Sermon Central
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The Spirit Of Judgmentalism Series
Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 8, 2021 (message contributor)
Summary: A popular mantra today is to exaggerate how we should apply Jesus’ caution against judgmentalism, by not even righteously judging evil lifestyles. Let's look at what Jesus actually taught about judging.
A popular mantra today is to exaggerate how we should apply Jesus’ caution against judgmentalism, by not even righteously judging evil lifestyles.
“Judge not, that you be not judged… Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? …” (Matthew 7:1-5 ESV)
This is often quoted to support the attitude of never judging or discerning anything. But that is clearly not the case as we see in the very next verse.
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… Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits… “ (Matthew 7:6, 15-16 NKJV)
If we can never judge who is a dog, swine or wolf, then we can’t obey this verse. What Jesus was talking about in verse 1 is having a critical spirit. But, we are to be wise and discern right from wrong.
There are two sides to judgment, judgmentalism and discernment. On the one hand Jesus taught that He came to save and not to judge, at least this time around.
If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. (John 12:47 ESV)
But that was then and judgment will come.
“because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:31 NKJV)
And we too are to make righteous judgment.
“Do not judge by the outward appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” (John 7:24 NASB)
What’s the difference? We all know people who have a critical spirit, constantly undermining, critiquing, judging. Yet, we are called upon every day to make righteous judgments about a whole host of things from groceries to clothing and who to trust. We don’t get to sit on the great white throne of deciding people’s eternities, but we must make wise decisions every day.