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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.
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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 judgmentJohn 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