Why We Should Not Judge Others
FILING
INFORMATION:
2001065
Subject:
judging; sermon on the mount.
Preached Originally: 12/2/01 – Rapid
City, SD
Introduction:
A.
This AM we discussed meaning of “judge not.”
1.
talked what it doesn’t mean.
2.
talked about some attitude we must work on getting rid of so this will
not be a problem.
3.
Christian must put on love & meditate on good things & look to
be merciful to others – we’re not sitting above one another.
B. Tonight: going to cover 7:2-5 in detail. Will discuss reasons behind the statement in 7:1.
1. Once we study these lessons – we’ll see just how important this subject really is.
I. 7:1 – Don’t judge: so that you
will not be judged.
A. Pt? Judge me; I’ll judge you. You’ll get back what you give out.
B.
But…there’s more…
1. We must be aware of God’s judgment. For example:
a)
the final judgment. Heb.
9:27; 2 Thess. 1:7-9
b)
see also 2 Cor. 5:11-12.
2.
Again, Christian being addressed here. Need to keep this in mind.
3.
We must possess a certain fear/respect for God. This is done through humility!
II. 7:2 – We set the standard for our
own judgment.
A.
E. Stevens: those who are so active in criticizing others should not
be so surprised when they are judged by the same measure.
B.
Read 7:2 again: God will judge us according to our own standards. This principle is taught in other
passages:
1.
Lk. 12:48; Rom. 2:1; Js. 3:1
2.
if we set ourselves up as an authority – we create for ourselves a
higher standard of judgment.
3.
if we sit as an authority to judge others – God will judge us by
the same standards.
III. 7:3-5 – We are incapable of
judging.
A. How?
1. often b/c we concerned w/the person & not the principle.
a) guard against our sole desire being to condemn the person and not the sinful behavior!
b)
Not careful – we’ll find ourselves operating w/bias – making
the matter personal. Got to
elevate ourselves past this!
2.
Jesus reminds us that we have a lot to worry about ourselves.
a) How can we help others when we dealing w/our own problems/weaknesses?
b)
It been said: there is something ridiculous about a blind person leading
a blind person. But more
ridiculous is a blind person trying to get a speck out of another’s eye.
3.
Need to guard against hypocrisy! (We can become hypocrites)
a) 7:5 – must not pretend to have interest in another – when only looking/gald to discover someone else’s fault!
4.
Jesus says the critic’s problem is greater!
a) contrast b/t log & speck.
b)
There is no more terrible sin than a judging; fault finding spirit.
IV.
Practical Advice for today’s Christian:
A. I must start w/myself. 7:5.
a) look at myself honestly and squarely.
B. how?
a) examine my attitude toward other people.
b)
examine the statements I make about them.
c)
Painful!
C.
One who sees himself properly NEVER judges others in the wrong way
– he is too busy trying to improve himself!
V. Does all this mean that we can’t help
others w/their sin?
A. No. But when we do – it will require:
a)
sympathy; patience; calmness; skill.
B.
Getting something (speck) out of someone’s eye is a delicate operation.
a) in dealing w/someone’s soul – dealing w/the most sensitive part of man.
C.
Requires humility! In
helping someone out w/their sin I must:
a)
be conscious of my own weaknesses
b)
Eph. 4:15 – speak the truth in love!
c)
Doing this should bring one almost to tears.
d)
Gal. 6:1-2
Conclusion:
A. Isn’t it interesting how 2 men can say same words:
1.
one leads to self defense & hate
2.
other leads to repentance and gratitude.
3.
All depends on the attitude we have!
4.
How’s your attitude?
B.
Js. 1:19
C.
Need to make an attitude change tonight? Renew your commitment to God!
D.
I N V I T A T I O N