Scripture Reading: Colossians 4:2-6

Sinful or Constructive Criticism?

(Knowing the Difference)

Intro.

1. Some don’t know how to take criticism (no matter how well-intended) and some don’t know how to give helpful criticism.

2. Bible condemns speech that tears down and commends speech that builds up, Eph. 4:29.

3. Jesus faced and exposed false faultfinding, critical spirit (Luke 11:37-54) while criticizing sin in all its forms – without sinning.

4. How do we avoid being sinfully critical while reproving and rebuking sin when necessary (2 Tim. 4:2)? Sinful criticism destroys relations and souls (stumbling block); Constructive criticism edifies and saves.

I. HOW CAN WE KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SINFUL CRITICISM AND CONSTRUCTIVE COUNSEL?

A. First, Examine and Cleanse Our Heart, Luke 11:39-40; 2 Cor. 13:5.

1. Pure motives, purposes, and objectives, Matt. 5:8 (Titus 1:15).

2. Purify our hearts by obeying the truth, James 4:8.

3. Fervent love from the heart, 1 Pet. 1:22.

B. Knowledgeable, Discerning Love Forms the Basis for Constructive Communication, Phil. 1:8-11.

1. Knowledge without love puffs up, and love without knowledge is incomplete (immature), 1 Cor. 8:1-2.

2. Fault-finding, critical spirit ends when love is present, 1 Cor. 13:4-7.

a. “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Prov. 27:6

b. Our words must reflect grace and kindness, Col. 4:6.

II. MARKS OF SINFUL CRITICISM, Luke 11:53-54 and Col. 4:5-6 (motives).

Sinful Criticism (Faultfinding)

Constructive Counsel (Imparts Grace)

1. Hatred, Gen. 37:4 (Prov. 26:24-26)

1. Love, Rom. 13:10

2. Vengeful, Prov. 24:29

2. Peaceful and merciful, Matt. 7:12; Rom. 12:17

3. Entrapment, Luke 11:53-54; 20:20

3. Examination, Acts 17:11 (1 John 4:1)

4. Prejudice, James 2:1-4 (John 1:46)

4. Impartial, James 3:17 (fair and kind, Eph. 4:31-32)

5. Binds traditions, Mark 7:2-5 (blinded minds, Matt. 15:12-14)

5. Binds truth, Mark 7:6-13 (1 Cor. 14:3); 2 Thess. 2:15 (light of truth)

6. Self-righteous, Luke 18:9-12 (Prov. 30:12-13; Job 12:1-3)

6. Self-reproach, Luke 18:13
(Gal. 6:1)

7. Hypocritical, Matt. 7:3-4

7. Humble, James 4:6, 10 (Rom. 12:16)

8. Judges by appearance, John 7:24

8. Judges righteously, John 5:30

9. Response of human wisdom and faithlessness, John 6:41-42, 60-61

9. Response of faith in divine truth, John 6:63, 68

10. Obsessed with disputes…envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 1 Tim. 6:4 (Given to disputes: Confuses controversy with contending for the faith)

10. Gentle and forbearing, 2 Tim. 2: 23-25 (Contends for the faith with the purpose of trying to save souls, Jude 3, 22-23)

11. Rejoices in sin, 1 Cor. 13:6

11. Rejoices in the truth, 1 Cor. 13:6 (Eph. 4:15)

III. CONTINUING CONSTRUCTIVE COUNSEL, Rom. 12:9-18 (“that you may know how you ought to answer each one,” Col. 4:6).

A. Sincere (genuine) Love, 12:9-11.

B. Constant Care, 12:12-14.

C. Sympathetic Treatment, 12:15-16.

D. Peaceful Patience, 12:17-21.

Conclusion

1. Stop faultfinding (cf. critical condemnation of liberties) and pursue things that lead to peace and edification, Rom. 14:13, 19.

2. “But we do all things, beloved, for your edification” (2 Cor. 12:19).

By: Joe R. Price

Posted August 2, 2022