Judgment and Humility: Jesus as Our True Judge
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound teaching of Jesus on judgment from Matthew 7:1-6. The central theme is that Christians must examine their own lives before speaking into the lives of others because Jesus is the true judge. We began by acknowledging that judgment is a common human behavior, but Jesus calls us to stop criticizing and condemning others. Instead, we should focus on self-assessment and introspection. Jesus uses the vivid illustration of a speck and a log to highlight the hypocrisy of judging others while ignoring our own faults. This teaching is not about ceasing to discern but about renouncing the presumptuous temptation to play God in others' lives.
We explored the idea that only Jesus is the perfect judge because He knows the hearts and motives of all people. This understanding should humble us and make us cautious about passing judgment on others. The Apostle Paul also emphasizes this in his letters, reminding us that we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. Therefore, the standard we use to judge others will be the standard by which we are judged.
We also discussed the importance of using discernment when sharing the Gospel. Jesus warns against giving what is holy to dogs or casting pearls before pigs, indicating that some people will reject the message and may even attack us for it. This calls for wisdom and discernment in our interactions, ensuring that we stay on mission without being discouraged by rejection.
In conclusion, the call to self-assessment and humility is crucial. Before we can help others, we must first deal with our own sins and shortcomings. This process not only makes us more effective in our ministry but also aligns us with the teachings of Jesus, who alone is the true judge.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus is the True Judge: Only Jesus knows the hearts and motives of all people, making Him the perfect judge. This understanding should humble us and make us cautious about passing judgment on others. We must remember that we will all stand before the judgment seat of God, and the standard we use to judge others will be the standard by which we are judged. [48:07]
2. Stop Condemning Others: Jesus calls us to stop criticizing and condemning others. The illustration of the speck and the log highlights the hypocrisy of judging others while ignoring our own faults. We must focus on self-assessment and introspection before speaking into the lives of others. [55:59]
3. Look Inward First: Before we can help others, we must first deal with our own sins and shortcomings. This process not only makes us more effective in our ministry but also aligns us with the teachings of Jesus. Self-assessment and humility are crucial in our walk with Christ. [01:05:05]
4. Use Discernment in Sharing the Gospel: Jesus warns against giving what is holy to dogs or casting pearls before pigs, indicating that some people will reject the message and may even attack us for it. This calls for wisdom and discernment in our interactions, ensuring that we stay on mission without being discouraged by rejection. [01:13:16]
5. Stay on Mission: Despite the challenges and rejections we may face, we must stay focused on our mission to share the Gospel. We are called to love and serve others, but we must do so with the understanding that Jesus alone is the true judge. Our role is to share the message of Christ with humility and grace. [01:18:07]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:01] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[36:47] - Introduction to the Sermon
[38:12] - The Misuse of "Judge Not"
[39:13] - The Irony of Judgment
[39:57] - Jesus' Command to Stop Judging
[40:35] - Modern Examples of Judgment
[42:46] - The Seriousness of Judgment
[43:41] - Jesus as the True Judge
[45:00] - Prayer and Introduction to the Main Points
[46:45] - Examine Your Own Life First
[48:07] - Jesus is the Perfect Judge
[51:48] - The Standard of Judgment
[55:59] - Stop Condemning Others
[01:05:05] - Look Inward First
[01:13:16] - Use Discernment
[01:18:07] - Stay on Mission
[01:21:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[01:27:59] - Final Announcements and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 7:1-6: "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. 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 not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "Judge not, that you be not judged"? How does this relate to the way we judge others? [51:48]
2. In the illustration of the speck and the log, what is Jesus highlighting about human behavior and hypocrisy? [55:59]
3. What does Jesus warn against when He talks about giving what is holy to dogs or casting pearls before pigs? [01:13:16]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to recognize that Jesus is the true judge and not us? How does this understanding affect our interactions with others? [49:33]
2. How can self-assessment and introspection help us avoid hypocrisy when we feel the need to correct others? [55:59]
3. What does it mean to use discernment when sharing the Gospel, and why is this necessary? [01:13:16]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you judged someone harshly. How did it affect your relationship with that person? What could you have done differently? [39:57]
2. Think about an area in your life where you might have a "log" that you need to address. What steps can you take this week to work on it before addressing others' faults? [55:59]
3. How can you practice humility and self-assessment in your daily life to align more closely with Jesus' teachings? [01:05:05]
4. Have you ever experienced rejection or hostility when sharing the Gospel? How did you handle it, and what can you learn from that experience to stay on mission? [01:13:16]
5. Identify a situation where you need to use discernment in sharing your faith. What specific actions can you take to ensure you are both wise and loving in your approach? [01:18:07]
6. How can you remind yourself daily that Jesus is the true judge, especially when you feel tempted to criticize or condemn others? [49:33]
7. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your interactions with others are filled with grace and humility, reflecting the teachings of Jesus? [01:19:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Knows Our Hearts
Jesus is the True Judge: Only Jesus knows the hearts and motives of all people, making Him the perfect judge. This understanding should humble us and make us cautious about passing judgment on others. We must remember that we will all stand before the judgment seat of God, and the standard we use to judge others will be the standard by which we are judged. [48:07]
Jesus is the only one who truly understands the depths of our hearts and the intentions behind our actions. This unique ability makes Him the perfect judge, unlike us who often judge based on limited information and personal biases. Recognizing Jesus as the true judge should instill a sense of humility in us, reminding us that we are not in a position to pass judgment on others. Instead, we should focus on our own lives and strive to live in a way that is pleasing to God.
