One of culture’s favorite verses is Matthew 7:1 - “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged” (NLT).

The Jesus everyone likes:

• John 3:17 (NLT) - 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

The Jesus who is responsible to judge fairly:

• John 5:27 (NLT) - 27 And he has given him authority to judge everyone because he is the Son of Man.
• Matthew 16:27 (NLT) - 27 For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds.

Matthew 25 contains three stories, each representing an area of judgment. They all can be summarized with the word STEWARDSHIP.

1. Stewardship of your FAITH

1. Your faith will take some blows (experiences).
2. Your faith will take some lies (luring doctrines and thoughts).
3. Your faith will take some time (wearing away of zeal and passion).
4. Three keys to keeping in the faith:
   1. Remember God’s faithfulness to you.
   2. Stay in God’s Word!
   3. Stay connected to ON-FIRE PEOPLE!!

2. Stewardship of your GIFTS

1. The things the Master has put in your life:
   1. He’s put natural talents and abilities.
   2. He’s put precious people (family, friends, etc.).
   3. He’s put the gospel of His coming in your hands!

3. Stewardship of your LOVE

1. The sheep and the goats
2. Matthew 25:31–36 (NLT) - 31 “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’”
3. The danger is this puts us in a “works” mentality.
4. If you are staying connected to the Lord, His love will tangibly flow through you.

Is Jesus fit to judge?

• He is actually the only One fit to judge.
  • He was perfect.
  • He is perfect.
• He gives us the chance to be judged in Him.
  • He took the punishment for our sin.