Spiritual Judgment

2001066

Subject: sermon on the mount; evangelism

A. Mt. 7:1-5 – Jesus warns about dangers of judging.

1. We to guard against being hypercritical; censorious….

2. We are not the final judge; our opinions are NOT the final standard of judgment.

B. 7:6 – this statement comes on the scene abruptly after the first 5 verses.

1. This is an inevitable conclusion from the first 5 verses. Adds balance.

2. w/o 7:6 – some might come to wrong conclusion.

a) could be argued that one could not show any judgment/discrimination whatsoever.

b) Result in: not preaching against sin; no protecting truth from error. No church discipline.

C. 7:1-6 – must be considered together in context.

1. Christians to constantly exercise a spirit of discrimination. We are always to be looking for the right way – Christ’s way! Consider:

a) Jer. 6:27; Eph. 5:10; 1 Thess 5:21; 1 Jhn. 4:1

2. When taking these passages in consideration w/7:1-6 we might conclude:

a) Jesus wants us to look for & recognize sin & error.

b) Not in order to condemn; but to help & correct!

3. Jesus had been talking about getting a speck out of a brother’s eye.

4. We need not understand passage in such a way as to leave the speck in the brother’s eye any more than the log in our eye.

D. Mt. 7:6 – Jesus is talking of the gospel message. It is described as:

1. 7:6 – that which is holy.

2. Lk. 8:11 – gospel described as precious “seed.”

3. 2 Cor. 4:7 – treasure

4. Jhn. 8:32; 17:17 – truth

E. This is something that is important & not to be treated lightly – as nothing. The gospel is of great value!

1. Paul Earnhart: (this) illustrates the futility of trying to offer something of great value to someone incapable of appreciating it. (p. 121 – Invitation to a Spiritual Revolution)

I. Note Jesus’ Terminology Here:

A. Some people are dogs & swine – w/reference to the truth.

1. Uses strong metaphors to describe spiritual attitude of certain people.

2. illustration powerful in this day/age. People not look kindly on dogs.

a) dogs looked at as scavengers of the village. Call someone a “dog” – bad thing. Was a term of scorn; contempt; disgrace.

2. “Swine” not much better. Term was loathsome to a Jew. Lk. 15 – think if picture painted in parable of prodigal son.

B. Again,….w/reference to the truth – Jesus says some are dogs/swine.

1. refer to all unbelievers? No!

2. Lk. 4:18-19 – Jesus preached to the lost.

3. Lk. 10:3; Mk. 16:15 – commanded those who follow Him to do the same.

C. But…Jesus is referring to someone who would not appreciate the treasure of the gospel.

II. What is the point of 7:6?

A. There are some – who no matter how patiently taught – simply do not have “ears to hear.”

1. Jesus is warning his followers not to press the gospel on uncaring and indifferent ears.

2. Mt. 13:13-14 – Jesus described the Pharisees/Scribes of his day in this way.

a) their spirit/attitude made them incapable of understanding truth.

3. This = a tragic effect of sin.

a) some become antagonistic to the truth.

b) Rom. 8:6-8 – can make person hateful toward the one imparting truth. An enemy of God.

c) People in this condition under influence of Satan. See plenty of people like this as we go through life.

4. Present someone w/truth – almost a violent reaction

a) ridicule God’s plan of salvation; put down those who humbly/lovingly serve the Lord.

b) Sad….should make us look upon such w/patience; pity; compassion; & sorrow.

B. Some people are prejudiced against truth.

1. 2 Cor. 4:3-4; 2 Thess. 2:10-12

2. some do not take truth as truth – but as an attack!

3. So ugly! Must not behave in such a way.

C. Don’t waste time w/those who will not hear.

1. God has always worked through personalities. He works through one man presenting truth to another man.

2. Acts 8:30-31 – men expound upon Scripture – others will either accept or reject it. Depends upon quality of their heart.

3. To those who hardened against it: Jesus says: Don’t waste time w/them. Time & the gospel are precious!

a) Mt. 10:11-14

III. Some Practical Principles

A. Not everyone will obey the gospel.

1. Special longing to convert a person or group of persons.

a) loved one/special friend/or even a nation of people.

2. This longing must not blind us to their unconcern/indifference. Need not forget there are others who have receptive hearts!

a) other hearts are longing to hear!

3. Rom. 9:1-3 – Paul longed for salvation of Jews – they would not hear – so he preached to Gentiles – whose hearts were more receptive!

B. In evangelism – we must recognize different types of persons.

1. Must assess each person & what his needs are.

2. Paul did: 1 Cor. 9:19-23.

3. This must be kept in mind when sharing God’s good news to people.

a) some methods are offensive to people & same not to others. Visa versa.

b) Some might be antagonized or stir negative responses.

4. Must use the most effective means as possible. Must be looking for best ways – constantly!

C. Remember: gospel, and time, are too precious to be wasted on those who do not care!

Conclusion:

A. God has made us custodians of His word.

1. He needs men/women to explain & expound!

2. Let us maintain a true balance – a sense of proportion.

B. Spread gospel to those who have open/humble heart. To those who will hear.

1. Rom. 10:17

2. Non-Christian friend: are you willing to hear the news that you are lost in your sins & have need of redemptive power found w/in blood of Christ?

