Moving With Compassion
Introduction
In Matthew 7
– Jesus is moving toward the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount. He
stresses the need to live in a constant awareness of God’s presence & final
judgment. What is the point behind Matthew 7:1-2? Our own standard of
righteousness in the kingdom must not produce in us a spirit of harsh,
censorious judgment toward Christians who are struggling. We can easily become self-righteous – to point where
we are concerned about the sins of others more than our own.
I. 7:1 – Do not judge – so that you will
not be judged.
A.
Point? Judge someone
else. You will be judged. You get back what you give out.
B.
There is more.
1.
We must be aware
of God’s judgment. Hebrews 9:27; 2
Thess. 1:7-9
2.
We must possess
a certain fear/respect for God. Requires humility!
II. What kind of judging is sinful? What was Jesus
addressing in 7:1?
A.
It is the
possession of a self-righteous spirit.
1.
A feeling of
superiority. Tendency to regard someone else with contempt.
B.
It is being
hypercritical.
1.
True criticism
seeks to build up (constructive) – not break down & destroy.
2.
Person who is
hypercritical delights in tearing someone down.
C.
It is putting
personalities and prejudices in place of principles.
1.
John 7:24
– a person’s sinful behavior must condemn him, not our own prejudices.
D.
It is forming an
opinion without all the facts.
E.
It is the
judgment of motives.
1.
1 Cor. 2:11
– impossible to know the motive behind the deed.
F.
It is not trying
to understand the circumstance.
1.
It is not being
ready to excuse. Are we ready to exercise mercy?
2.
We often hold
others to our own standard – not God’s.
G.
Finally, Jesus
condemns the person who attempts to pronounce final judgment.
1.
Lk. 18:9-13
– some in the Lord’s church possess attitude of Pharisee.
2.
We must move
away from this!
III. 7:2 – we set the standard for our own
judgment.
A.
Read 7:2 again. God
will judge us according to our own standards. This principle is taught
elsewhere: Luke 12:48; Romans 2:1; James 3:1
IV. 7:3-5 – we are incapable of judging.
A.
How? We are often concerned with the person
– not the principle.
B.
We have much to
worry about ourselves. See 7:5 – contrast log & speck.
V. Practical advice for today’s Christian:
A.
7:5 – we
must start with self. Look
honestly. Squarely.
B.
Does this mean
we cannot help others?
1.
Requires sympathy,
gentleness, patience, calmness, skill. Colossians 3:12-14
2.
Accomplishing
this takes wisdom – Js. 1:5. Pray for it.
3.
Js. 3:17 –
how those with wisdom conduct themselves.
C.
Getting
something (speck) out of someone’s eye is a delicate operation.
D.
What of the one
on the receiving end?
1.
Refrain from
turning self into victim.
2.
Consider the
source – if criticism unfair.
3.
But…even if
unfair – there is usually an element of truth in what is being said.
Conclusion:
A.
Js. 1:19 - Need
to make a change tonight? Obey the gospel!