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Sunday, March 24, 2019 pm

TO JUDGE OR NOT TO JUDGE
Matthew 7:1-6

         From time to time, we appeal to this text to mention there is a type of judging that is condemned.  In our lesson this evening, I want to talk about this.   We are living in times when we are not supposed to judge anyone in their moral behaviors.  And as we know, this is not exclusive to dealing with those in the world.  We find it increasingly more and more among so-called believers of Christ and, sadly, even among brethren.

         It is not uncommon to hear someone say, “The Bible says, ‘Judge not, that you be not judged’” in all of the above scenarios.    Well, it is in there.  And furthermore, it is “in red” meaning it is what Jesus taught.   BUT, what does it mean?   I believe that judging is something we all struggle with from time to time.  And we need to understand that this passage is abused by both sides of the aisle.  There are far too many to use it to do whatever they want and dare you to say anything, but there are also others who ignore what Jesus said here and are as guilty as the religious leaders that wrongfully judged Jesus and His disciples.   So let’s talk about what Jesus meant.

 I.                     What Jesus did NOT mean

a.       Jesus was not saying that we should never question or criticize someone or their behavior (I emphasize the word NEVER here, because I do believe there are some who do question or criticize without all the facts.  Paul, in Galatians 2:11-14 publicly rebuked Peter for his wrongful behavior.
If one wanders from the truth, we ought to seek to restore them (James 5:19-20, Galatians 6:1).
IN our text, Jesus said there is a time for this (7:3-5)– you can be concerned about the “speck” in your brother’s eye, but only AFTER you deal with the plank in your own eye.   While exaggerating, Jesus is not condemning just concerns for others. 

b.       This is not saying, we should not practice “church discipline” today.  Paul made that clear in 1 Corinthians 5:4-7, Romans 16:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:6.  Even Jesus taught the principle in Matthew 18:15-17.

c.        It is not saying we should toy with those in darkness – Ephesians 5:11, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, 1 Peter 4:3-4, etc.
Again, in our text, in vs. 6, Jesus says, “Do not cast your pearls before swine”, meaning we need to determine (i.e. judge) whether or not we should deal with someone. 

d.       Nor does this imply that we should not expose false teachers – Galatians 1:6-9, Titus 1:10-11, 2 John 9-11, 1 John 4:1, etc.   On the same occasion, Matthew 7:15-16 notes that we should beware of false prophets.  Jesus is not saying to just know them, but His point is to avoid or deal with them properly.  NOTE vs. 16, “You will know them by their fruits”.  What does Jesus mean if He is not saying there is a time for judgment?

e.       NOR is he saying we cannot make judicial and civil judgments – e.g. as jurors, etc.   That is not the intent of the passage.   In fact, if we have opportunity, we could do good on jury, giving an honest and objective judgment with integrity based on the facts, rather than sheer emotions.

 II.                   What did Jesus mean?

a.       He was addressing unjust judgments.  Judgments that are unfounded and unmerciful.  Let’s consider some examples:

b.       Prejudice – the very idea of prejudice is to prejudge.  It is to see someone outwardly and make a judgment.   James 2:1, 8-9 – if we show partiality, we are guilty of sin.

c.        To assume the worst in others or in situations – there are many who out of hatred, will assume the worst in their perceived enemy or rival.  We hear of those who think someone else can never do anything right.  Everything is scrutinized and attacked with the assumption they are wrong. 
Jesus was constantly judged wrongly because his enemies did not WANT to accept Him.  Just consider His trial, and how they accused Him of casting out demons in the name of Beelzebub.   

d.       With constant criticisms – some are cynical and constantly are looking for what is wrong in others.  They assume the worst.  This often leads to poor judgments of one’s behaviors and motives. 
James 5:9 calls for us to not grumble against one another.   The word grumble means to complain or to express displeasure.  Philippians 2:14 – we are to do all things without complaining or disputing.
When our criticisms become judgments, we need to step back and take a look.    

e.       To pass judgments with ulterior motives – there are many who will render judgment (condemnation, OR justification of sinful behavior) to justify their own sinful behaviors, or to divert attention from their own short comings.   
The efforts of the Jews to put Jesus to death demonstrate this.  They were willing to do whatever they needed to do to condemn Jesus (cf. John 11:47-50).  They had made up their mind before the trial started. They even found false witnesses. 

f.         Prideful – there are many who judge others to make themselves look good. 
We are continually warned against pride.  Proverbs 16:18 says that pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Consider the lawyer who asked Jesus, “What is the greatest commandment” and when he received the answer we read, “And seeking to justify himself” (Luke 10;29).

g.       Hypocritical judgments – this is the actual context.  It is one who is blind to his own faults.  He thinks he knows what is best for everyone else, but he won’t do it himself.  This is how Jesus described the Pharisees and scribes in Matthew 23:4, they bind heavy burdens…  Romans 2:17-20, Paul is challenging the Jewish brethren for having this type of attitude.

 III.                 How should we judge?

a.       With righteous judgment – we need to be doing our best to be right.   John 7:24, Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

b.       With a desire to be right with God – that is why Jesus said to take care of yourself first.   Whatever judgments we make, it ought to be with the desire to please Him. 

c.        By investigating – 1 John 4:1 tells us to TEST the spirits. 

d.       With respect for the liberties of others – Colossians 2:16, So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths.  This was the premise of Romans 14 where brethren were judging others in matters about which God was indifferent.

e.       With love – 1 Corinthians 13:5, 6-7.  Whenever we are in a situation where we need to make a judgment, may it always be made because we love that person and want what is best for him.

f.         With mercy – James 2:12-13.

g.       Fairly – be consistent and impartial.  That is the hallmark of true justice.

h.       Giving the benefit of the doubt – assume the best in others instead of the worst.
Also realize that you may be wrong.  Have you ever assumed something to be true, only to talk with the person and find out that was not the case.  

i.         The way we would want to be judged – Matthew 7:12, the “golden rule”. 

j.         Hoping for the best – your goal is to save souls.  If a brother is in sin, you want repentance and will take whatever precautions gives the best chance for that to happen.

k.        With a view toward eternity – in our text Jesus warned, “with what judgment you judge, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Matthew 7:2) 
We all need the love, grace and mercy of God.  And when we stand before Him, and all our failures flash before our eyes, will we get what we deserve or will He let us into heaven anyways?
What is His decision is based upon the way we forgive others, show mercy to others and judge others?  Because that is what Jesus said (ALL 3 on the same occasion – Matthew 5:7, 6:14-15, 7:2).

Let us ensure that our judgments are true, whether we make them or not.  Think about it.