Yesterday we said: A first-century slave belonged to his owner, lived as part of his master’s household, was equipped and trained to be used for the master’s purposes, and carried out the will of his lord alone. And this is the way the New Testament exhorts believers to live and to think about themselves in the spiritual realm. “Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Peter 1:17-19) As Christ followers–His disciples–He is our Lord and Master. “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.” (1 Cor. 16:23)

As such, we are to follow Him, become Christ-like and obey His teachings. “Jesus answered him, ‘If anyone loves me, he will keep my Word, and my Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23) I’ve been telling you about asking the Lord to show me my sin that I need to repent. This morning I was convicted of judging others, which Jesus did not do. “Then Jesus cried out, ‘Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the One who sent me. The one who looks at me is seeing the One who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. I know that His command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.’” (John 12:44-50)

As humans, it is in our nature to judge others, but it is prideful and it is sin. “But He gives greater grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) If Jesus, who is the Son of God the Father, did not judge others, who am I to do so? “A disciple is not above his teacher, or a slave above his master. It is enough for a disciple to become like his teacher and a slave like his master.” (Matt. 10:24-25a)