Condemnation – The Clotting of the Kingdom Heart
February 22, 2009 · Filed Under Sermon Study Guides, Sermons
- What are the two primary ways that “judging” is used in the New Testament? How do they differ? What does each look like in practice?
- Have you ever been condemned by another? What did it feel like? Have you ever condemned another? Why?
- How are you condemning towards others? What individuals or groups do you struggle not having a “condemning attitude toward?
- Why is condemning another wrong? What does it say about the one doing the condemning? Describe the kind of person he or she is. Why are appraising ideas and appraising actions vitally necessary to life?
- Why is condemnation in the home so destructive? Do you agree with C.S. Lewis’ quote when he says that he has “been far more impressed by the bad manners of parents to children than by those of children to parent?”
- Read through Galatians 6:1-5. How should a brother or sister in sin be dealt with? What principles of restoration do you glean from this text? How does the approach Paul suggests here differ from an attitude of condemnation?
- Read Matthew 10:11-16. Discuss the implications of Matthew 7:6 and the final point of the message in light of Mt. 10:11-16. How would we apply Mt. 7:6?
- Pray for each other and yourself to become the kind of person that is an appraiser of ideas and actions not a condemner of people.
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3 Responses to “Condemnation – The Clotting of the Kingdom Heart”
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Really enjoyed this sermon.
I have always thought of judging in this way: that the caution is on judging motives – the “why” behind the action, whereas judging actions is commanded, or implied (Matthew 10:11-16, Matt. 7: 16). But when we “appraise” a person by the fruits of his life, it does usually follow that we make a judgment call against motives. Now however, after considering this more deeply, I don’t know that it matters as much “why” a person is sinning (though that knowledge could help in the counseling of the sinner). The clarification of the type of judgment we use (condemn vs. appraise) is really the heart of the matter, I think. So then it really is a “why” question, but this time the question is directed at the judger, not the sinner. Is my motive for calling someone’s sin into account to help restore that person, or is it to mask the fact of my own sins?
Thanks Aaron. Myke, I love your thoughts on this. I agree and think that is the essence of his “why” in vs. 3. It is drawing out our motivation. I found this text very personally convicting.