3. You can come into contact w/his blood today – have your sins washed away – and begin serving Him!

C. How’s your heart?

D. I N V I T A T I O N



Spiritual Judgment 2001066 Subject: sermon on the mount; evangelism A. Mt. 7:1-5 – Jesus warns about dangers of judging. 1. We to guard against being hypercritical; censorious…. 2. We are not the final judge; our opinions are NOT the final standard of judgment. B. 7:6 – this statement comes on the scene abruptly after the first 5 verses. 1. This is an inevitable conclusion from the first 5 verses. Adds balance. 2. w/o 7:6 – some might come to wrong conclusion. a) could be argued that one could not show any judgment/discrimination whatsoever. b) Result in: not preaching against sin; no protecting truth from error. No church discipline. C. 7:1-6 – must be considered together in context. 1. Christians to constantly exercise a spirit of discrimination. We are always to be looking for the right way – Christ’s way! Consider: a) Jer. 6:27; Eph. 5:10; 1 Thess 5:21; 1 Jhn. 4:1 2. When taking these passages in consideration w/7:1-6 we might conclude: a) Jesus wants us to look for & recognize sin & error. b) Not in order to condemn; but to help & correct! 3. Jesus had been talking about getting a speck out of a brother’s eye. 4. We need not understand passage in such a way as to leave the speck in the brother’s eye any more than the log in our eye. D. Mt. 7:6 – Jesus is talking of the gospel message. It is described as: 1. 7:6 – that which is holy. 2. Lk. 8:11 – gospel described as precious “seed.” 3. 2 Cor. 4:7 – treasure 4. Jhn. 8:32; 17:17 – truth E. This is something that is important & not to be treated lightly – as nothing. The gospel is of great value! 1. Paul Earnhart: (this) illustrates the futility of trying to offer something of great value to someone incapable of appreciating it. (p. 121 – Invitation to a Spiritual Revolution) I. Note Jesus’ Terminology Here: A. Some people are dogs & swine – w/reference to the truth. 1. Uses strong metaphors to describe spiritual attitude of certain people. 2. illustration powerful in this day/age. People not look kindly on dogs. a) dogs looked at as scavengers of the village. Call someone a “dog” – bad thing. Was a term of scorn; contempt; disgrace. 2. “Swine” not much better. Term was loathsome to a Jew. Lk. 15 – think if picture painted in parable of prodigal son. B. Again,….w/reference to the truth – Jesus says some are dogs/swine. 1. refer to all unbelievers? No! 2. Lk. 4:18-19 – Jesus preached to the lost. 3. Lk. 10:3; Mk. 16:15 – commanded those who follow Him to do the same. C. But…Jesus is referring to someone who would not appreciate the treasure of the gospel. II. What is the point of 7:6? A. There are some – who no matter how patiently taught – simply do not have “ears to hear.” 1. Jesus is warning his followers not to press the gospel on uncaring and indifferent ears. 2. Mt. 13:13-14 – Jesus described the Pharisees/Scribes of his day in this way. a) their spirit/attitude made them incapable of understanding truth. 3. This = a tragic effect of sin. a) some become antagonistic to the truth. b) Rom. 8:6-8 – can make person hateful toward the one imparting truth. An enemy of God. c) People in this condition under influence of Satan. See plenty of people like this as we go through life. 4. Present someone w/truth – almost a violent reaction a) ridicule God’s plan of salvation; put down those who humbly/lovingly serve the Lord. b) Sad….should make us look upon such w/patience; pity; compassion; & sorrow. B. Some people are prejudiced against truth. 1. 2 Cor. 4:3-4; 2 Thess. 2:10-12 2. some do not take truth as truth – but as an attack! 3. So ugly! Must not behave in such a way. C. Don’t waste time w/those who will not hear. 1. God has always worked through personalities. He works through one man presenting truth to another man. 2. Acts 8:30-31 – men expound upon Scripture – others will either accept or reject it. Depends upon quality of their heart. 3. To those who hardened against it: Jesus says: Don’t waste time w/them. Time & the gospel are precious! a) Mt. 10:11-14 III. Some Practical Principles A. Not everyone will obey the gospel. 1. Special longing to convert a person or group of persons. a) loved one/special friend/or even a nation of people. 2. This longing must not blind us to their unconcern/indifference. Need not forget there are others who have receptive hearts! a) other hearts are longing to hear! 3. Rom. 9:1-3 – Paul longed for salvation of Jews – they would not hear – so he preached to Gentiles – whose hearts were more receptive! B. In evangelism – we must recognize different types of persons. 1. Must assess each person & what his needs are. 2. Paul did: 1 Cor. 9:19-23. 3. This must be kept in mind when sharing God’s good news to people. a) some methods are offensive to people & same not to others. Visa versa. b) Some might be antagonized or stir negative responses. 4. Must use the most effective means as possible. Must be looking for best ways – constantly! C. Remember: gospel, and time, are too precious to be wasted on those who do not care! Conclusion: A. God has made us custodians of His word. 1. He needs men/women to explain & expound! 2. Let us maintain a true balance – a sense of proportion. B. Spread gospel to those who have open/humble heart. To those who will hear. 1. Rom. 10:17 2. Non-Christian friend: are you willing to hear the news that you are lost in your sins & have need of redemptive power found w/in blood of Christ? 3. You can come into contact w/his blood today – have your sins washed away – and begin serving Him! C. How’s your heart? D. I N V I T A T I O N