Everyday Ethics For The Exilic Minority: Revisiting Christian Identity Within A Confused World
Don’t Be So Critical; Be a Little Discerning Though
Matthew 7:1-6
Do not judge, or you too will be judged - it’s a fan favourite.
Three steps we should use when dealing with people:
1. Don’t be so critical in your judgment (7:1-2)
2. Do be critical when judging your sin (7:2-5)
3. Do be a little discerning in your judgment (7:6)
1. Don’t be so critical in your judgment (7:1-2)
The first real question we should ask ourselves when reading the first verse is, “what did Jesus mean by the word Judge?”
Do not judge others using the rubric of your self-declared standing with God.
The issue for Jesus was a false “righteousness” that badly misrepresented the Lord of glory to people and the bad example this was to people.
When Jesus says “Do not Judge,” he means:
- Do not condemn others to hell
- Do not completely write people off as if there is no hope for them
- Do not place them in a category that places them beneath you – like there is no grace available to them
- Do not act as if your God - only God knows the plans he has for the elect - not you.
Here’s the bottom line for this verse: Live a witness of God’s amazing grace to you, don’t be the judge and jury for God. Do not write people off, and do not condemn people to hell; that is not your job!
2. Do be critical when judging yourself (7:2-5)
Be careful that you are not like these people who are supposed to be drawing close to God in holiness but are so blinded by their self-righteous standing that they fail to see their pile of sins mounting for judgment.
Jesus is teaching that you will never be able to rightly help those you are witnessing grace to if you do not first examine your own life and deal with your sin.
3. Do be a little discerning in your judgment (7:6)
The image here warns disciples of the danger of those who have rejected the message of the Kingdom of Heaven.
It is a warning against mistaken zeal in proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom to those whose only intent is mockery, ridicule, abuse or enact violence against the bride of Christ.
So, do we judge?
Yes - we judge but:
1. Don’t be so critical in your judgment - don’t act like you’re God
2. Do be critical when judging your sin: do run to God
3. Do be a little discerning in your judgment – Be wise in your approach when sharing truth - many people still live under the lies of Satan, just like where we used to be.
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