Sermon on the Mount
Pt 11
Judging Others
Matthew 7:1-6
Judge not, that you be not judged. [2] For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you. [3] And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your eye? [4] Or how can you say to your brother, Let me remove the speck out of your eye; and look, a plank is in your own eye? [5] Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye. [6] Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces. [NKJV]
OPENING REMARKS
A. Judge Me Not
One of the most misunderstood and misused phrases from Scripture is found here in this text.
1. This phrase:
Judge not, that you be not judged (v. 1).
2. Frequent Reply:
How often do you hear one say when you or someone questions what another is doing? –
Who are you to be judging me! The Bible says, Judge not, lest you be judged! So stop being judgmental!
3. Both Lost and Saved – so sad:
We would expect to hear the he lost expressing words such as this phrase. For they do not wish for their sinful deeds to be exposed for all to see – cf. John 3:20 (Everyone practicing evil hates the light … lest his deeds should be exposed).
But unfortunately and all too often more than not, which is so sad, is that we hear such words coming from the lips of those who professed to be born-again Christians – cf. James 3:10 (Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so).
B. Judge Others
Robert West
Nothing is easier [to do] than fault-finding;
[there is] no talent [needed],
[there is] no self-denial [exerted],
[there is] no brain [activity],
[there is] no character … required to set up in the grumbling business.
***** [SermonCentral.com: Illustrations, downloaded 10 November 2007, www.SermonCentral.com (adapted)] *****
NOTE: It takes time to learn all of the circumstances that is going on in someone’s life. There is always two-sides to every story. Instead of taking the time to try and understand what is the basis for one’s actions – we find it so much easier to judge and condemn according to our limited knowledge. But we need to be aware of such quick action – for the Lord here tells us that we will be judged and condemned with what and how we judge another.
C. Meaning
The [Gk] word [for] judge here means:
To criticize – condemn – censor.
It is fault finding; it is being picky.
It is the habit of censor and criticism.
***** [Preacher’s Outline and Study Bible: Matthew 1, Chattanooga: Leadership Ministries Worldwide, 1996, p. 144 (adapted)] *****
TEXT
3. How does the meaning – criticize – condemn – censor - of this Greek word apply in this text?
2. What does the text say about judging another?
3. Does the text forbid us to judge another person?
4. Can we rightly judge individuals?
NOTE: As a Christian it is important to know whether or not the Bible allows or forbids us to judge someone else? – If so: then we need to know how we are to judge one another.
Text Examining Proposal
1. Are we allowed to judge others?
2. If we are allowed to judge others – How?
3. Judgment when presenting the Gospel.
I. Are We Allowed To Judge Others?
Verses: 1-2
[1] Judge not, that you be not judged.
[2] For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
These are serious words to consider.
Are we being told that we cannot judge anyone for anything?
If we do judge someone are we going to be judge as harshly as we judge them?
A. Right or Wrong
1. Judgment is to determine is someone is right or wrong in what they are doing.
2. At first glance at the text one would immediately answer that we are not to judge another person.
a. Today’s post-modern society – we are expected to be tolerant of an individual’s actions. Whatever they do or however they act is okay, because everyone is allowed to do their own thing. There is no standard of truth by which judgment can be made.
Judges 21:25
In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
b. If that is your opinion – do as you please (do what is right in your own eyes) – then no one can ever be found wrong of an injustice.
c. But if injustice does exist in the world and if you agree that it does – then you are saying that there are standards by which one can be judged.
i. If one can be judged on an international level and also a national level – then logic tells you that one can be judged on an individual level as well.
ii. Thus logic then tells us that our text does not forbid judging, but only how it is done.
B. Standard
Byron J. Langenfield
Rare is the person who can weigh the faults of others without putting his thumb on the scales.
***** Sermon Illustrations, downloaded 10 November 10, 2007, www.sermillustrations.com] *****
This is why we must have a standard by which to weight right and wrong. A standard from which we can render judgment. A standard by which judgment can be compared to – to be found of its correct and sure standing.
