The Truth About Judging
2001064
Subject: sermon on the mount; judging
Introduction:
A. Last section in SOM. In teaching, Jesus has discussed:
1. a description of the disciple (beatitudes) 5:1-12
2. the influence of Christian on the world – 5:13-16
3. the Christian’s relationship to the law – 5:17-48
4. The Christian’s relationship to God – 6:1-18
5. The Christians’ relationship to the world – 6:19-34
B. Jesus will now stress the need to:
1. live in a constant awareness of God’s presence & final judgment.
2. realize that this life to be spent in preparation for the next.
a) this world is passing away. We’re one day closer to heaven!
b) We must prepare to meet God!
C. Some commentators have hard time making these 12 verses fit in w/rest of sermon.
1. Some assume that Jesus may have spoken these words at some other time & this was just “added” into the sermon on the mount by someone else. Disagree w/this.
2. What is the point b/h 7:1-2
a) our own understanding of righteousness in the kingdom should not produce in us a spirit of harsh, censorious judgment toward Christians who are struggling.
b) We need not be uncaring and possess a self righteous attitude so that we b/c more concerned w/the sins of others more than our own.
3. Paul Earnhart: if the sermon is first applied rigorously at home we will find the compassion and humility to treat the sins of others.
I. Mt. 7:1 can be easily misunderstood.
A. Usually, people go to extremes on this issue. Often here 7:1 quoted by those who:
1. love compromise; tranquility; peace at all costs.
2. many today dislike those who know what they believe and why. Perceived as being intolerant.
3. Tolerance = word of the day.
B. Other side of the issue;
1. some tempted to justify self and judge others.
2. need not go this direction either – as it a cause of a great deal of problems in the church.
II. What Judging is NOT:
A. It is not forming or expressing an opinion about another.
1. We must exercise judgment; discrimination – See 7:6.
2. Look at 7:15 – (Beware of false teachers) can we do this w/o assessment?
3. 7:20 – (By their fruits) How can we know?
B. It is not a condemnation of our judiciary system.
1. Government must exercise judgment.
2. Rom. 13:4 – authorities in place by God!
C. It is not recognizing & exposing religious error or doctrine!
1. Jesus did. Mt. 15:9
2. Paul did - Gal. 1:6-9
3. John exposed anti-Christ’s – 1 Jhn. 4:1. Look also at 2 Jhn 9
4. This is called intolerance by religious world
5. There is a right way & a wrong way to do things religiously!
D. It is not preaching against sin!
1. Jesus condemned sin wherever and whenever he found it!
2. 2 Tim. 3:16-4:2 – Christians commanded to do the same!
III. What kind of judging is sinful?
A. It is the possession of a self-righteous spirit.
1. A feeling of superiority! Tendency to regard others w/contempt!
2. Yet…look at attitude Christians to have – 1 Pet. 5:5
3. No Christian is superior to any other Christian! We’re all sinners! I need just as much grace as you do & visa versa.
B. It is being hypercritical.
1. difference b/t critical and hypercritical.
a) true criticism seeks to build up (constructive) – not break down and destroy!
b) Person who hypercritical delights in tearing someone down! Self satisfying to rub someone’s face in the mud!
C. It is putting personalities and prejudices in place of principles.
1. Jhn. 7:24. Must be sure that a man’s sinful behavior condemns him – not my own prejudices!
2. Must be careful not to drift from principles to personalities.
a) Personality problems w/someone? Hard to be objective. If so – must work on getting this right.
b) Easy to justify those we like (smooth over). While hurting those we don’t particularly care for.
D. If is forming an opinion w/o all the facts.
1. ever made judgment w/o full information? Rush to judgment?
2. Must have knowledge of God’s word & deeds b/f we judge!
E. It is the judgment of motives.
1. 1 Cor. 2:11
2. It is impossible t always know the motive behind the deed!
3. Yet our behavior can never be properly evaluated w/o taking motives into account.
4. Biggest hurt I experienced resulted from my motives being judged – when I doing something from bottom of heart.
5. Rest assure: God knows our motives!
F. It is not trying to understand the circumstance.
1. It is not being ready to excuse. Are we ready to exercise mercy?
a) many Christians forget this! Can be merciless!
b) Damage from this results for years- some become so hurt because of this they’re not much more than damaged goods.
c) Entire perspective of Christianity warped!
2. Often hold others to our standard – not God’s!
a) Let God’s word do the speaking – Heb. 4:12
b) Jhn. 12:48 – it is the standard that will be used on judgment.
G. Finally, Jesus condemns the person who attempts to pronounce final judgment.
1. we are to make assessments – not send men to hell.
2. some in Lord’s church possess attitude of Pharisees – Lk. 18:9-13.
3. We must move away from this!
a) we must condemn the sin – not the sinner!
b) Final judgment belongs to God!
4. Contrast attitude of disciples to that of Jesus – Lk. 9:51-56.
Conclusion:
A. Why does God want us NOT to judge?
1. b/c we can’t know motives.
2. b/c we often fail to be objective.
3. b/c we seem to fail to all the facts straight.
B. What’s the cure?
1. Phil. 4:8 – meditate on good things.
2. 1 Cor. 13:4-7 – put on love.
3. Micah 6:8
C. Now…if not Christian…Bible teaches you lost in sin; dead in trespasses; have absolutely no hope of heaven.
1. respond today to the gospel call.
2. Jesus died on cross on your behalf – so you could have sins washed away in baptism.
D. I N V I T A T I O N
