Matthew 7:1-5

Judge not that you be not judged

1. The snare of sinful judging.

   1. "Do not judge…" is Jesus telling us to stop discerning?

• The word's main uses:
• Mt. 5:40 "sue you"
• Mt. 19:28 "rule" (the judging the tribes of Israel)
• Jn 3:17 "condemn" (the world)
• Luke 7:43 "correctly judged" (decision, evaluation)
• Jn 8:15, of the woman taken in adultery: "you judge according to the flesh, I judge no one."

  1. No, the Lord commands us to discern: Mt. 5:20; Mt. 7:6, 15, 20.

• 1 Corinthians 5:12-13; 1 Corinthians 6:2; Matthew 18:15-18

  1. The Lord warns that judging is a two-edged sword.

• Romans 2:1, 3; Psalm 130:3-4; Romans 2:4

• Three dangers for would-be judges.

  1. Excessively sharp eyes.

  2. Self indulgence.

  3. Dullness of vision in front of the mirror.

• Three constructive attitudes for assessing others.

  1. Be gracious, merciful, and patient.

  2. Practice self examination.

• 1Cor 11:31-32; James 2:12
• Don't be angry with your brother without a cause, 5:22
• If you look to lust you've committed adultery, 5:28
• Be honest from the heart, 5:37

  1. See in the light of repentance.

     1. Matt 6:22-23; Matt 7:5; Gal 6:1-2

• Righteous judgment begins with honesty before the Lord as each of us examines his or her life.

  1. Cultivate the Beatitudes in your life. .

  2. The only perfect church is in heaven: the church triumphant.

  3. Self examination can be painful, and you may need help

  4. Counsel from the Bible, with love and mercy and personal application.

  5. Look at the Beatitudes, look at your heart, pray for grace. Grow into Jesus!

• When we cultivate self-examination, we destroy the roots of hypocrisy.