1. Society – there are laws by which one must obey in order for society to operate.
a. Civil laws
b. Criminal laws
c. Conscience
2. Religious – man is a moral being who knows right from wrong.
a. Many in society today only wish to set as a standard an all-inclusive love and unity (tolerance) by which mankind is to live and be accepted (judged).
Romans 1:18-23a
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of … God.
Because one can determine right from wrong – that shows that we have a standard.
b. To the Christian that standard is the Word of God.
Psalm 119:89
Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.
John 17:17
Sanctify them by Your truth, Your word is truth.
II. If We Are Allowed To Judge Others – How?
Verses: 3-5
[3] And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your eye?
[4] Or how can you say to your brother, Let me remove the speck out of your eye; and look, a plank is in your own eye?
[5] Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.
NOTE: In order to rightly judge another we must be of a spiritual mind. When we continue to hold sin close to our heart we cannot determine rightly whether one is in need of encouragement or admonishment. We need to be sure our life is clear of wrong doing before we judge another.
This is where Christ cries out – Hypocrite!
The Pharisees and Scribes were always condemning anyone who was not keeping their traditions or their interpretations of God’s Law. Yet they were not keeping them either. Much like the Judaizers in Galatia demanding that they keep the Law and refused to do so themselves – cf. Galatians 6:13a (For not even those who are circumcised keep the law).
Galatians 6:1
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
James 5:19-20
Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.
John MacArthur
When we judge critically we also manifest an erroneous view of ourselves. When we have a wrong view of God, we cannot but have a wrong view of others and of ourselves. Putting ourselves in God’s place as judge [perverting] our perspective of others and ourselves.
***** [The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Matthew 1-7, Chicago: Moody Press, 1985, p. 435]
III. Judgment When Presenting the Gospel.
Verse: 6
[6] Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
This is one of those hard sayings of Jesus. For we are commanded to preach the Gospel of Christ to all the world. Yet here we are told not to give what is holy to dogs nor cast our pearl (the gospel) before the swine. In order to have the wisdom in when knowing to do such takes a disciple walking close to His Master and trusting the Holy Spirit for guidance and leadership.
The Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible
The believer must follow God’s Spirit in recognizing the differences between men. In dealing with men, there is something that should always be remembered: we may not be able to talk about Christ with someone, but we can show Christ by our lives.
***** [p. 144] *****
NOTE: May we always remember that God reached down to save us – therefore, let us always be willing to reach out to others with the Gospel as God so leads.
Judge not, that you be not judged!
CONCLUSION
Matthew Henry
Our Saviour [has] here [directed] us how to conduct ourselves in reference to the faults of others … [He has shown us that often we are] very rigid, severe, … magisterial [acting like a master], and supercilious [exhibiting haughty contempt or indifference; arrogant], in condemning all about them, as those commonly are, that are proud and conceited in justifying themselves.
***** [A Commentary on the Whole Bible: Matthew to John, vol. 5, Reference Library Edition, Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Company, nd, p. 87] *****
INVITIATION
1. Everyone will one day face the judgment of God.
2. Lost will stand at the Great White Throne Judgment – Revelation 20:11.
3. Saved will stand at the Judgment Seat of Jesus Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:10.
Lost –
If you have never seen your need for Jesus Christ as your savior?
I urge you to recognize that you are a sinner before God and that you must repent of your sinful nature and to look to the finished work of Jesus Christ for your only hope of facing God’s eternal judgment. W/O Jesus Christ as your substitute before God you MUST give an accounting of your sinful life B4 a holy and righteous God – a Just God who will judge you justly!
Believer/Church –
You have already been judged for your sins in Jesus Christ. He took your place at Calvary and has borne God’s wrath on your behalf. However, you will be judge at the judgment seat of Jesus Christ for all of your works for God’s glory. Therefore live your life in a manner that honors Christ before others.
COME WORSHIP THE LORD
. Our Invitation is open to all:
. Come to Christ
. Come if you need to pray
. Come be a part of us
. Come share with us what the Lord would have you to do
Bruce Allen
Underwood Baptist Church
bea0210@hotmail.com
November 11, 2007
