Matthew 7:1-6

Matthew 7:1-6
Leave it to Jesus to challenge us at every turn! He surely does in this sermon. The section we are beginning today begins with these words, "Do not judge!" We've probably all heard this phrase used in various ways and perhaps against us! And so it requires that we look at the whole context. Obviously, it's necessary for a believer to be discerning. Even v. 6 indicates this. We cannot believe every thing we read or hear. Every word and action must be evaluated in light of God's revealed Word.

What are the rules about judging or discerning? I have adapted the following notes from Warren Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, Vol 1, p. 29-30.

1) We must judge ourselves first. We should shine the light of God's Word on our own lives first.

2) We WILL be judged. People are judging us right now, and their expectations are very high. Often the way we treat people bounces right back at us. If I am kind and generous, the chances are great that others will return the favor. By contrast, if I am mean and nasty and stingy, that's what I can expect in return. Also, if I don't "practice what I preach," they will surely notice.

And God will ultimately judge us--not for salvation because if we've personally trusted Jesus, that's already settled. But we will be judged for our works here on earth, and will receive rewards or be denied them.

3) We must see clearly to help others. This is one reason that we must judge ourselves first. So often, the things that irritate us most in others are the very things with which we struggle! On some perverse level, it makes us feel better or even superior when we criticize and tear down other people. This is the way of the hypocrites, and we clearly don't want to be one of them! We can't help anyone until we've gotten victory ourselves. If we have a 2 by 4 in our eye, we can hardly remove a speck from someone else's! As we examine ourselves, we must remember to "look in faith to Jesus Christ and let Him forgive and restore us."

4) We must be discerning when sharing God's truth. Obviously, we are not to keep God's wonderful gift of salvation and grace a secret! But we must be wise and discerning. If we throw random Bible verses at people with whom we disagree, we are encouraging ridicule. If we are to follow Jesus' example, we will keep people's spiritual needs in mind, and we will lovingly try to minister to them.