THE PARABLE OF THE SPECK

Introduction:

We are beginning a new series called “THE RED LETTERS” and we are going to learn from the teachings of Jesus and see what we can learn about ourselves.

A time when you judged someone incorrectly.

Matthew 7:1–7 “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. “For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

· Contextual Background: Understanding Jesus' teachings in Matthew 7:1–5 within the larger framework of the Sermon on the Mount.

· Central Idea: The inherent dangers of judging others without self-awareness and humility.

· Relevance Today: Addressing the timeless tendency of human nature to critique others while overlooking personal faults.

I. Be Careful How You View and Talk About Others. Vv 1

1DO NOT judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves.

A. Two types of judging:

1. When you make a decision based on facts that are proven to be true.

2. When you criticize and condemn someone based on your perception of who they are or how they look.

B. A person who judges, criticizes, and condemns others is guilty of having a “critical” spirit. What is a critical spirit?

1. There is no phrase in the bible that refers to a “Critical Spirit”.

When I refer to a critical spirit it mean that it is influenced demonically.

How do you know? It goes against the your normal nature and it goes against the character of God.

a. Judgmental Attitude (Matthew 7:1-5)

Quickly judging or condemning others without self-reflection or awareness of one’s own faults.

b. Speaking Negatively (James 4:11-12)

Speaking ill of others, slandering, or constantly criticizing instead of speaking constructively or encouragingly.

c. Contempt for Others (Romans 14:10-13)

Looking down on others or treating them with disdain, often accompanied by a sense of superiority.

d. Lack of Love (Galatians 5:14-15)

Behaving in ways that are unloving and harsh, leading to conflict and division instead of promoting peace and unity.

e. Unwholesome Talk (Ephesians 4:29)

Using words that tear down rather than build up, which can include gossip, sarcasm, and harsh criticism.

f. Harboring Bitterness (Hebrews 12:15)

Allowing bitter feelings to grow, leading to resentment and a critical outlook towards others.

g. Focusing on External Appearance (Luke 16:15)

Valuing outward appearances or actions more than the heart or inner qualities, leading to superficial judgments.

h. Refusing to Forgive (Matthew 6:14-15)

Holding onto past wrongs and not forgiving others, often accompanied by a critical and unforgiving spirit.

i. Hypocrisy (Matthew 23:27-28)

Criticizing others for faults one also has, acting in ways that are inconsistent with professed beliefs.

j. Pride (Proverbs 16:18)

A sense of superiority that leads to looking down on others, often manifesting as a critical nature towards those deemed less capable or successful.

C. Let me tell you why we judge others…

Because we see our inadequacies, our own faults and our own failures in others.

Perhaps the reason some people look down on others is because they…

C. When you judge (critique) someone else what you are doing is sitting in the place of God.

1. You are saying that you know better than God, who sees and judges the hearts of men.

2. What about righteous judgement?

John 7:24 (NLT)

24Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.”

Galatians 6:1 “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.”

II. God Will Judge You with The Same Standard You View Others v 2

A. We like to think that we are being righteous in the way we look at someone else.

Proverbs 21:2 (NLT)

2People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.

1. We go around looking at someone that doesn’t fit the mold of our understanding and think…

“Well I have a right to judge them righteously…”

True you do, but you better examine yourself by the same standards you are holding them to.

2.

B. Is how we see others through the eyes of God or through critical lenses?

1 Samuel 16:7 “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.””

it is easy to make a judgement based on first impressions.

True Christlike love gets to know the heart of the person.

C. Would you pass your own test?

Often we have a certain standard for everyone yet a different set of standards for ourselves.

In the same way, we cannot judge someone because they don’t meet our standard of living either.

III. Before You Judge others, Judge Yourself. Vv3-5

Psalm 139:23–24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.”

A. Ask yourself these questions?

Is there any area of my life that is not pleasing to God?

If I was in their shoes would I honestly want someone else speaking of me the way I am of them?

Have I asked what is going on in their life?

B. God’s Desire for us is…

1. Encourage one Another

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)

11So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NLT)

14Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

2. Love One Another

1 John 4:11 (NLT)

11Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.

3. Forgive One Another

Ephesians 4:31–32 “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

CONCLUSION