One of the things that almost everyone agrees on is that they don’t want to be judged. “Don’t judge me!” may as well be a mantra for the ages – one that gives us great comfort whenever our conscience raises a question about our actions. While it may be true that we should use great care before we judge someone else, that does not mean that we are beyond all judgment. There is indeed one who is the judge of all men, the Lord God. In fact, the Bible makes clear that the Lord judges even the secrets of men (Romans 2:16). For those who profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, this is a reminder that we live all our lives before the face of God. Rather than excusing all the actions of His Church, the Lord begins His judgment at the house of God (1 Peter 4:17). Remembering this will keep us from pride and laziness. The story of the sons of Eli is especially instructive for us – for they were men who were sure that their position and authority made them immune to the demands of God’s Word. Instead, they were brought before the judgment seat of the true and living God and found wanting. Whenever we trust in our own might, we need to remember that “Judgment Begins at the House of God” (1 Samuel 2:12-36).

I. Religion Does Not Equal Regeneration
A. Contempt for God’s Law
B. Contempt for God’s Worship
C. Contempt for God’s Authority

II. Reality of God’s Judgment
A. Blessing of a Hard Word
B. Blessings Ignored
C. Promises Lost

III. Relentless Triumph of God’s Will
A. God Works Unstoppably
B. God Works Quietly
C. God Works Finally

Questions for consideration: (1) Why is it so dangerous to have the form of religion without its power? In which areas of your life are you most likely to presume that God owes you? (2) What relationships or things are you tempted to place so high a value on that they could get in the way of your relationship with the Lord? What can you do about that? (3) What quiet ways has God been at work (or is now at work) in your life? What is the danger in not looking for those?