Tabor Baptist Church

Bible Text: Luke 6:31-42 | Preacher: Andrew Love | Series: Luke’s Gospel | Introduction

Example of Denise Kinney
Often we point the finger

Often we judge incorrectly
We are so quick to condemn
We see others as prideful
We forget what is in our hearts

Jesus is the only one who can pronounce judgment

He is the only one without sin
He did not have a censorious spirit
He came into the world to save
Yes he exposed sin and pronounced sin, but grace was always on His lips

Jesus warns against a censorious spirit

The tendency of the human heart is to have a critical spirit
Jesus says judge not and condemn not

Overview:

Jesus forbids a censorious spirit v37-42
Jesus commands a generous spirit
Jesus warns about spiritual blindness v39-42

Jesus forbids a censorious spirit (v37-42)

Judge not …
Does not mean you cannot have convictions

Not alternate truths

Scripture is absolute
We must be clear about what is right and wrong

Jesus exposed hypocrisy

Judgementalism – running down, nitpicking
Not judgmentalism – warning in love

Do not stand in judgment over others

As though you were living the good life, that you are better, that you are not exposed to their sins

The pharisees did this

Do not judge on appearance and without facts

Personal example

Do not spread gossip

Example

Quote from Proverbs

Investigate matters where appropriate

Judgementalism causes a lot of sadness

James 4:11-12

Are we taken up with secondary matters?
It can occur in churches

It occurred in several New Testament churches

Rom 14:1-5,10,13 – explanation

In secondary matters: let there by tolerance, love and understanding

Judge not, lest you be judged

Almost a principle of reaping and sowing

Explanation

v37 – not speaking about eternal judgment

The Bible says salvation is only through faith in Jesus Christ
There is no condemnation for “those who are in Christ Jesus”

A censorious spirit

Is a sure sign that such people are not in Christ
Do we live in this habitual way?
James 2:13
Are you unmerciful?

Jesus commands a generous spirit (v37-38)

Forgive and give

These are promises

God is a kind and generous God
He will supply our every need

The image of a grain merchant
He gives over abundantly
Follow in Jesus’ footsteps
If we realise how sinful we are and forgive others – God will forgive us

Jesus warns about spiritual blindness (v39-42)

Jesus gives parabolic words – v39-42

Picture language
Example

We should practice self examination

God wants us to judge our own hearts
The Bible is a mirror and shows us our hearts

Example of David and Bathsheba
Watch who you are following and who you are listening to

The disciples had to be trained by Jesus
The purpose of Church is that we would become like Jesus

Closing Remarks