15: The Golden Rule & Godly Judgment (Mt 7:1-15)

Years ago we had a guest spoke with me after our worship gathering who seemed to appreciate the teaching about turning from sin, but disagreed with me mentioning some false teachers and what they were teaching. She said something to the effect of,

“I disagree with them, but I would never judge them.”

I simply asked, “Why not?”

She responded, “Because it’s wrong to judge.”

To which I asked, “Where did you get THAT from?”

“Jesus”, she replied.

When I asked where Jesus said that, she had no clue. So I took her there to read it, just like we are going to do today.

Here is the most quoted/misquoted verse in all the Bible.

Matthew 7:1 (NIV)

Do not judge, or you too will be judged.

But does this mean we should NEVER judge?

That’s certainly what our culture thinks. Our culture has developed an unspoken expectation to stay out of each other's business. Don’t judge me…and I won’t judge you.

It is implied that saying anyone is WRONG….is…WRONG.

Of course, in order to tell someone they are WRONG for judging others…you put your own neck in the noose, because when you say someone is WRONG for judging…you have just JUDGED them!

So are we to stiff-arm discernment and silence our objections OR…

Can we follow the Golden Rule & still apply Godly judgment? Today we will discover the answer.

Before we read the rest of the passage I want to remind you that we have studied this passage before, so if it sounds familiar - GOOD! You NEED to be super familiar with this passage!

2 Important Rules of Bible Interpretation:

Never Read a Bible Verse. There were no chapter & verse divisions when this was written. The Bible was not meant to be lifted out one verse at a time any more than sentences from your letters are. Read the surrounding text to get the context. In order to honor that…we will read the rest of this passage in just a moment.

View Scripture THRU Scripture. Consider other passages when you run into one that seems a little strange. Interpret what is UNCLEAR in light of what IS CLEAR. Now, let’s dig in the Scriptures.

PRAY

Matthew 7:1–6 (NIV)

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

There’s some strange stuff on the back end of that, huh?

Let’s walk through this passage, committed to 1) Never read a Bible verse and 2) View Scripture through Scripture.

Judge With Mercy

Matthew 7:1–2 (NIV)

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

There are different kinds of judgement:

Evaluating what is right and wrong. Jesus is NOT saying we are never to judge between what is wrong and right. In fact, we are commanded to discern the difference between right and wrong (1 Jn 4:1; Jn 7:24).

Confronting wrongdoing. Neither is He saying that we must never confront wrongdoing. Remember, this chapter is part of the larger writing in which JESUS commands His disciples to confront a fellow believer who is living in sin (Matt. 18:15–22). In order to do this, one MUST judge that another’s actions are sinful. However, the GOAL of the confrontation is merciful restoration.

Condemning the wrongdoer as eternally guilty before God IS what Jesus is referring to. God is the only righteous Judge who can condemn to hell.

We can move to 1 of 2 extremes - neither of which Jesus wants.

unwilling to say that anyone or anything is WRONG - which gets us in the mess our culture is currently in - a do-what-you-want mentality where nothing is wrong…except for saying that others are wrong.

OR we become quick to condemn others on behalf of God, without extending mercy.

It’s this 2nd extreme that Jesus was warning His ancient audience against.

I’ve found that it’s really easy to view other people’s actions through the MICROSCOPE while we want others to view our actions through a TELESCOPE. We tend to show ourselves much more mercy than we offer to others.

This is what Jonah did - having experienced God’s mercy, he was unwilling to extend His mercy to others.

In fact, Jonah is UPSET that God is willing to graciously forgive His enemies when he says these words...

Jonah 4:2b (NIV)

I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.

If the perfect Creator and Righteous Judge of all mankind is willing to extend mercy to His enemies, we should not be quick to condemn our enemies to hell. In fact, WE can’t!

So, maybe we need to step out of the Judge’s seat and let the Judge do His job of condemning the guilty to eternal hell, while we recognize that Jesus expects us to demonstrate Godly Judgment when we...

Judge with mercy.

…the kind of mercy we want extended to us.

Question What’s the measure of mercy you use?

How many of us dare to pray this: "God, judge me with the same kind of mercy I extend to others.”

But we’re not just to judge with mercy; we are also called to judge WITHOUT hypocrisy.

Judge Without Hypocrisy

Matthew 7:3–4 (NIV)

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

This illustration might have caused Jesus’ audience to smile or even laugh out loud (LOL).

Years ago while mowing something hit me in the eye. I saw it later in the mirror - a small splinter stuck in my eye. I set an appointment with the eye doctor and went the next day.

