts 2:37-41, 47; Eph. 5:23 (Cornelius, Acts 10:2, 22; 11:14).
2. People decide: “One church is as good as another,” or, “no church is better.” That may solve a lot of disputes, but—
-God’s word judges: Matt. 16:18-19; Acts 20:28; Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23; 4:4. (Christ built, purchased, His body, one, Savior)
B. About Salvation.
1. People decide: “Water baptism is unnecessary.” That would please many, many people, but—
-God’s word judges: Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21
2. People decide: “Sprinkling water will do for baptism.” That would often be more convenient, but—
-God’s word judges: Rom. 6:3-6; Col. 2:12; Acts 8:35-38
3. People decide: “I feel like I’m saved.” Feelings are strong, but—
-God’s word judges: Prov. 14:12; Acts 23:1; 26:9; 2 Thess. 2:10-12
4. People decide: “Christians cannot fall from grace.” That comforts many souls, but—
-God’s word judges: Luke 8:13; Gal. 5:4; 1 Tim. 4:1
C. About Worship.
1. People decide: “Lord’s Supper monthly is enough.” Church by-laws or tradition may say so, but—
-God’s word judges: Acts 2:42; 20:7 (weekly)
2. People decide: “Instruments, bands, and choirs are OK.” There are many talented musicians in the church, but—
-God’s word judges: Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16 (John 4:24)
D. About Moral Living.
1. People decide: “Social drinking is acceptable.” Many see nothing wrong with it, but—
-God’s word judges: Prov. 20:1; 23:29-32; 1 Pet. 4:3
2. People decide: “Immodest clothing is decent.” Millions of people think so, but—
-God’s word judges: 1 Tim. 2:9-10
3. People decide: “Divorce for any cause and remarry without restraint.” Many Christians have been convinced, but—
-God’s word judges: Matt. 19:6, 9; 1 Cor. 7:10-11; Heb. 13:4
Conclusion
1. We cannot take God’s law into our own hands to do with as we please.
2. God will judge us by His word in the last day, Eccl. 12:14; Rev. 20:12-14.
a. Live by God’s judgments and be received into glory.
b. Refuse His word and be cast into hell fire, Mark 9:43-44.
3. Come to Jesus; He will save you.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted September 1, 2021