The Gospel of Matthew: Do Not Judge!

Scripture References: Matthew 7:1-6 (Main Text) John 7:24; 1 Corinthians 5:12-13; Matthew 18:15; Galatians 6:1; John 8:2-11

Intro: 

• Focusing on the well-known but often misused passage, Matthew 7:1-6 ("Judge not...").
• Acknowledging the cultural paradox: We live in an intensely judgmental society that simultaneously condemns judging.
• Goal: To bring biblical clarity, distinguishing between the unrighteous judgment Jesus forbids and the righteous judgment He requires.

Key Points:

1. "Judge Not" Isn't an Absolute Ban on Discernment:
   • Jesus immediately qualifies His statement by requiring judgment/discernment in v. 6 (identifying "dogs/pigs" before sharing sacred things) and later in v. 15 (identifying false prophets).
   • John 7:24 explicitly commands us to "judge with righteous judgment," not just by appearances. The issue isn't if we judge, but how.
2. Unrighteous Judgment (What Jesus Forbids):
   • Judging Motives: We can't know others' hearts (or often even our own). Focus on actions/teachings, not perceived intentions.
   • Judging on Assumptions/Insufficient Info: Making snap judgments based on limited data (appearances, social media posts) without knowing the full story.
   • Judging via Gossip/Slander: Evaluating someone negatively when they aren't present to defend themselves; often a toxic form of bonding.
   • Judging Hypocritically (Log/Speck): Applying harsher standards to others than ourselves; ignoring our own major faults ("planks") while focusing on others' minor ones ("specks"). Leads to distorted perception.
   • Judging with a Harsh/Critical Spirit: Having condemnation, rather than restoration, as the underlying attitude.
3. Righteous Judgment (What Scripture Commands):
   • Judging Teachings/Beliefs: We MUST evaluate teachings against Scripture to protect ourselves and others from error (Matt 7:15, Rev 2:20).
   • Addressing Sin Within the Church: We have a responsibility to care for fellow believers (1 Cor 5:12-13). Address sin gently, privately first, aiming for restoration (Matt 18:15, Gal 6:1).
   • Based on Fact & God's Standards: Evaluations rooted in observable reality and biblical principles, not personal preference.
   • Requires Self-Examination First: Critically important: Deal with your own "plank" before attempting to remove another's "speck." This brings humility, compassion, and clarity.
4. Jesus, the Model Judge (John 8):
   • In the story of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus perfectly modeled righteous judgment. He exposed the accusers' hypocrisy (unrighteous judgment), upheld God's standard regarding sin (truth), and extended profound mercy and forgiveness (grace).

Conclusion: Jesus doesn't call us to suspend all critical thinking or ignore sin. He calls us to stop judging hypocritically, superficially, and harshly. We are called to exercise righteous judgment and discernment, particularly regarding teaching and behavior within the church community, always prioritizing self-examination and aiming for restoration with humility and mercy.

Call to Action:

• Honestly examine your own patterns of judgment. Do you lean towards criticism, gossip, assumption, or hypocrisy?
• Repent where necessary. Ask God for wisdom and humility to discern rightly.
• Focus on removing the "plank" from your own eye first.
• When necessary, engage in corrective conversations biblically – gently, directly, motivated by love and restoration.
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