Be Cautious When You Criticize
We should be cautious when criticizing others because we will all be judged by Christ's standards, and we are accountable for our own actions, not others'.
Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of being cautious when criticizing fellow Christians, reminding us that we will each stand before God to give an account of our own actions, not those of others. He references Paul's teachings in Romans and 1 Corinthians, urging believers to refrain from hasty judgments and to focus on their own conduct rather than pointing fingers at others. Epp highlights that we will be judged by Christ's standards, and therefore, we should avoid placing stumbling blocks in each other's paths. This call to self-reflection and humility is essential for fostering a supportive Christian community.
Text
Romans 14:10-13
When we realize that each of us must give an account to God, it will cause us to be more cautious about criticizing a Christian brother.
We will then heed what 1 Corinthians 4:5 says: "So do not make any hasty or premature judgments before the time when the Lord comes [again], for He will both bring to light the secret things that are [now hidden] in darkness, and disclose and expose the [secret] aims (motives and purposes) of hearts. Then every man will receive his [due] commendation from God" (Amplified).
This is advice that Paul gave to the Corinthians, and it applies just as directly to each believer today.
We shall all be judged one day--not by each other's standards and not even by our own standards. We shall be judged by the standards of Christ. Before God alone, we shall give an account for our own actions and not for those of the other person.
I do not have to give an account for you, and you do not have to give an account for me. Before God, I will have to give an account for myself.
No wonder Paul said, "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way" (Rom. 14:13). In other words, we should stop turning critical eyes on each other.
This is sometimes a difficult instruction to follow. It is natural to always justify oneself and one's own actions in the face of what others are doing. It is natural to criticize the other person because he does not see or do things our way.
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Cor. 5:10).
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Accountability
- Judgment by God's Standards
- The Dangers of Criticism
- Criticism can be a stumbling block for others
- We should focus on our own actions, not judging others
Key Quotes
“So do not make any hasty or premature judgments before the time when the Lord comes [again], for He will both bring to light the secret things that are [now hidden] in darkness, and disclose and expose the [secret] aims (motives and purposes) of hearts.” — Theodore Epp
“Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way” — Theodore Epp
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- Be cautious when criticizing others, as it can lead to a lack of accountability for our own actions.
- Focus on your own actions and not be a stumbling block for others.
- Remember that you will be judged by Christ's standards, not your own, and you will be accountable for your own actions, not others'.