Imagine seeing his back as he writes something down only to see him turn around with a 2x4 in his eye [PROP]. There is NO WAY he could see to remove that little thing from my eye. He needs to get THAT out of his eye first!

King David was confronted by Nathan (2 Samuel 12). Nathan tells the story of a man who has many sheep who takes a lamb from another man. David says, “He should die. Have him pay back 4 times as much!” - Nathan says, “You’re the man!” (12:7). David was judging hypocritically - with a plank in his eye.

Matthew 7:5 (NIV)

You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Here’s the point. Jesus is NOT saying we never confront & correct a brother or sister who is caught in sin (Mt 18:15; Gal. 6:1). Jesus is NOT saying we should forget about removing the speck from our brother's eye, but to be gentle & humble when removing it.

Jesus doesn’t say we never judge and confront, but that we apply…

GODLY JUDGMENT: Judge with mercy & without hypocrisy.

After King David got busted by Nathan, he responded in repentance and wrote Ps. 51, which includes these words.

Psalm 51:1–2 (NIV)

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

Do you think David thinks that God is WILLING to forgive him? YEP! He believes God can blot out, wash away, and cleanse him from sin! The same is TRUE for you and me!

There’s more to the writing that you should read, but we’ll skip down further for right now.

Psalm 51:12–13 (NIV)

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.

Trusting that God would forgive him, David recognized that he was like one beggar showing another beggar where to find the bread.

And that should be OUR desire, 1) to make sure WE are right with God - then 2) desire to help others be right with Him.

So we judge with mercy & without hypocrisy - that’s Godly judgment.

Then Jesus, after talking about right judgment, says something strange - that seems out of place.

Matthew 7:6 (NIV)

Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

What’s THAT all about? Jesus is talking about PEOPLE who act like dogs and pigs…and that’s quite a judgment.

DOGS. In Jesus’ day most dogs were dirty & dangerous scavengers, not domesticated house pets. If you messed with them they might turn around and tear you to pieces. Some PEOPLE are like that. Instead of appreciating your merciful & un-hypocritical judgment, they turn on you and tear you to pieces.

PIGS. For Jewish people, pigs were unclean nuisances who could tear up good farming ground. Throwing precious pearls into the middle of a pile of pigs wouldn’t cause them to stop suddenly and appreciate the beauty of the pearls. Pigs can be brutal & tear humans into pieces as well.

So too, when people respond to our Godly judgment with mercy & without hypocrisy - with anger or total disregard - we need to stop offering the holy & precious truths of God to them and go to those who will listen.

In other words, we make a JUDGMENT that these people are pagan, unwilling to listen to GODLY JUDGMENT - and invest our time in those who WILL listen.

Applying Godly Judgment cannot be done without God. Followers of Jesus are to be prayerful in all things, whether it’s removing the sin from our lives or others, or seeking God for help of another kind.

Pray Persistently

Matthew 7:7–8 (NIV)

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Matthew 7:9-11 (NIV)

Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!

Followers of Jesus can trust that God hears, cares, & responds to our prayers.

Ask, seek, & knock are 3 ways to say the same thing: Keep on calling on God!

Have you STOPPED doing that? Have you forgotten WHO you are asking?

We are to ask and keep on asking; seek and keep on seeking. We are to knock and keep on knocking.

When Howard Carter, the British archaeologist, peered wide-eyed into an ancient Egyptian tomb in 1922, at first he saw nothing. It was thought by most archaeologists that tourists and tomb robbers had found all the burial places & treasures of Egypt’s pharaohs. With only a few scraps of evidence Carter carried on his pursuit, privately financed because nobody felt there was anything left to be discovered. But he was convinced there was one remaining tomb.

Twice during his 6-year search he came within two yards of the first stone step leading to the burial chamber, and finally he found it - a chamber full of wooden animals, statues, chests, chariots, carved cobras, vases, daggers, jewels, a throne—and a hand-carved coffin of a teenage king - the tomb and treasure of King Tutankhamen, the world’s most exciting archaeological discovery. Carter’s perseverance paid off.

Be persistent in prayer. Keep asking, seeking, knocking. Remember WHO you are approaching!

Your Father will answer and give good gifts to those who ask Him (v.11).

The Golden Rule

Matthew 7:12 (NIV)

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

This is what makes Christianity stand out from other teachings. Christians are to treat others with kindness - even their enemies. Contrary to our culture’s cry, Christians aren’t to turn a blind eye to people caught in sin, but are to care enough to do the tough thing and speak the truth in love. To love our neighbor as ourself is the teaching throughout the Scriptures (the law and the prophets).

