To Judge or Not To Judge Matthew 7:1-6

What Jesus did NOT mean That we should never question or criticize (constructively) someone or their behavior Galatians 2:11-14 James 5:19-20, Galatians 6:1 Matthew 7:3-5 – there is a time, BUT first take care of your own faults

What Jesus did NOT mean That we should not practice “church discipline” today 1 Corinthians 5:4-7 Romans 16:17 2 Thessalonians 3:6, withdraw from those who walk disorderly Matthew 18:15-17 – “tell it to the church”

What Jesus did NOT mean We should dabble with those in darkness Ephesians 5:11 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 1 Peter 4:3-4, “We have spent enough of our past lifetime…” Matthew 7:6, “Do not cast your pearls before swine”

What Jesus did NOT mean That we should not expose false teachers Galatians 1:6-9 Titus 1:10-11 2 John 9-11 1 John 4:1 Matthew 7:15-16, “You will know them by their fruits

What Jesus did NOT mean That we cannot make judicial or civil judgments Can a Christian sit on a jury? Forbidding such was NOT the intent of this passage. A Christian could be an asset to a jury, if we come in with integrity and objective judgment

What Jesus DID mean Jesus was addressing unjust and unfounded judgments Prejudice – which means to prejudge based upon external factors – appearance, etc. James 2:1, 8-9

What Jesus DID mean To assume the worst in others or in situations Many, out of hatred, assume the worst of their perceived enemy or rival Everything is scrutinized and attacked with worst possible conclusion This is how Jesus was often treated (e.g. Matthew 12:24)

What Jesus DID mean With constant criticisms Similar to last point, this is one who is continually fault finding Cynicism that impugns motives James 5:9 Philippians 2:14 Galatians 5:15

What Jesus DID mean To pass judgments with ulterior motives Many render judgments (condemnation OR justification) to justify their own sinful behaviors, or to divert attention from a problem The Jews sought to put Jesus to death – John 11:47-50, Matthew 27:18

What Jesus DID mean Prideful judgments Many pass judgments on others to make themselves look good Luke 16:15 Pride is condemned – Proverbs 16:18 Luke 10:29

What Jesus DID mean Hypocritical judgments The actual context. One blind to his own faults. Imposes on others what he will not do for himself – Matthew 23:4 Jewish brethren – Romans 2:17-20

HOW should we judge? With righteous judgment John 7:24 With a desire to be right with God (cf. Matthew 5:23-24) By investigating – 1 John 4:1 With respect for one’s liberties – Colossians 2:16

HOW should we judge? With love – 1 Corinthians 13:5-7 With mercy James 2:12-13 Fairly – impartial and consistent Giving the benefit of the doubt – 1 Corinthians 13:5, 7

HOW should we judge? The way we want to be judged – Matthew 7:12 Hoping for the best – our goal is to save souls, to see true repentance With a view toward eternity – Matthew 7:2, 5:7, 6:14-15

How do you judge others?