Exposing Controlling Spirits Pt 2

Text:
INTRODUCTION
critic - person who judges, evaluates, or analyzes the value, worth, or quality of something.

TO DETERMINE THE WORTH OF VALUE OF SOMETHING.

- illustration - pawn shop

A critical spirit is a habitual, negative attitude of fault-finding, harsh judging, and tearing others down rather than building them up.

What the Bible Says

Rooted in Pride: A critical spirit often stems from self-righteousness and pride, where a person feels superior to others or assumes they know another's hidden motives.

Contrasted with Love: Scripture teaches that love "does not keep a record of wrongs" (1 Corinthians 13:5), but a critical spirit constantly logs failures.

Warning Against Hypocrisy: In Matthew 7:1–5, Jesus warns against judging others harshly while ignoring one's own major faults (the "log" in your own eye).

Destructive Speech: Ephesians 4:29 commands believers to let no "corrupting talk" come from their mouths, but only what is good for building others up and giving grace.

Difference Between Criticism and Discernment

Discernment is rooted in humility and Scripture; it seeks truth, restoration, and growth.

A critical spirit is rooted in personal irritation or pride; it seeks to condemn, elevate self, and cause damage.



Consumer Christianity produces people who are highly critical but minimally sacrificial.

They evaluate sermons.
Analyze worship.
Compare churches.
Debate styles.

People want to you change until getting rid of them is the change that is required.

People want you to get rid of somethings in your life until the thing that needs to be gotten rid of, is them.  

Michal criticizing David for dancing.

Martha criticized Mary.

Luke 18:9-14 -- Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank You that I am not like other men-extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

The Pharisee in the Luke 18 was an example of what Jesus saw in nearly all the Pharisees at that time. They were self-righteous, egotistical and their identity was in their position and power over others.

The Pharisees and Sadducees were the two main sects in the Jewish community.

Denominations of our day.

The Pharisees and Sadducees have a long, bloody and violent history in battling each other, but they found a common enemy in Jesus. Even though they were the religious leaders and the teachers and believed in the coming of the Messiah, the Pharisees couldn't see who Jesus was. They even accused him of being of Satan (Matthew 12).

Because of their character and actions, the word "pharisee" has come to mean "a sanctimonious, self-righteous, or hypocritical person." People outside the church would probably say that describes most church people.

Hypocritical - means saying you have certain moral standards, beliefs, or feelings while acting in a way that goes against them.
Contradictory Behavior: Doing or saying one thing in public while doing the opposite in private.

False Virtue: Faking a publicly approved attitude or moral stance to gain praise or avoid blame.
Unfair Rules: Criticizing others for actions or habits that the person themselves commits.
This may not seem like a fair assessment, but perception is reality to the person with the perspective.

It only takes one self-righteous person to turn off someone you are trying to win to God, and that self-righteous person could be you if you are not careful.

In Matthew 23, Jesus described the true nature of the Pharisees to the disciples and warned them to not act like they do. What were they like?

They dictated to people how they were supposed to act but didn't practice what they preached.

They put conditions on people that were impossible to meet.

They made sure to wear the finest clothing and be seen in all the right places.

They loved to be praised in public and to be recognized for who they were.

Sometimes that makes him hard to spot, but eventually motives shine through.

We should always be watchful for the Pharisee in us so that we can put him in his place.

That's why the Apostle Paul told us we had to die daily (I Corinthians 15:31).

We should pray that the Lord would humble us daily and let us see if we are becoming like the Pharisees. Jesus said that the Pharisees had become an obstacle for people who were seeking the kingdom of God. There are Pharisees in the church doing the same thing today.

God will humble you, but people will humiliate you.

People love to see when "the mighty have fallen".

Despite any pain and embarrassment it might bring, being humbled is something we should ask God to do for us.



Proverbs 3:12 tells us that the Lord corrects those he loves. God will correct us in order to humble us, and we would be wise to accept His correction.

God will let you go through some things to see what that other person might be dealing with.

What will it take for you to walk a mile in his shoes and come to understand?

Why do you we have to understand at all?

Why can't we just accept, love and show compassion.

Matthew 7:2 says, "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."

What Is the Curse and Consequence of a Critical Spirit?

Romans 14:10-13 tells us not to tear down fellow believers through criticism or judgment, because this can pose a stumbling block and cause serious damage to their faith.

Among God’s warnings in Scripture, there are none more serious than the Matthew 18:6 warning to not become a stumbling block to His followers.

Have you ever noticed: We tend to judge others by their actions and ourselves by our intentions?

We should be content to judge only ourselves and seek to bring our own lives in alignment with God’s Word

1 Cor. 11:31

Destructive criticism is different from constructive feedback.

The only criticism that is ever constructive is that which speaks the truth in love, to build up or edify another person for his or her good and for God’s glory.


What are some characteristics of constructive or healthy feedback?

It is descriptive rather than evaluative, reducing the need for others to react defensively.
It is specific rather than general; as a rule, the more specific we are, the more helpful we are.
It is directed toward behavior that the receiver can control or do something about.
It is well timed. Trust needs to be established, but generally the sooner the better.
It is solicited rather than imposed. Feedback is most appreciated when it is requested.
It is checked with the receiver in order to insure clear, factual or accurate communication.
It takes into account the needs of the giver and receiver of the feedback – truth spoken in love.
It is always expressed face-to-face and never as gossip behind another person’s back.

A critical spirit dwells on the negative, looks for flaws rather than positive qualities in others.

They are constantly complaining or criticizing and usually upset with something or somebody.

They often have little control over their tongue, their temper and have tendencies for gossip, slander, strife and malice.

These are some of the sins spoken of by Paul in Romans 1:29-32.

Do you know anyone who has a critical spirit?

You would probably refer to this poisonous character quality by saying something like:

“I’m just being discerning,” or “I’m just being honest,” or “Get real, I’m just telling it like it is.”

Do you get stuck in your negative feelings, thinking about how bad or wrong something or someone was?

Do you say things like: “I can’t believe he did that ”

Or: “She is so messy.” Or: “Look at her clothes! I wonder how much money she spends on her buying clothes.”

Sometimes the negativity of our hearts finds its way to the tongue, and other times it just stays in our hearts. Either way, the root sin of a critical spirit is the same.

A critical spirit can be very detrimental and damaging to a person’s personal faith or even their heath.

Over time, if left unchecked, it prevents us from seeing, appreciating and enjoying all that’s truly good in the world – all that God is actively doing.  

The critical person comes to expect, even to hope, that everything will have something wrong with it.

Taken to the extreme, a critical person can assume the role of the “devil’s advocate.”
One’s very identity can be marked by this “need” for negativity. But critical people aren’t just hurting themselves; they are also negatively affecting others as well.

Understanding the Behavior

Highly critical and judgmental individuals will often scrutinize everything and everyone around them, pointing out flaws and focusing on the negative.

This behavior can stem from a variety of psychological, emotional, and environmental factors:

Insecurity and Low Self-Esteem: Criticism of others may act as a defense mechanism. By pointing out flaws in others, they may feel a temporary boost in self-worth, masking their insecurities.

Perfectionism: Some individuals hold themselves and others to unattainably high standards. Their harsh judgments may reflect their internal struggle to achieve perfection.

Past Trauma or Negative Experiences: Those who have experienced criticism, neglect, or harsh environments may internalize these patterns, perpetuating them in their relationships.

Cognitive Distortions: Negative thinking patterns, such as black-and-white thinking or catastrophizing, may fuel their focus on flaws and problems.



If u can't praise Him in times of famine - u will just complain at the feast.