Other People's Sin

Some people are masters at pointing out other people’s sins, aren’t they? It is our tendency to use the faults of others in order to justify or cover our own sinful attitudes and actions. You know what I am talking about. You know the type. The hard-core fundamentalists who veils his hateful attitude as he chastises the “worldly” Christians for their worldliness. Or the cool, contemporary Christian who feels justified in mocking his more conservative Brother while pushing the boundaries of his own morality. I bet I could get just about any of you going and lead you right into this very sin, comparing others to ourselves to feel or show our own alleged superiority. It is called self-righteousness.

Other People’s Sins – SERMON AUDIO

The Pharisees of Jesus’ day were just such folks.

John 8:2-6  Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them.  3  Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst,  4  they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act.  5  Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?”  6  This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.

Trying to trap Jesus, they managed somehow to find a woman who was “in the very act” of adultery. They thrust her forward as an example of a great sinner. But Jesus didn’t fall for it, instead He changed their focus.

John 8:7-9  So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”  8  And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.  9  Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

Jesus is more concerned about you dealing with the sin in your own life than He is about you pointing out the sins of others. Sure, there is a place for confronting sin in others, but it is always with the attitude of restoring our fallen brother or sister.

Galatians 6:1  Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

It is never to be the source of advancing our own superior spirituality.

2 Corinthians 10:12  For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

No matter what the reason, Christianity ought not to be about comparisons. It is about following Christ. It is about dealing with our own sin and helping our brothers and sisters to grow and be more holy.

Other People’s Sins – SERMON AUDIO
In Christ!
Kevin