Judging Self Asking God Serving Others
The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's judgment and living by the Golden Rule in the power of the Holy Spirit.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of self-judgment and the need for divine guidance in forming opinions about others, warning against the dangers of critical and unfounded judgments. He encourages believers to seek God's insight into their own hearts before judging others, highlighting the necessity of prayer and the pursuit of truth. Meyer also reminds us of the power of asking God for good gifts, particularly the Holy Spirit, and urges the adoption of the Golden Rule as a guiding principle in our interactions with others.
Text
Matthew 7:1-12
There is abundant need for a right and sound judgment, illumined by the Spirit of truth; but there is a world of difference between it and the censorious and critical opinions which we are apt to form and utter about others. Human nature is fond of climbing up into the judgment seat and proclaiming its decisions, without hearing both sides or calling witnesses. Beware of basing your judgment on idle stories and gossip. In any case, do not utter it, if it be adverse, unless you have first prayed about it and sought to turn the sinner from the error of his ways. Let God search you, before you search another. See Psalms 139:23-24; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; Hebrews 4:12.
We ask for a gift; we seek for what we have lost; we knock for entrance.
Only a door stands between us and Christ! He will not give us stones or serpents, even if we clamor for them; but He will never fail to give good things-and above all His Holy Spirit-only we must ask for them.
The Roman Emperor Severus was so charmed with the Golden Rule that he had it inscribed on the walls of his palace. Let us inscribe it on our hearts and act on it in the power of the Holy Spirit, who sheds God’s love abroad in the hearts of those who believe.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Right Judgment
- The Dangers of Censorious Judgments
- The Gift of the Holy Spirit
- Living the Golden Rule
- Inscribing the Golden Rule on our hearts
- Acting on the Golden Rule in the power of the Holy Spirit
Key Quotes
“Let God search you, before you search another.” — F.B. Meyer
“He will not give us stones or serpents, even if we clamor for them; but He will never fail to give good things-and above all His Holy Spirit-only we must ask for them.” — F.B. Meyer
“Let us inscribe it on our hearts and act on it in the power of the Holy Spirit, who sheds God’s love abroad in the hearts of those who believe.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Pray before forming an opinion about someone to ensure fair judgment.
- Seek the gift of the Holy Spirit in prayer and faith.
- Live by the Golden Rule, treating others the way you want to be treated.