THE DANGER OF IMPROPER JUDGMENT
Matthew 7:1-5
Thesis: To caution against the
possibility of improperly judging others.
"Judge not, that ye be not
judged."
INTRODUCTION:
1. Matthew
7:1 –one of the most often quoted scriptures. Unfortunately, it is also one
of the most misapplied (used to teach against all criticism, practicing church
discipline or exposing error).
2. Consider
Matthew 7:1-5 and its caution against improperly judging others.
DISCUSSION:
I. We
judge improperly when we judge without mercy and love (verses 1-2).
A. Jesus
taught that with what judgment we judge, we will be judged.
B. It
is said that the Sioux Indians have a prayer: "O Great Spirit, let me not
judge another until I have worn his moccasins a moon or two."
C. Consider
James 2:12-13; Galatians 6:7. The "boomerang principle."
D. In
considering our judgment of others, we ought to judge others in the same
manner we want to be judged – mercifully, lovingly.
II. We
judge improperly when we judge without self-examination (verses 3-4).
A. Jesus
likened the man who failed to examine his own self as a man ignoring the beam
in his own eye while trying to remove the mote from his brother’s eye.
B. It’s
often easier to see other’s faults than it is to see our own. We sometimes
deceive ourselves concerning our own faults (conceit – self respect, vanity
– making most of assets, touchiness – sensitivity, worry – concern).
C. Consider
Paul’s words in II Corinthians 13:5. Also Galatians 6:1.
D. Before
judging others, we ought to examine ourselves.
III. We
judge improperly when we judge without self-discipline (verse 5).
A. Jesus
taught the person who fails to first correct his own faults is a hypocrite
(Thayer’s Lexicon - actor, Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament
Word – dissembler).
B. Consider
the problems this attitude causes within families (ex: husband or wife faults
spouse for not taking responsibilities seriously, husband criticizes mate for
not appreciating value of a dollar even though he has just spent a bundle of
money on his own desires, etc.).
C. Consider
Paul’s words in Romans 2:21-23. Also James 1:22-25.
D. Before
judging others and their faults, a person ought to first correct his own
faults (get his own house in order).
CONCLUSION:
1. While
it is necessary to exercise good judgment, we ought to be careful not to judge
improperly.
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