The Verdict On Judgment Series

The Verdict on Judgment

Matthew 7: 1-5

We have come to a new chapter in our study of the Sermon on the Mount, but it is just a continuation of the thoughts of our Lord. We have considered and discussed many practical subjects that deal with human life and practice in our study and we continue to do so.

Our Lord spoke these words some 2,000 years ago and yet they are as fresh and needful today as they were when He first spoke them. I want to remind us that Jesus was dealing with real issues that His society faced, and these issues remain in modern society. There are those who claim that God’s Word is somehow outdated. They claim it is archaic and no longer relevant. I am convinced the Bible is not obsolete, but in fact absolute. The truths Jesus spoke are just as relevant and needful in our day as they have ever been. Society and cultures change, but God’s Word never does. The people of Jesus’ day faced difficulties and temptations that remain in our day.

Our text focuses upon judging others. Whether we like to admit it or not, we all make judgments practically every day. Some are quick and quite subtle, while others are more deliberate and obvious. Let’s consider the text as we seek to discover the facts our Lord reveals as we think on: The Verdict on Judgment.

I. The Admonition Expressed (1-2) – Within the admonition of our Lord we find two key elements that we need to consider. First, we need to discuss:

A. The Distortion of the Admonition (1) – Judge not, that ye be not judged. This portion of Scripture is often misinterpreted and wrongfully applied. I am sure you have heard this quoted many times by those who have been confronted concerning a sinful or questionable behavior. People somehow assume Christians have no right to evaluate the behavior of society, because in their minds, we have been forbidden to judge. If a pastor or Christian takes a stand against sin, particularly in a public rebuke, they are accused of judging another.

I have no way of knowing the true spiritual condition of another, so I would never declare that an individual could not possibly be saved because of their actions. However, to say that we are never to evaluate situations and actions goes against the teaching of Scripture. We are not the final judge of men’s souls, but we are not called to ignore iniquity and never confront sin. Many would assume that to be judgmental, but in fact it is just being biblical.

1 Thes.5:21 – Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Here the word prove has the idea of “to test or examine; scrutinize; to approve or deem worthy.” Ephes.5:11 – And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. John 7:24 – Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. Notice Matthew 7: 16-20. As the old preacher used to say, “I may not be a judge, but I can be a fruit inspector.” We must be willing to stand for truth and righteousness, exposing and confronting sin, even if we are called judgmental.

B. The Discernment of the Admonition (1-2) – Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Jesus offers a word of caution in the text. He declares we are to be just in our evaluations. If we pass judgment in a faulty or deceptive manner, we can expect to receive the same. If we possess an attitude of prejudice, we can expect the same in return. Many in Jesus’ day found fault in others, but never saw the needs in their own lives. They were quick to pass judgment, but never realized the same judgmental spirit would be returned toward them.

Taking a stand for truth is one thing, but to falsely accuse or condemn is another. We may perceive one’s actions as being ungodly, but we have no right to pass judgment on the spiritual condition of another. Only the Lord knows the genuine condition of the heart. We must be careful that we don’t make “blanket statements” or judge others in an unjust manner.

II. The Application Explained (3-5) – Jesus further illustrates His admonition and offers application for our lives. Consider:

A. The Tragedy (3) – And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? There are two aspects of this tragedy that require our attention. First, we see:

1. The Objects – Jesus speaks of two men, each of which have an object in their eye, obstructing their view. One is a mote; the other is a beam. The mote could be defined as “a chip or splinter.” The beam could be referred to as “a board or log.” It is interesting to discover that the mote is of the same material as the beam, only smaller.