The Apostle Paul reiterates this point in his letters, emphasizing that we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. This means that the same standards we use to judge others will be applied to us. Therefore, it is crucial to approach others with grace and understanding, knowing that we too are imperfect and in need of God's mercy. By acknowledging Jesus as the true judge, we can cultivate a spirit of humility and compassion in our interactions with others.
Romans 14:10-12 (ESV): "Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, 'As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.' So then each of us will give an account of himself to God."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you judged someone harshly. How can you shift your perspective to see them through the eyes of Jesus, who knows their heart and motives?
Day 2: Focus on Self-Assessment
Stop Condemning Others: Jesus calls us to stop criticizing and condemning others. The illustration of the speck and the log highlights the hypocrisy of judging others while ignoring our own faults. We must focus on self-assessment and introspection before speaking into the lives of others. [55:59]
Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:1-6 emphasizes the importance of self-assessment and introspection. He uses the vivid illustration of a speck and a log to highlight the hypocrisy of judging others while ignoring our own faults. This teaching is not about ceasing to discern but about renouncing the presumptuous temptation to play God in others' lives. By focusing on our own shortcomings, we can approach others with a spirit of humility and understanding.
Criticizing and condemning others is a common human behavior, but Jesus calls us to a higher standard. He urges us to look inward first, to examine our own lives and address our own sins before attempting to correct others. This process of self-assessment not only makes us more effective in our ministry but also aligns us with the teachings of Jesus. By acknowledging our own faults, we can approach others with grace and compassion, rather than judgment and condemnation.
Galatians 6:1-2 (ESV): "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Identify a personal fault or sin that you have been ignoring. How can you address this issue in your life before speaking into the lives of others?
Day 3: Humility in Our Walk with Christ
Look Inward First: Before we can help others, we must first deal with our own sins and shortcomings. This process not only makes us more effective in our ministry but also aligns us with the teachings of Jesus. Self-assessment and humility are crucial in our walk with Christ. [01:05:05]
Before we can effectively help others, it is essential to address our own sins and shortcomings. This process of self-assessment and humility is crucial in our walk with Christ. By dealing with our own issues first, we become more effective in our ministry and better equipped to support others. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:1-6 emphasizes the importance of looking inward and addressing our own faults before attempting to correct others.
Self-assessment and humility are not just about recognizing our own sins but also about understanding our need for God's grace and mercy. When we acknowledge our own imperfections, we can approach others with a spirit of compassion and understanding. This aligns us with the teachings of Jesus, who calls us to love and serve others with humility. By focusing on our own spiritual growth, we can become more effective instruments of God's love and grace in the lives of others.
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to practice more humility? How can you actively work on this area to align yourself more closely with the teachings of Jesus?
Day 4: Discernment in Sharing the Gospel
Use Discernment in Sharing the Gospel: Jesus warns against giving what is holy to dogs or casting pearls before pigs, indicating that some people will reject the message and may even attack us for it. This calls for wisdom and discernment in our interactions, ensuring that we stay on mission without being discouraged by rejection. [01:13:16]
Jesus' warning in Matthew 7:6 about giving what is holy to dogs or casting pearls before pigs highlights the need for discernment in sharing the Gospel. Not everyone will be receptive to the message, and some may even respond with hostility. This calls for wisdom and discernment in our interactions, ensuring that we stay on mission without being discouraged by rejection. By recognizing that not everyone will accept the message, we can approach our ministry with a realistic and balanced perspective.
