Study Questions
- "Judgmentalism begins," writes the author, when "we equate our opinions with truth." What's the difference between a preference for something and a Bible-based conviction?
- Paul faced judgmentalism head-on (Romans 14). How would you describe Paul's response in Romans 14:4-5? What position did Paul take concerning the personal convictions of what people ate or special days they observed?
- What do you think is the proper balance between a) standing up for key biblical doctrine, and b) expressing disagreement with advocates of unsound doctrine in ways that do not degenerate into character assassination?
- How do we know that God takes "respectable" sins of the tongue seriously? (See Matthew 12:36-37.)
- Which word pictures did James use in James 3:1-12 to illustrated the tongue's power and sinful effects? What did he want us to realize?
Discussion Questions
- Biblically, when should we pass judgment on the practices and beliefs of other believers? What criteria must we use? Read Romans 1:24-32; Galatians 5:19-21; 2 Timothy 3:1-5. How is the perspective of Bible-based confrontation different from much of our society's emphasis on "tolerance"?
- How have Christians' judgmentalism and sinful speech affected their churches? Their witness in the local community?
- Jerry writes: "Note Paul's absolute prohibition [in Eph. 4:29]. No corrupting talk. None whatsoever. This means no gossip, no sarcasm, no critical speech, no harsh words.... Think about what the church of Jesus Christ would look like if we all sought to apply Paul's words." if indeed we could live and worship together in this way, what would the body of Christ be like? What are we each willing to do in order to help make that happen?
Personal Reflection:
- How do you feel wehn you are with someone who continually practices judgmentalism--having a critical spirit and finding fault with everyone and everything? Why do you think a critical spirit is so damaging?
- Which sins of the tongue tempt you the most?
- Based on your speech, what is in your heart? What might the Holy Spirit be prompting you to do about it?
- For the next two days, ask yourself, "Will what I'm about to say tend to tear down or build up the person to whom I speak (or about whom I speak)?
1 comment:
Hi All,
I want to thank you Rochelle and Tiff for being honest about this study. I think accountability is hard online. I have kept up with the reading only because I am so stinking stubborn (well, I like to say that one of my core values~LHM~is perseverance but Kyle says it is stubbornness!!).
Anyways, I have to comment on the chapter of the sins of the tongue. I would encourage all of you to read this chapter as it is only a few pages and at least for me is a MAJOR sin area. I've been studying the book of James in another study and he is so adamant that there is no excuse for our tongues to be so wicked. Through that study I have started to TRY (note that I said try) to screen what I say with these three questions...
1. Is it true? (I used to normally stop here...if it was true then it could definitely come out of my mouth!)
2. Is it kind? ummmmm....
3. Is it necessary?
So I've determined that if I actually used this principle I would have a lot less to say!
This would actually be more in line with God's word...Proverbs 10:19 says, "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."
I think I struggle the most with gossip and critical speech. Like I mentioned before I seem to think that if it's true then I can say it (as if lying is somehow worse than gossip?). I know that it all goes back to my heart which is in constant need of renewal from the Lord. I wish it weren't such a daily battle!!
I loved the verse out of the Psalms that he gave us..."Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14.
Post a Comment