Judge Wisely: There are consequences.

Matthew 7:1-2 "...Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you..."

Luke 6:37 "...Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;..."

Who was Jesus addressing, and why?

- The Pharisees.

- They were judging incorrectly.

Why did they judge incorrectly?

- they wanted what they wanted.

- Jesus wasn't working within their system.

When do we tend toward being judgmental?

- when we want what we want.

- when we want life within our system.

How will we be judged?

James 2:13 "...For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment..."

- we will judged just as we judge.

- we will reap what we sow.

 

Matthew 7:3-5 "...Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye..."

Do other people have flaws and problems?

Do we have flaws and problems?

What can happen when we are quick to judge, or quick to try to correct others flaws or problems?

- our unresolved issues can cause great damage, even as we think we're doing good.

Is Jesus saying we should never judge?

John 7:24 "...Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment...”

- He says "judge not" because He is against fault-finding and condemnation.

- He proceeds, though, to say that we can assist others if we get fixed first.

- He is all about reconciliation and good health.

What is the difference in attitude that Jesus was teaching?

- humility and servanthood instead of self-righteous judgment.

- in bowing down to God we also bow down to our brothers.

- we commit ourselves not to judge them but to serve them.

Matthew 7:6 "...Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you..."

How does this verse fit with the previous verses about judgment?

- will the most humble intentions of a servant always work?

- how did it work out for Jesus?

What were dogs like in the Middle East?

- wild, fierce, and dangerous.

- they fed on carrion and garbage.

What were pigs like in Israel?

- ceremonially unclean.

- taboo.

What do you think the verse means in it's context?

- it is unwise to correct those who will not listen.

- it is appropriate to interact with those who want what one offers.

- is this the way God acts?