Why God’s Judgment Matters

As we gather in worship today, this article is for you, the reader. I encourage you to reflect on significant themes in our faith, we conclude our series on matters that truly matter. These past weeks have seen us delve into leadership, vision, the Word, testimony, worship, and witnessing. Today, we tackle the solemn but crucial topic of judgment. Why does God’s judgment matter? This exploration is not only vital for our understanding of God’s character but also for our lives and relationships today. 

Listen to the sermon here. 

A Personal Perspective: My Journeys in the Courtroom

To set the context, let me share a bit about my experience. I have served in the courts for over a thousand hours, primarily advocating for at-risk youth and engaging in various civil matters. As a court-appointed special advocate, I witnessed firsthand the complexities of the judicial system, from spending weeks in federal court to navigating the intricacies of local governance in the Chicagoland area. 

Through these experiences, I've come to understand that while I am not a lawyer, the authority of the judge—whether in civil or criminal cases—holds a weighty significance. This emphasis on authority leads us into our discussion about God’s judgment—a topic that, though heavy, is essential for our faith journey. 

Judgment: A Distinctly Divine Act

When we speak of judgment, especially in a biblical context, we must clarify that judgment is reserved for the righteous. While humans may often take it upon themselves to judge, we must recognize that true judgment requires discernment and is ultimately in the hands of a righteous God. 

Judgment is more than condemnation; it is an evaluation—a rendering of choice. It serves to guide us toward the best possible outcomes. Every believer should bear personal discernment, guiding choices as we navigate life. 

The Three Characteristics of Judgment

To understand the biblical notion of judgment, we can explore three essential characteristics:

1. Self: Judgment begins with ourselves. Before we cast our gaze outward, we must first examine our hearts and actions.

2. For Good: Judgment should lead us to better choices and healthier outcomes—not merely condemn but direct.

3. In Love: Our approach to judgment must be wrapped in love, echoing the heart of God’s message.

Be Wise

The importance of wisdom in our judgments cannot be overstated. Proverbs 9:10 tells us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." As we engage with the world around us, it’s imperative that we discern right from wrong. 

In today's society, we often witness the folly of humanity—individuals making ill-informed choices driven by emotion, opinion, or the loudest voices. We are cautioned that while knowledge may abound, true wisdom—understanding applied knowledge—will be scarce. 

The Nature of Wisdom

Wisdom is not merely the accumulation of facts; it is the application of God’s Word to our lives. To be wise, we must focus on:

- Worthy Knowledge: Knowledge grounded in God’s Word leads to true wisdom rather than simply regurgitating popular ideas.

- Insightful Experience: Wisdom grows with life experiences, leading to deeper understanding.

- Sacred Values: These principles guide us in making decisions that yield positive outcomes.

- Purposeful Action: Wisdom requires intent, not random choices.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 reminds us that there is a time for everything under heaven. Solomon also emphasizes that our actions, past, present, and future, must be evaluated, for God will judge everyone based on their deeds.

Be Aware

The second pillar we must grasp regarding God’s judgment is the necessity of being aware. Only God is entirely righteous. Though humans may occasionally judge others from specific standpoints, true judgment belongs to the Almighty.

Consider the power of Psalm 2, which portrays God’s reactions to humanity's rebellion. The nations conspire, and the rulers take a stand against the Lord. Yet, despite this mockery and rebellion, God remains sovereign, and His righteous authority prevails. He laughs at those who defy Him, reflecting not amusement, but a deep sense of justice.

Understanding God’s judgment also means recognizing that:

- Judgments should be internal; we must first evaluate ourselves.

- The Holy Spirit's role is critical in guiding our understanding of righteous living.

- Love should always surround any correction we offer to others, as we act out of a desire for restoration and healing.

In Galatians 6:1, we are instructed to restore those who fall into sin gently, while being cautious of our vulnerabilities.

The Pursuit of Wisdom Through Humility

Alongside awareness, humility is essential in seeking wisdom. I recently engaged in a thoughtful debate, where I realized that humility opens doors to deeper understanding and stronger relationships. When we are quick to defend our positions without a willingness to learn, we miss out on growth.

This pursuit of humility allows us not just to gain knowledge, but to cultivate a loving community where the truth can be discussed and explored safely.

Be Warned

Recognizing God’s judgment leads us to the sobering truth that there is an eternal price to be paid for our actions. Scripture warns us time and time again: God will not be mocked. Deuteronomy 8 emphasizes the importance of remembrance—not just of blessings but of the commands of God. We are warned that in our prosperity, we may forget Him.

Consider this: how often do we take God’s blessings for granted? During times of plenty, we may relax and fail to heed His commands, forgetting from whom those blessings flow.

We must remember that God demands justice. Scripture makes it clear that everything concealed will eventually come to light, and the true dispositions of our hearts will be revealed. For those who have lived in rebellion, this reality may bring dread. 

Facing Judgment Day

Though the messaging across many cultures and religious interpretations can sometimes diminish the truth about judgment, we must acknowledge that God will separate the righteous from the unrighteous on that great day of judgment.

The good news for believers is that while we are all accountable, those who have accepted the grace of Jesus Christ will find mercy rather than condemnation. We will not merely escape punishment; we will receive a reward for our faithfulness.

The Outcome of Judgment

God’s judgment is just and fair. For believers, it brings the promise of eternal reward:

- Those intimate with Christ will experience joy upon entering His presence.

- Our deeds, rooted in love and humility, will be celebrated.

- Our motivations will become clear, revealing the heart behind our actions.

When facing the Lord, will we hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant?” Or will we face the chilling words, “I never knew you?” The reality is that sin must be accounted for, and rebellion cannot go unaddressed.

Conclusion: The Gift of Life Eternal

God, in His righteousness, established a way for us to escape the penalties of sin through Jesus Christ. His sacrifice not only wiped our slate clean, but it also invites us into a renewed relationship with Him. 

As we consider God’s judgment, let us choose to be revealed rather than judged. Embrace the mercy available to us through faith in Jesus, recognizing that there is no condemnation for those who are in Him. 

A Benediction for Our Journey

As we close, let this prayer resonate within us:

"Heavenly Father, we confess our need for You and humbly approach You. We acknowledge our dependence on You. We come to You with our brokenness and deep need. We receive Your grace to forgive, restore, and renew. We rejoice because of You! In Jesus’ name, Amen."

Let us walk away today, not in fear of judgment but in the freedom and love found within God’s righteous path. As we navigate the complexities of life, may we remain wise, aware, and humbled in our pursuit of His truth.