## Being Correctable

## John 7:14-24

The importance of a navigator on board ship or plane is to continually check their position against the charts to see if they are 'on course'. We also need constant "course correction" to stay on the path that God intends. We are, as the songwriter puts it, 'prone to wander'.

Jesus admonishes the Jews in the temple to 'judge righteous judgment'. Our Lord used the very Law of Moses to refute their argument; but He knew that they would not give in. Why? Because their standard of judgment was not honest. They evaluated things on the basis of superficial examination of the facts. They judged on the basis of "seems" and not "is." Unfortunately, too many people make that same mistake today.

Too often people make decisions based on feelings rather than upon truth. The navigator doesn't offer course corrections based on what seems to be the way to go, he carefully checks and rechecks his position with the charts, and makes the necessary adjustments.

If we stubbornly resist change and correction in our lives by God due to our own pride, then we are in danger of shipwreck.

I. We Are To Judge Ourselves, Not Others

A. Note: Mt. 7:1-5

1. It is easier to criticize others than to correct ourselves.

2. Our relationship to others should be one of help and encouragement.

3. We must be able to see clearly in order to help others.

4. We should instruct and exhort, but not tear down and destroy.

5. We are to represent our Lord, not take His place!

B. A SIMPLE TEST:

1. When we are talking about people, we are usually judging.

2. When we are talking to people, we are usually teaching or correcting.

3. This should always be done in a spirit of helpfulness and edification, with the person's best interests at heart.

(Gal 6:1) "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."

C. We need to be correctable.

1. The key to 'judging righteous judgment' is the ability to judge ourselves, and to be corrected by God.

2. Correction will bring us to repentance.

3. Correction will bring spiritual growth.

4. Correction will keep us on course.

5. But, if we are not humble enough to admit when we are veering off path, then we destined for disaster.

II. God's Word Is Always To Be Our Standard.

A. The Jews had replaced God's Word with tradition.

(Mat 15:2-3) "Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. {3} But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?"

1. Jesus rebuked the Jews in our text because their judgment was based on the wrong foundation.

2. They were judging based upon what they saw…according to the appearance.

3. The Lord has taught us repeatedly that we cannot rely upon our senses.

4. The magician's motto = 'the hand is quicker than the eye' ; they can succeed in their illusions because our eyes deceive us.

5. The navigator does not correct the course by looking out the window at the clouds…he checks the charts.

B. Correction comes directly from God.

1. Every time we read His Word, we need to view it as a "navigational fix"

2. If a course change is necessary, we need to make it right away.

3. Example of Plymouth Rock.

a. We have made Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts.

b. It is a tourist attraction relating to the Pilgrims.

c. But we need to remember that they were not headed for Massachusetts.

d. They were on their way to Virginia, but were blown off course by a storm.

e. If they could have corrected their course, history would have been changed.

C. Correction from God's Word will make a difference in where we wind up.

1. Microsoft ads ask, 'Where do you want to go today?'

2. Where do we want to go spiritually?

3. This can certainly apply to all of us.

4. For those who do not know where you will spend eternity.

a. The destination is already charted out.

b. Without Christ, an eternity of torment and suffering awaits.

c. Not because God doesn't love you, but because you have rejected His way of escape.

(John 14:6) "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

(John 3:36) "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

5. For the believer, where do you want to be spiritually?

a. There is a danger of drifting off course.

b. Newspaper account of accident this week.

c. Not intentional, but so easy for us to drift.

d. We need to be correctable, by God's Word.

e. Not enough just to have the Bible, we must look to it for direction daily.

Jesus Savior pilot me, Over life's tempestuous sea; Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rocks and treacherous shoal; Chart and compass came from Thee: Jesus Savior pilot me.

Are we correctable? Does our lives need a course adjustment? Pride will keep us from doing what God would have us do. If you are without Christ today, I invite you to come and receive salvation. For those who are born again, I invite you to go back to the charts and check your position. Is correction necessary? If so, do not delay.