The gospel of Christ is powerful. It has the power to penetrate the thoughts of our hearts to both expose our sin and transform our minds (Heb. 4:12; Rom. 12:1-2).  The “sword of the Spirit” has the power to defeat Satan’s efforts to ensnare us and destroy our souls (Eph. 6:17; 2 Tim. 2:24-26). Sinners are saved by the gospel (Rom. 1:16-17; Mk. 16:15-16). This is why we must never be ashamed of the gospel.

What is your attitude toward the gospel? It is one thing to affirm our allegiance to the truth when among friends, but how do we respond when among foes? Peter’s denial of Jesus is constantly warns us when we are tempted to remain silent instead of speaking up for the gospel of Christ (Matt. 26:69-75). When you are at school or at work and your buddies start telling vulgar jokes, do you listen in, joining them in laughter? Do you register your protest and refuse to take part in their "coarse jesting" (Eph. 5:4)? What about television, movies and internet videos that display "filthiness...foolish talking...coarse jesting" (Eph. 5:4)? When your school mates urge you to join them in activities that violate God's word, do you refuse and obey the gospel regardless of what they say (1 Cor. 15:33; Prov. 1:10-19)? When false doctrine is taught and souls are being turned away from God's truth to error do you resist the false teacher or accept compromise for the sake of peace (Jude 3; Gal. 2:5)? Saying "'Peace, peace!' when there is no peace" is shameful and does not honor Christ and His gospel (Jer. 6:14-15). Let us carefully examine ourselves to see just how serious we are about the gospel in our lives.

The apostle Paul did more that say he was not ashamed of the gospel (Rom. 1:16). His life proved he was neither embarrassed nor reluctant to affirm and live the gospel. He abandoned a promising future in the Jewish religion for the sake of the gospel (Phil. 3:5-7). He was repeatedly persecuted, imprisoned, beaten, harassed and eventually killed because of his faith (2 Cor. 6:3-10; 11:23-28; 2 Tim. 4:6). Would to God that each of us are as ready and willing to be “faithful unto death” (Rev. 2:10, ESV).

Let us remember that Jesus was not ashamed to die on the cross for our sins (Heb. 12:2). If we are ashamed of His gospel He will be ashamed of us when He returns (Mk. 8:38). Avoid that most terrible outcome by never being ashamed of Christ and His gospel. 

-Revised from The Spirit's Sword (I:I)
Feb. 16, 1997

The Prayer of the Aged PSALM 71
Joe R. Price

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Judge with Righteous Judgment (Part 1)

Scripture Reading:  John 7:14-24

1. Judge: To separate, select...determine; thus to decide, give a verdict, declare an opinion.
2. Jesus did not condemn all types of judgments, Matt. 7;1; John 7:24.

I. JUDGMENTS WE MUST NOT MAKE.

  A. Hypocritical Judging of Others, Matt. 7:1-5.
    -Harsh, bitter, faultfinding spirit, that points out others’ sins while committing the same sins, Rom. 2:1-2, 21-22; Lk. 18:9-12,14.
  B. Judging by Appearance, Jno. 7:24.
    -Surface judgments; Subjective, not based on objective facts, Jno. 7:19-24; 1 Sam. 16:6-7; Lk. 7:43 (36-50).
  C. Rash Judgments, Prov. 18:13 (15:28).
    -Paul was a victim of a rash rush to judgment, Acts 21:27-29; 1 Cor. 4:5.
  D. Critical Condemnation of Others’ Liberties, Rom. 14:3-4, 10, 13.
    1. Must allow others to exercise their conscience in areas of authorized liberties without condemning them.
    2. This is not saying, “do not judge what is sinful”; It is saying do not criticize each other when liberties are used differently.
    3. Do not meddle in the matters of others, 1 Pet. 4:16.
  E. Speaking Evil of Others, Jas. 4:11-12 (Eph. 4:29-32).

Conclusion
1. If you are making unrighteous judgments you need to repent. Because, “with what judgment you judge, you will be judged...” Matt. 7:2
2. Part 2: Judgments we must make (because they are righteous).

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