Matthew

Apr 21, 2024 | Josh Agnew

Judge Not

In the sermon "Judge Not," Pastor Josh Agnew advances an understanding of judgment within the Christian faith, as he navigates through the context of Matthew 7:1-5, including Jesus' notable teaching: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." The pastor critically addresses the irony surrounding the selective utilization of this verse both by non-believers defending their actions and believers using it to rationalize behavior contrary to Jesus's teachings.The sermon moreover recognizes that there might be situations where Christians must confront the sins of others, demonstrating such cases in numerous Biblical narratives—including instances where Jesus himself rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. To harmonize the apparent contradiction between abstaining from judgment and addressing others' sins, the pastor suggests focusing on the intentions of one's heart. He admonishes against self-righteousness, advocating for self-examination prior to noting other's faults, as depicted in the story of King David and the prophet Nathan.In this discourse, Pastor Josh additionally touched on the aspect of conflict, especially within marital relationships. He highlighted the importance of self-evaluation, responding to conflicts with love, and the necessity of embodying the attributes of love as described in 1 Corinthians 13—patience, kindness, humility, and a focus on reconciliation.The sermon ends by emphasizing Jesus's sacrifice for humanity and the critical role of demonstrating love in our interactions. The pastor underscores the calling of the local church to serve as a manifestation of peace, love, and hope in a world marred by brokenness. To spark change effectively, he reminds listeners of their obligation to introspect, empathize, and root all engagements firmly in love.

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