Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Judging Righteously Matthew 7:1-5 The Sermon on the Mount contrasts self-righteousness with true righteousness described in the Beatitudes Jesus corrects their false teaching in Matthew 5

Judging Righteously Matthew 7:1-5 Jesus correct their self-centered practices of giving alms, prayer and fasting in Matthew 6 Jesus prohibited laying up treasures on earth where they would be destroyed or stolen and mislead the heart

Judging Righteously Matthew 7:1-5 Seeking first God’s kingdom and righteousness leads to trust in God, heavenly treasure, peace & provision Matthew 7:1 is commonly taken out of context and therefore interpreted and misapplied

Pharisaical Judging Matthew 7:1 This verse is often used to support society’s perverted elevation of tolerance as the supreme virtue Political correctness is hypocritical for the advocates of tolerance are intolerant of anyone who disagrees

Pharisaical Judging Matthew 7:1 Politically correct fear of “judging” others has infiltrated the church and become dominate This misinterpretation and application stifle holiness and allows sin to spread among Christians The context reveals clearly the intention of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:1-5

Pharisaical Judging Matthew 7:1 You cannot obey Jesus’ commands in Matthew 7:6, 7:15 or 8:15 without “judging” others Examining the self-righteousness practices of the Pharisees gives the contrast and meaning - see John 9

Pharisaical Judging Matthew 7:1 The traditions and pride of the Pharisees blinded them from truth resulting in unrighteously judging others Jesus warned the multitudes (John 7:24) and rebuked the Pharisees (John 8:15) for their unrighteous judging

Pharisaical Judging Matthew 7:1 Unrighteous judgment is condemning and is recognized by Rejoicing to hear about the sin of others. Judgment based on prejudice instead the Scriptures. Judgment of motives which cannot be known

Pharisaical Judging Matthew 7:1 Righteous judgment is beneficial in helping the other person become more godly

Reciprocal Return Matthew 7:2 Do not be surprised when you are treated in the same manner as you treat others The Pharisees then and legalists now judge even their own by their harsh standards - and secularists pile on

Reciprocal Return Matthew 7:2 People refrain from pointing out the sin of others because they fear having their own sins pointed out Underlying truth: God is the judge & His condemnation of everyone is just. The Scribes & Pharisees had placed themselves in the seat of Moses & would be condemned by that Law

Reciprocal Return Matthew 7:2 Your criticism of others, stated or not, demonstrates the law in your conscience which condemns you True righteousness can only come from God - no one can live by Jesus’ standards on their own

Reciprocal Return Matthew 7:2 Self righteousness condemns itself by its own standard of measure. The righteous mourn over sin and are comforted, they give mercy and receive mercy (Matthew 5:4,7)

Get the Log Out Matthew 7:3-5 The contrast is between a “Speck” (“a small dry stalk”) and a log - between small and huge The context suggests that the “log” sized sin is self-righteousness - See also John 9:39f

Get the Log Out Matthew 7:3-5 Matthew 23 - Jesus called them, fools, blind guides, hypocrites, serpents, brood of vipers, sons of hell Luke 18:11-14 - The Pharisee saw the speck in the publican but was blind to the log of his self-righteousness

Get the Log Out Matthew 7:3-5 You can’t see clearly if you have the log of self-righteousness in your eye

Help Your Brother Matthew 7:5 Leviticus 19:17, 1 John 2:9, 11 - it is hateful not reprove a brother who is in sin Loving one another includes admonishing and confronting sin - Rom. 15:14, Matt. 18:15, Gal. 6:1-2

Help Your Brother Matthew 7:5 Recognize any self-righteousness and vulnerability to fall into sin - 1 Corinthians 10:12 Confess self-righteousness, then go in humility to help bear the burden of a brother caught in sin

Conclusion Interpret Scripture according to its context, then make application Get the log out, Judge according to Scripture, Be humble, Speak the truth in love, Help bear the burden

Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