Watch Where You Look – MEDIA LIBRARY

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Sermon Notes:

Watch Where You Look

Summary

The message explores the concept of judgment and self-righteousness, drawing from the biblical story in Luke 18:9-14 of the Pharisee and the tax collector. It highlights how easily individuals can fall into the trap of comparing themselves to others, focusing on external appearances and behaviors while remaining blind to their own internal flaws. The passage emphasizes that true righteousness is not found in outward acts of piety but in recognizing one’s own sinfulness and need for divine mercy. The Pharisee, confident in his own goodness, looks down upon the tax collector, while the tax collector humbly acknowledges his sins and seeks forgiveness. This contrast illustrates the core message: those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be exalted. This principle challenges believers to examine their hearts, ensuring their faith is rooted in genuine humility rather than self-deception.

The message delves into the nature of judgment, noting that society is quick to judge, often harshly. It suggests that this judgmental tendency is not merely an external issue but a reflection of internal struggles. The passage identifies three enemies that contribute to this: the world (culture and ideologies), the flesh (personal brokenness), and the devil (spiritual forces). These enemies work to keep individuals focused on the faults of others, distracting them from their own need for repentance and grace. It underscores the importance of inward reflection, urging believers to resist the temptation to evaluate themselves against others and instead seek a deeper understanding of their own spiritual condition. This inward focus is not meant to foster self-condemnation but to create a space for genuine transformation through God’s grace.

The concept of justification is central to the message, describing it as the state of being forgiven and free, living in the fullness of God’s love, joy, and peace. It differentiates between living a “judgy” life and a “justified” life, asserting that these two states are mutually exclusive. The Pharisee, despite his religious devotion, fails to grasp this, missing the essence of the gospel. The tax collector, on the other hand, embodies justification through his humility and recognition of his need for mercy. The message encourages listeners to pursue a life of justification, marked by freedom from fear and judgment, and characterized by love and compassion towards others. This transformation begins with acknowledging one’s own shortcomings and turning to God for forgiveness and renewal.

Ultimately, the message calls for a shift in perspective, urging listeners to “watch where they look.” It emphasizes the importance of looking inward before looking outward, addressing personal sins and seeking God’s grace. Drawing from Matthew 7:3 and 1 John 1:8, the message illustrates the danger of focusing on the faults of others while ignoring one’s own. It encourages a practice of repentance—turning away from sin and towards God—as a means of experiencing true freedom and transformation. The message concludes with a vision of living a life that reflects God’s love and grace, enabling believers to extend that same grace to others, drawing near to those who are hurting and lost, rather than standing in judgment.

Quote: “Watch where you look.”

Key Scriptures

Luke 18:9-14: This passage tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, illustrating the importance of humility before God. View NIV
Matthew 7:3: This verse challenges the listener to first address their own faults before pointing out the faults of others. View NIV
1 John 1:8: This scripture reminds us that acknowledging our sin is essential for experiencing God’s forgiveness and cleansing. View NIV

Key Takeaways

Recognize the human tendency to judge others and strive for self-awareness.
Understand the difference between living a “judgy” life and a “justified” life.
Practice inward reflection to identify personal sins and shortcomings.
Embrace repentance as a means of turning away from sin and towards God.
Seek God’s grace and mercy for transformation and renewal.
Cultivate humility in your relationship with God and others.
Extend compassion and understanding to those who are hurting or lost.
Focus on personal transformation rather than comparing yourself to others.
Prioritize looking inward and upward before looking outward.
Live a life characterized by love, joy, and peace through God’s grace.

Questions To Consider

In what ways do I find myself judging others, and how can I cultivate a more compassionate perspective?
How can I practice regular inward reflection to identify and address my own shortcomings?
What steps can I take to embrace repentance and seek God’s grace for transformation?
How does the concept of justification impact my relationships with others?
How can I extend God’s love and grace to those who are hurting or lost in my community?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come before you with a humble heart, acknowledging my own sinfulness and need for your mercy. Help me to see myself as you see me, with all my flaws and imperfections. Grant me the courage to look inward and confront the darkness that lurks within, knowing that your grace is sufficient to cover it all. I ask for your forgiveness and cleansing, that I may experience the freedom and peace that comes from living a justified life. Transform me, Lord, that I may extend compassion and understanding to others, drawing near to those who are hurting and lost. May my life be a reflection of your love and grace, as I walk in humility and truth. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Action Steps

1: Self-Reflection

Task 1: Create a Quiet Space

Step 1: Find a quiet place where you can be alone without distractions.
Step 2: Set aside at least 15-20 minutes for reflection.
Step 3: Take a few deep breaths to center yourself.

Task 2: Examine Your Heart

Step 1: Ask yourself: “Where do I tend to judge others?”
Step 2: Write down specific instances or patterns of judgment.
Step 3: Reflect on the root causes of these judgments (e.g., insecurity, pride).

Task 3: Identify Personal Sins

Step 1: Consider areas where you fall short of God’s standards.
Step 2: Be honest about your struggles and weaknesses.
Step 3: Write down specific sins you need to confess.

2: Seeking God’s Grace

Task 1: Confess Your Sins

Step 1: Pray to God, acknowledging your sins and shortcomings.
Step 2: Ask for forgiveness and cleansing.
Step 3: Believe that God is faithful and just to forgive you (1 John 1:9).

Task 2: Meditate on God’s Grace

Step 1: Read scriptures about God’s love, mercy, and grace (e.g., Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:8).
Step 2: Reflect on how God has shown grace to you in the past.
Step 3: Allow God’s grace to transform your heart and mind.

Task 3: Pray for Humility

Step 1: Ask God to help you cultivate a humble spirit.
Step 2: Pray for the ability to see others as God sees them.
Step 3: Commit to walking in humility in your daily interactions.

3: Extending Compassion

Task 1: Identify Those Who Are Hurting

Step 1: Think about people in your life who may be struggling or lost.
Step 2: Consider ways you can show them compassion and understanding.
Step 3: Write down specific actions you can take to reach out.

Task 2: Reach Out with Love

Step 1: Pray for opportunities to show God’s love to others.
Step 2: Initiate conversations, offer support, and listen without judgment.
Step 3: Extend grace as God has extended grace to you.

Task 3: Reflect on Your Interactions

Step 1: At the end of each day, reflect on how you interacted with others.
Step 2: Identify any instances where you showed judgment or lacked compassion.
Step 3: Commit to doing better the next day, relying on God’s strength.

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Conclusion

This message challenges believers to confront their own tendencies toward judgment and self-righteousness, urging them to embrace humility and seek God’s grace. The key takeaways include the importance of inward reflection, repentance, and extending compassion to others. By looking inward, acknowledging our sins, and looking upward to God for forgiveness, we can live a justified life, marked by freedom, peace, and love. This transformation enables us to look outward with a heart of compassion, drawing near to those who are hurting and lost, reflecting the very nature of Christ.

Test Your Understanding

The message is based on the biblical story of the Pharisee and the ______ ______.
True righteousness is found in recognizing one’s own ______ and need for divine ______.
The three enemies that contribute to judgment are the world, the ______, and the devil.
Living a “justified” life means experiencing God’s ______, joy, and ______.
Before looking outward, we must first look ______ and ______.

Solution to Quiz

tax collector
sinfulness, mercy
flesh
love, peace
inward, upward

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