Week 4 – Only God Can Judge Me
DIscussion Guide
At The Cove Church, we value authenticity—keeping it real. Sometimes, folks misunderstand this as a license to say anything without filters. However, “keeping it real” does not mean criticism, condemnation, or gossip. It means being genuine and sincere in our words and opinions, without hypocrisy. Similarly, claiming “Only God can judge me” can be a way to justify and deny our own issues. This week, we'll explore the problems with this mindset and discover ways to live – and even judge, when necessary –with a more compassionate and understanding outlook towards others.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. What is a typical bias, even if unspoken, which you have?
2. Read Romans 2:1-3. Who is Paul speaking to: the community or the church? Who is “just as bad” as those living in sin? Read Romans 2:4. How do we typically judge others? How should our remembrance of the cross and the mercy of God in our own lives affect our judgments of others’ sins?
3. Read 1 Corinthians 5:12-13. Who are believers not to judge, no matter what? Who may we judge, if we must? Read Matthew 7:1-5. What must we do before we confront someone else about their sin? In what order are we to go about correcting others? Read Galatians 6:1. What attitudes are we to have when we confront someone with their sin? What is the responsibility of a believer towards another believer who is struggling with sin?
4. How then should we actually judge? Read Proverbs 27:17 and Ephesians 4:15. How does an object become sharper? How does this relate to our relationships? Why should we value others' opinions and experiences when they speak into our lives and issues? What is of utmost importance when we confront another believer?
5. Pray: Use Psalm 139:23-24 as your personal prayers this week. See what areas God wants you to work on and ask Him what path He wants you to take. Focus on getting the “log” out of your eye before daring to judge another believer for their “speck.” Read John Repent of any judging attitudes you have or have had. Read John 3:17. Let the sacrificial, non-judgmental attitude which Jesus has revealed to you be at the heart of your discussions and thoughts this week.
Deeper
Read through these examples of people judging others in the Bible and the outcomes that follow.
6. Read Job 22:4-20 and Job 42:7. What does Eliphaz believe is the reason for Job’s suffering? How does God respond to Job’s friends' judgement?
7. Read Matthew 18:21-35. How is the servant hypocritical in this passage? Who does this story depict? How should grace change our hearts?
8. Read John 8:1-11. What was the goal of the Pharisees? Who was left with the woman? What does Jesus’ response show us about the example He was setting for us?