25. Judge Not

Introduction

The passage we’re going to look at today has a verse that is one of the most misunderstood, misused, and wrongly applied verses in the entire Bible… Matthew 7:1.

The golden rule of real estate is location, location, location… When we are reading the Bible, we need to think of context, context, context.

steel sinks…

Let’s look at the context, Matt 7:1-2, 12… Jesus gives us a principle, two applications, and a takeaway.

Body

The principle — Matt 7:1-2

Exposition

“One’s way of being in the world, whether it be judging people unfairly or not, determines one’s experience of the world… one must choose how to live in relation to others, and this will affect one’s experience of others and even of God.” — Jonathan Pennington

How you choose to live will affect how you experience life. // Angry and judgmental…

“Judge not…” what does that mean?

“Judge” can mean to condemn or to discern. To discern means to evaluate and understand.

Jesus is not saying, “Don’t discern.” He’s saying, “Don’t condemn others.”

Christians can pronounce “that is good” and “that is wrong” but not “you are condemned by God.” —Scot McKnight

Do not condemn others if you don’t want to be condemned yourself. For the attitude of condemnation with which you treat others will be the same attitude of condemnation with which they treat you.

Do not despise others if you don’t want to be despised. Because the contempt you have for others will be the same contempt they have for you.

Do not hate others if you don’t want to be hated. For the disgust you show to others will be the same disgust they show to you.

Do not judge others for not following the rules you don’t follow yourself. Whatever standard you hold others to is the same standard they’ll hold you to.

Illustration: “When you’re a hammer, everything looks like a nail.”

The applications

How we relate to others (Matt 7:3-6)

Exposition: Wise discernment with people

Confess before you confront. Repent before you rebuke.

Don’t hold others to a standard you don’t follow.

Remember, you’re a sinner saved by grace, too. Don’t look down your nose at people who sin differently than you do.

Using the Bible as binoculars vs. a mirror.

Help—don’t harm.

“and then you will see clearly” to help your brother.

Examine your motives. Are you seeking to condemn or restore?

Don’t be hypercritical people.

Consider who you’re talking to (Matt 7:6).

Dogs, pigs… huh?

Col 4:5-6

What does this person need from me right now? // We need to understand what to say, how to say it, and when to say it.

Illustration: Charity’s story, “The Christians in your church aren’t like what I thought Christians were like.” // Charity is saved because someone was willing to love her into the kingdom of God.

How we relate to God (Matt 7:7-11)

Exposition: Wise discernment with God

Ask in keeping with God’s will.

Don’t think you can buy miracles with faith bucks.

Matt 6:10… Your kingdom come, your will be done…

How do I know what to pray for? (1) Read the Bible. (2) Ask God, “What do you want me to pray for today?”

Trust God’s character—He’s good! (Matt 7:9-11)

“Often our prayers are not answered as originally desired because we do not share God’s perspective in knowing what is ultimately a good gift for us.” —Craig Blomberg

One of our kids had to get tonsils out…

Come to God with confidence in Christ.

Don’t think you have to earn the right to ask God for help.

Heb 4:14-16 (NLT) 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Illustration: When I prayed for Paul and he was healed…

Application: Pause for prayer. What have you been afraid to ask God?

The takeaway — Matt 7:12, not just a command but a vision for a new way of living in a kingdom made up of a new community of disciples who follow a new King, Jesus.

Conclusion

How you choose to live will affect how you experience life. Who you choose to serve will determine how you experience eternity.