It’s easy to follow our culture; to love the lovable, applaud the sin that is socially acceptable, and seek out smiles without caring about souls. But we have not been called to take the easy road.

Wide Road vs Narrow Road

Matthew 7:13–14 (NIV)

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

And finally, Jesus warns His sheep of the dangers awaiting them…and us. According to Jesus, there probably aren’t as many people as you think who will experience eternal life. According to Jesus, many are following a path that leads to destruction. While only a few will follow the road that leads to eternal life.

The broad road to destruction is spacious and comfortable for any and everybody. Follow the social norms of your society or make your own rules. Drive as fast as you want in any lane you want. Enjoy the comfortable and exiting ride, but beware that this road leads to a cliff.

Many of our family members and friends are on their way to destruction, an eternity in an eternal prison to pay for their crimes against the Most High God.

This should cause us pause. It might even bring us a tinge of pain in our souls or tears in our eyes.

People are being led off the ledge by peers, celebrities, and even religious leaders.

But the narrow road isn’t nearly as comfortable. Those driving this road are expected to obey the laws as this road leads to the Lawmaker. This road will transform all who travel it - including moments of joy & encouragement, pain & persecution. Yes, it’s less comfortable and more difficult, BUT...this narrow road leads to eternal life!

Those who tell you anything different aren’t telling you the truth.

Speaking of those who will tell you different, Jesus warns...

False Prophets & Bad Fruit

Matthew 7:15-16a (NIV)

Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.

False prophets are those who claim to speak for God, who pretend to be a part of the flock (in sheep’s clothing), who are really ferocious wolves licking their chops to feed on the sheep.

Jesus says, “You will recognize them by their fruit”.

But...You CAN’T recognize those who are false prophets nor warn others of their false teachings if you simply say, “Well, I’m not gonna judge.”

The reason why we can recognize false prophets is because we judge rightly.

You CAN discern what is true and what is not - you CAN warn others of false teaching and encourage people to turn from sin and follow Jesus IF....you apply Godly Judgment.

GODLY JUDGMENT: Judge with mercy & without hypocrisy.

So, how should we spot & respond to false prophets?

Next week’s teaching we will open with some typical teachings that false prophets are known for, and how we can make sure not to fall for their tricks - so I encourage you to be here for that.

But as we conclude today’s teaching, may we note that, ‘Judge not' might be the mantra of our culture but this is NOT the meaning of the Scripture.

It is our task, commanded by our King, is to apply both Golden Rule & Godly judgment in our daily lives - that we would...

Judge with mercy & without hypocrisy.

Feet2Faith Challenges:

Turn from YOUR SIN. What sin must put you to death? What plank is in YOUR eye that you need to REMOVE from your life?

Approach a brother/sister caught in sin with mercy. What brother or sister to you need to approach prayerfully & mercifully?

Live the ‘Golden Rule’ daily. Serve someone this week. Show mercy this week. Forgive someone this week.

PRAY

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Discussion Questions

What challenged or encouraged you most from today’s teaching? You might need to look back in your notes to help explain your answer.

Read Matthew 7:1-2. Why is it important that we judge others with MERCY? If you were caught in sin, how would you want another Christian to confront you about it?

Read Matthew 7:3-4 & 18:15. Is Jesus saying we should never confront another brother/sister about their sin? Explain your answer. What should we make sure to do BEFORE we approach another person about their sin? Why is it so important that we judge with mercy & without hypocrisy?

Read Psalm 51 and focus on vv12-13. After being forgiven much, what is David’s desire for others? What should we appreciate and apply from David’s example?

Read Matthew 7:6. What is this illustration all about? Read 1 Jn 4:1; Jn 7:24. How does it show that Jesus expects His people to judge rightly?

Read Matthew 7:7-11. How does this passage encourage you? What is something you are seeking the Father’s help with?

Read Matthew 7:12. How would our culture change if everyone applied ‘the Golden Rule’? Share an example of someone who has treated you this way.

Read Matthew 7:13-14. Explain how this statement causes you concern for those around you. What are you doing/going to do about that?

Read Matthew 7:15-16a. Why is it that some false prophets/teachers are not quickly recognized? What are some ways we can recognize them? (Show up Sunday for next week’s teaching for more insight on how to spot false teachers.)

Share prayer needs and pray for one another.