"What are you really doing?"
Notes
Transcript
Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:1–6
What are you really doing when you talk about others?
What are you really doing when you talk about others?
That is what James want his readers to understand here.
Practicality of Religion in Relationships
Practicality of Religion in Relationships
Remember...
This fits into a reoccurring theme: Practicality of Religion in Relationships (1:27; 2:1; 2:8; 2:15–16; 3:9; 3:16).
Section Outline:
Relationship with People (vv. 1-2a) - BOOKEND
Relationship with God (vv. 2b-10) - CORE
Relationship with People (vv. 11-12) - BOOKEND
James starts with...
The cause for ...
Conflict with People (vv. 1-2a)
Disappointment in Prayer (vv. 2b-3)
James continues with...
Rebuke (vv. 4-5)
Reminder (v. 6)
Last time - Humility
Humility Begins with Submission (vv. 7-8)
Humility Includes Sorrow (v. 9)
Humility Leads to Exaltation (v. 10)
Here, returning to relationship with people - Slander
It is wrong to slander others (v. 11a).
It is against the law to slander others (v. 11b).
It is against the Lawgiver to slander others (v. 12).
It is wrong to slander others (v. 11 a).
It is wrong to slander others (v. 11 a).
Two questions:
What is slander?
What is slander?
To speak evil of or to speak against, criticize, defame - to others about another
It may or may not be true. It is more about the motive than the content.
Malicious intent
Meant to influence others against the person
Why is slander wrong?
Why is slander wrong?
It is against the law.
It is against the Lawgiver.
It is against the law to slander others (v. 11 b).
It is against the law to slander others (v. 11 b).
When you slander someone, you are making two judgments:
You are judging the person.
You are judging the person.
You are making a decision about them.
You are deciding that they are wrong, which, in a round about way, is a decision about their heart (the foundation of right and wrong).
You are judging the law.
You are judging the law.
You are making a decision about the law.
You are standing against it - the law is against slander.
18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
16 You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.
1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.
8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
So, when you slander someone, you are placing yourself above the law.
So, when you slander someone, you are placing yourself above the law.
Your actions are against it.
Your actions are a decision about it.
It’s as if you know better than the law.
It is against the Lawgiver to slander others (v. 12).
It is against the Lawgiver to slander others (v. 12).
Two questions:
Who is the Judge?
Who is the Judge?
The Lawgiver - God (Isaiah 33:22)
22 For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us.
The Law Enforcer - save and destroy
Who are you?
Who are you?
Not the judge
But the neighbor
The ranking is God, Law, people (neighbors).
When we slander others, we place ourselves above the law, equal with God.
Be mindful of the relationship between your relationship with people and your relationship with God.
Be mindful of the relationship between your relationship with people and your relationship with God.
Benediction: