Introduction: A Moment of Humor
A little boy once prayed, "Lord, bless Mommy and Daddy, and help me to be a good boy. But if You can't make me good, don't worry about it—make everyone else behave!" It's amusing, but how often do we focus more on others' actions than our own?
Scripture Reading:
- **Ezekiel 18:20**: "The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself."
- **Philippians 1:6**: "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
- **Matthew 77:1- 5*: "Judge not, that you be not judged... And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but do not consider the plank in your eye?"
Main Points:
**1. The Responsibility for Change Belongs to God
It is not your role to change others; only God can transform a heart.
- **Philippians 2:13** reminds us, "For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."
- Illustration: Think of a gardener. They can plant and water, but only God provides the growth. In the same way, you can encourage others, but it's God who transforms.
**Application:** Instead of trying to fix others, pray for them. Trust that God is working in their lives, just as He is working in yours.
2. Examine Yourself First
Before pointing out flaws in others, examine your own heart.
- **Matthew 7:3-5** warns us against hypocrisy: "First remove the plank from your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."
- Illustration: Imagine someone trying to clean another person's glasses while their own are smudged with dirt. It's ineffective and counterproductive.
**Application:** Spend time in self-reflection. Use Scriptures like **1 Corinthians 11:31**: "For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged."
3. The Power of a Christlike Example
Living a godly life is a stronger witness than trying to force others to change.
- **1 Peter 3:1-2** speaks to the power of quiet example: "...that they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives."
- Illustration: Consider how salt preserves and light guides. As Christians, our lives should naturally point others to Christ without needing to coerce or manipulate.
**Application:** Focus on your walk with God. Let the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—be evident in you. (Galatians 5:22-23).
Closing Encouragement:
God is faithful in completing the work He began in us (Philippians 1:6). You are responsible for surrendering to His leading, examining your heart, and trusting Him to work in others. Focus on removing the planks in your life so you can walk humbly and powerfully with Christ.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You are the one who changes hearts. Help us focus on our walk, examining ourselves daily in Your Word. Give us grace and patience with others, trusting You to complete the work in their lives as You do in ours. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Note:
This sermon challenges believers to prioritize self-examination and trust God's work in others while encouraging them to live as a light to those around them.
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