The Royal Law In Practice – James 4:11-12 Leave Judgment To God The Royal Law In Practice – James 4:11-12

James 4:11-12 -- Do not speak against one another, brethren James 4:11-12 -- Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?

I. Do Not Speak Against One Another Discusses making slanderous statements Condemns either slander voiced aloud, or even in the mind. Speaks against OR judges

 Speaks against the law: What law? Possibility #1 – the law of Moses Leviticus 25:17 -- So you shall not wrong one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the Lord your God.

Possibility #2: The Royal Law James 2:8 --  If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.

How would you judge the Law? The Law of Moses summarized by Jesus in two commandments Matthew 22:37-38 – Love the Lord You God with heart, soul, mind; love neighbor as yourself. James indicates this is the royal law

If we disregard the validity of this law, we become a judge of the law. If we judge others regardless of this law, we deem the law is unimportant.

II. The One And Only Judge Only God can judge man because: Only God is perfect – Deut. 32:4 -- “ The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.

Only God Is Righteous Psalm 7:11 – God is a righteous judge, and a God who has indignation every day.

Only God Is Free From Bias Acts 10:34-35 – “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.

God Is The Only Lawgiver Therefore only He can accurately judge from His own law. Only God decides who is saved and who is condemned. We cannot judge such things. Only God can discern the worth of an individual.

III. What Should We Do For One Another? Romans 13:8 -- Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

Romans 15:7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. Ephesians 4:2 -- with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love….

Galatians 5:13, 15 …but through love serve one another….But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.