Spiritual Optometry
June 23, 2013 Morning Service
Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK
Rick Boyne
Message Point: Make sure you are holy and righteous before demanding the same from someone else.
Focus Passage: Matthew 7:1-6
Supplemental Passage: Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God. (1 Corinthians 4:5 NASB)
Introduction: You cannot practice optometry without a license, in other words, most people are simply not qualified to practice optometry. Yet, all the time, too many people are practicing spiritual optometry without being qualified. What makes you qualified to practice spiritual optometry? Personal righteousness and holiness. Without personal righteousness and holiness, most people are guilty of the mal-practice of spiritual optometry.
I. Judgment of actions based on righteousness
a. My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20 NASB)
b. "You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? (Matthew 7:16 NASB)
c. A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1 NASB)
II. Judgment of people based on the guilt of the accuser
a. "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. (Matthew 7:3-5 NASB)
b. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor? (James 4:12 NASB)
c. as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; (Romans 3:10 NASB)
III. Judgment of people based on law rather than grace
a. because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:20 NASB)
b. For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:13 NASB)
c. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. (Romans 6:14 NASB)
d. (Throwing what is holy to dogs, pearls before swine) – Instead of telling a bad sinner that they are a bad sinner, tell them the Good News! Dispel darkness with LIGHT!
Invitation: If you are in the habit of judging others, perhaps you should seek out the motivation your judgment. Do you judge others out of your own guilt? Do you judge others out of a sense of right and wrong? Do you practice grace and mercy in the shortcomings of others? Do you treat others like you want to be treated? Do you speak your mind no matter the consequences? Perhaps your own life is so filled with pride that you need to be looking to make yourself holy and righteous before you start on others. For most of us, that will be a life-long endeavor.
[The audio of this sermon can be heard here: http://sermon.net/rboyne/sermonid/1200049226]
