Isaiah 44:21-22 (ESV) 21 Remember these things, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are my servant; I formed you; you are my servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me. 22 I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you. […]
The importance of love is made clear by the teaching of Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:1-4. Who could doubt the necessity of love after reading these words from Paul’s inspired pen? Love, however, is not always enough to please God. If love, in one area, ignores the commandments of God in another, it is not […]
Matthew 7:1-2 (ESV) 1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. While this overall text is condemnatory, in the first couple of verses Jesus is simply giving good advice. Since there is […]
Why do people do the things that they do? We know, based on the examination of human nature, why man does certain things. Some people are motivated by money. This has been the motive behind many crimes, as well as destructive behavior like gambling, dishonest business practices, etc. Passion is another motive that has moved […]
We have seen so far this week that, at times, we must judge the fruit of others. We should be careful not to develop an overall judgmental attitude where we are hypercritical of everyone around us. Still, there will be times when someone is in sin and needs to be encouraged to do better. When […]
Someone has said, “we are not judges, but we are fruit inspectors,” but fruit inspectors are judgers of fruit. Sometimes we must judge the fruit of others (Matthew 7:15-20). Even preaching the gospel to the lost involves judging others. Jesus put it like this: Matthew 7:6 (ESV) 6 “Do not give dogs what is holy, […]
Most people do not know what the Bible teaches about judging others. It is the belief among those who know, either very little, or nothing at all, about the Bible to conclude that we are never to judge others. Their conclusion is based upon what Jesus said in Matthew 7:1, which most of them have […]
For some reason, the command to give is often ignored by members of the church. Too many feel that if they are faithful in other areas, giving is of little significance. Paul, however, did not feel that way. 1 Corinthians 16:2 (ESV) 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to […]
Hebrews 3:1 (ESV) 1 Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, As Christians, nothing or no one should be considered more than Jesus. He is the goal at which we aim “for the prize of the upward call of God” (Philippians 3:14). […]
Thinking about ourselves first is a natural thing to do. Thinking of others before ourselves is the Christ-like thing to do. Everything we know about Jesus points to Him putting others before Himself. Romans 15:3 (ESV) 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you […]