Good morning,
This week we conclude our study of the Sermon on the Mount. In chapter 7, Jesus continues teaching His disciple about judging others, the golden rule, entering in at the strait gate, false prophets, false believers, solid foundation, and His ability to teach with authority.
Judge not (1-11)
Judge not, that ye be not judged.2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
“In Matthew 7, we come to how these acts of righteousness apply to how, as a child of the King, we treat other children of the King. Jesus warns us first not to judge each other (7:1). Often misunderstood, this instruction means we are not to condemn another’s inward motive, because we don’t know why someone acted as they did. When you judge harshly, you will be known by your critical attitude. Instead, Jesus said, “Consider your own faults. Don’t judge that piece of sawdust in your brother’s eye, when you’ve got a whole log in your own. You’re in no position to do that” (7:2-5). The warning is good: Be careful of harsh judgment. But then Jesus clarifies the way we are to discern other’s motives and character—by their fruits (7:16). By the results of their lives. Someone has aptly said we’re not to be a judge, but a fruit inspector. Look at their lives and it will be clear whether a Christian is producing fruit or not. Jesus also calls us to be discerning of how to entrust spiritual things to others. He shows us what to judge (comparing foolish people to dogs and pigs). It won’t do any good to talk to certain people. You’re wasting your time. How do you determine when to judge and not to judge? Jesus’ answer is to ask for the Father’s help. Ask, seek, and knock. This counsel is helpful in other situations, but this is the first application. When you meet a person, ask God to show you how to act. Some people will need your help, and you can help them. But you’d be wise to let others be. Make it a matter of prayer. God wants to help you.” (Through the Bible, Matthew Bible Companion, pgs. 38-39)
Our challenge is to have Godly discernment. On what basis do we judge others? Is it on the basis of our own circumstances? Do we take time to talk with the other person and try to understand their perspective? Do we condemn others, while we ourselves are doing the same thing?
The basis for all decisions in life is the Word of God, the Bible. When a situation comes up, we must see what Scripture has to say. We must seek God’s leading. We must pray for God’s wisdom. God does not want us to judge, but seek His wisdom.
When we do these things, we will not be judging others. We will love, confront, share God’s word, and be reconciled.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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