“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” (1 Corinthians 11:31) Judge ourselves how? By what standard? We must judge ourselves today by the gospel that the Lord Jesus Christ taught, and adjust our lives accordingly or else we will be systematically cast away by the same words that were spoken long ago, without further recourse. His words won’t change; they are recorded in heaven; they are eternal.
Jesus said, “now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.” (John 12:31) The prince of this world and all his followers are cast out by the same words that can save us. But not all hear. Not all obey.
Here is how Jesus explained it. “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken,” (already spoken) “the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48) The last day, the day of the Lord. God with us. The gospel is the last call from heaven. You now live in the last day. Do you hear the call?
How do you measure up? “The time is fulfilled,” (the last day has arrived) “and the kingdom of God is at hand:” (you can take hold of it) “repent ye, and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:15) Have you followed these instructions with all your heart? Repentance means to turn from sin and follow the Lord.
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is.” (Hebrews 10:25) Are you obedient to these words?
Judge yourself and see how you measure up to the words of the apostle Paul. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
To read the word is good, but to study the word is something more. It requires a sincere hunger to know and understand the word of God. This is why Jesus said, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
The word study means, “careful examination of a subject.” “Earnest effort or deep thought.” (Webster’s) Do you study the scriptures?
Very few people hear and obey these next words of Jesus. How do you see yourself? “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” (Luke 6:27-28) Remember what Jesus said? These same words will judge you. Treat them well and pray for them.
We should not covet this world’s riches and possessions but learn to be content. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5) “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1 Timothy 6:8) How do you line up with these words?
When judging ourselves, some may have a tendency to be more lenient than they would if it was someone else. Jesus condemned this self-serving line of thought. “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” (Matthew 7:3)
When pointing out sin to others, a preacher must carefully examine himself, making sure that he is not guilty of the same. Paul wrote these words. “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection:” (to the gospel) “lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)
Do you consider yourself to be a Christian? If so, what do people see and hear when you are among the world of unbelievers? Does the light of Christ shine through so that others can see a difference? Or do you hide within yourself, and become just one of the crowd?
Jesus said, “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38)
You are the judge. What do you see when you look at yourself? There’s no need to try to cover up anything, because the eyes of the Lord see what you see, and more. If you come up short in your own eyes, how do you suppose you appear to the Lord?
We don’t have time to waste; the end is upon us.