Discernment in sharing the Gospel involves understanding the spiritual readiness of those we are trying to reach. It requires us to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to recognize when it is appropriate to share the message and when it is best to hold back. This does not mean that we should be selective in who we share the Gospel with, but rather that we should be wise in our approach, ensuring that we do not waste our efforts on those who are not open to receiving the message.
Proverbs 9:7-8 (ESV): "Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you."
Reflection: Think of a person or situation where you have faced rejection when sharing the Gospel. How can you use discernment and wisdom in future interactions to stay on mission without being discouraged?
Day 5: Staying Focused on Our Mission
Stay on Mission: Despite the challenges and rejections we may face, we must stay focused on our mission to share the Gospel. We are called to love and serve others, but we must do so with the understanding that Jesus alone is the true judge. Our role is to share the message of Christ with humility and grace. [01:18:07]
Staying focused on our mission to share the Gospel is essential, even in the face of challenges and rejections. We are called to love and serve others, but we must do so with the understanding that Jesus alone is the true judge. Our role is to share the message of Christ with humility and grace, trusting that God will work in the hearts of those we reach. By staying focused on our mission, we can remain steadfast in our commitment to spreading the Good News, regardless of the obstacles we encounter.
Challenges and rejections are inevitable in our ministry, but they should not deter us from our mission. Instead, they should strengthen our resolve and remind us of the importance of our calling. By keeping our eyes on Jesus and relying on His guidance, we can navigate the difficulties we face and continue to share the Gospel with love and compassion. Our mission is not to judge or condemn, but to be faithful witnesses of Christ's love and grace.
2 Timothy 4:2-5 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can stay focused on your mission to share the Gospel this week, despite any challenges or rejections you may face? How can you rely on Jesus' guidance to help you in this endeavor?
Quotes
1. "We don't grow by doing more. We don't grow by becoming better. We grow by digging deeper into the gospel truths that saved us in the first place." [03:01] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Stop criticizing. Stop criticizing people. Stop condemning people. Quit being harsh with your words. And with those that you speak, just stop it. Stop judging. And a lot of times that's difficult for us to hear. It's difficult for us to apply to our lives because our first instinct is to judge the motives of anything that someone says or does." [39:57] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Christians are to examine their own lives before speaking into the lives of others because Jesus is the true judge. Before we can express a concern to somebody else, before we are to, if I may, cast judgment upon somebody else, you better take a good hard look in the mirror first. We're to look inward first. We're not to look outward. We're not to be so focused on what is going on in somebody else's life that we neglect to look at our own." [46:45] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Only Jesus Christ is the perfect judge. Nobody else is. Only Christ is. And that's because He's God. Only Jesus knows what's in the heart of man. Jesus knows all things. And therefore, He really is the only one who is truly fit to judge. He's the perfect judge. He will judge everyone." [48:07] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Don't judge because you will be judged. The Apostle Paul tells us that all of us will stand before the Lord someday. And that in and of itself ought to be a sober warning to all of us. The fact that one day we're going to have to stand before the Lord and answer for this life that we live. For everything that we've said, everything that we've done, how we've stewarded this life. That's a sobering thought." [52:31] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "It is not your job, it is not my job to be the sin police. That's not our job. Don't play the role of the Holy Spirit in somebody else's life. John MacArthur says this. The Savior does not call for men to cease to be examining and discerning. There's a difference. But to renounce the presumptuous temptation to change. Try to be God. We need to self-assess." [01:02:17] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The first thing that we need to do is to come clean in our own lives. And only then do we have the opportunity, to try to lovingly, graciously, and humbly try to do that in somebody else's life." [01:10:16] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Jesus says, don't give to dogs what is holy or throw your pearls before pigs. You know, dogs and pigs in Scriptures, they are metaphors for unbelievers. Revelation 22, when it's talking about the Kingdom of Heaven, it says that the dogs are on the outside. They're not believers. They don't know Christ. They're not going to be in the Kingdom of Heaven." [01:15:10] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Jesus alone, alone is the true judge share the gospel and if they want nothing to do with them please continue to pray for them but recognize the fact that we need to stay on mission and that's what jesus is teaching us here he is the true judge it's not our job to condemn other people it's not our job to be harsh it's not our job to be overly critical and to criticize because you and i need to look at our lives first we need to do some self-assessment we need to look inward first before we dare even try to give in to the urge of pointing something else out in somebody else's life because if we do that first before looking inside we're hypocrites and we need to use discernment and know that regardless of how loving and gracious we are as we present the gospel there may be some who just reject it but pray for them stay on mission and allow them to be a part of our lives allow jesus christ to be the one to judge" [01:19:11] (72 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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