Judgment: Understanding Jesus' Teachings on Mercy and Discernment
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into Matthew 7, focusing on the profound teachings of Jesus about judgment. We began by acknowledging the privilege of reading Jesus' words and understanding their significance. The central theme of our discussion was the seriousness with which Jesus views judgment. He instructs us to refrain from judging others, emphasizing that only He, as the perfect judge, has the authority to do so. Jesus knows the hearts and motives of all people, making Him uniquely qualified to judge righteously.
We explored the implications of Jesus' command, "Judge not, that you be not judged," and the warning that the measure we use to judge others will be used against us. This calls for self-examination before we criticize others. Jesus uses the illustration of a speck and a log to highlight our tendency to overlook our own faults while focusing on the minor flaws of others. This hypocrisy is something we must avoid by first addressing our own sins.
We also discussed the importance of approaching others with a spirit of gentleness and humility, as Paul advises in Galatians 6. Before we can help others, we must ensure our own hearts are right with God. This involves a deep, inward examination, as exemplified by David in Psalm 51, where he seeks God's cleansing and forgiveness before teaching others.
Finally, we touched on the need for discernment when sharing the gospel. Jesus warns against giving what is holy to those who will reject and trample it. This teaches us to stay on mission, sharing the gospel with love and grace, but also recognizing when to move on and continue praying for those who reject it.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus as the Perfect Judge: Jesus alone is the perfect judge because He knows the hearts and motives of all people. His judgments are true and just, and He will judge everyone righteously. This understanding should humble us and remind us that we are not in a position to judge others. [06:16]
2. The Measure of Judgment: The standard we use to judge others will be the standard by which we are judged. This sobering truth calls us to be cautious and merciful in our judgments, recognizing our own shortcomings and the grace we have received from God. [09:55]
3. Self-Examination Before Correction: Before we can help others with their faults, we must first address our own. Jesus' illustration of the speck and the log teaches us to prioritize self-examination and repentance. Only then can we approach others with the right spirit. [13:26]
4. Gentleness in Correction: When we do need to address the faults of others, it should be done with gentleness and humility. Paul’s advice in Galatians 6 emphasizes restoring others in a spirit of gentleness, being mindful of our own vulnerabilities and sins. [23:48]
5. Discernment in Sharing the Gospel: Jesus teaches us to use discernment when sharing the gospel. Not everyone will receive it, and some may react with hostility. We must stay on mission, sharing the gospel with love and grace, but also knowing when to move on and continue praying for those who reject it. [27:58]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:52] - Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount
[01:45] - The Most Quoted Verse: Judge Not
[02:23] - The Irony of Judgment
[02:58] - Stop Criticizing and Condemning
[03:36] - Personal Story: The Homeless Sign
[05:04] - Main Idea: Jesus Takes Judgment Seriously
[06:16] - Jesus as the Perfect Judge
[09:25] - Jesus' Teaching on Judgment
[09:55] - The Measure of Judgment
[11:03] - Don't Condemn Others
[13:26] - Illustration: The Speck and the Log
[17:31] - Self-Examination Before Correction
[19:48] - David's Example in Psalm 51
[23:48] - Paul's Advice in Galatians 6
[25:18] - Discernment in Sharing the Gospel
[27:58] - Use Discernment and Stay on Mission
[29:34] - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion 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."
2. Galatians 6:1-3 - "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. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself."
3. Psalm 51:1-4, 10, 13 - "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus say will happen if we judge others? (Matthew 7:1-2)
2. How does Jesus illustrate the hypocrisy of judging others? (Matthew 7:3-5)
3. According to Galatians 6:1-3, how should we approach someone caught in a transgression?
4. What steps does David take in Psalm 51 to address his own sin before teaching others?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize that the measure we use to judge others will be used against us? How does this principle affect our interactions with others? [09:55]
2. In what ways does the illustration of the speck and the log challenge us to prioritize self-examination? How does this relate to our ability to help others? [13:26]
3. How does Paul's advice in Galatians 6:1-3 about restoring others in a spirit of gentleness align with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 7?
4. What does David's prayer in Psalm 51 reveal about the importance of personal repentance before addressing the sins of others?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you judged someone harshly. How did it affect your relationship with that person? What steps can you take to avoid such judgments in the future? [02:23]
2. Jesus calls us to self-examine before correcting others. What specific areas in your life need self-examination and repentance before you can help others? [13:26]
3. How can you cultivate a spirit of gentleness and humility when addressing the faults of others, as advised in Galatians 6:1-3? Think of a recent situation where you could have applied this approach. [23:48]
4. David sought God's cleansing and forgiveness before teaching others. How can you incorporate a similar practice of seeking God's guidance and forgiveness in your daily life? [19:48]
5. Jesus warns against giving what is holy to those who will reject it. How can you discern when to share the gospel and when to move on, continuing to pray for those who reject it? [27:58]
6. Think of a person in your life who has rejected the gospel. How can you continue to pray for them and show them love without being judgmental? [27:58]
7. How can you stay on mission in sharing the gospel with love and grace, even when faced with rejection or hostility? What practical steps can you take to remain focused on this mission? [29:34]
This guide aims to foster deep reflection and practical application of Jesus' teachings on judgment, encouraging participants to examine their own hearts and approach others with humility and love.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus as the Perfect Judge
Jesus alone is the perfect judge because He knows the hearts and motives of all people. His judgments are true and just, and He will judge everyone righteously. This understanding should humble us and remind us that we are not in a position to judge others. Jesus' unique qualification as the perfect judge stems from His omniscience and His sinless nature. Unlike us, He sees beyond outward appearances and understands the true intentions behind every action. This should lead us to a posture of humility, recognizing our limited perspective and the grace we have received.
When we are tempted to judge others, we must remember that our judgments are often flawed and biased. Instead of assuming the role of judge, we should focus on extending grace and mercy, just as we have received from Jesus. By doing so, we reflect His character and acknowledge His rightful place as the ultimate judge. [06:16]
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 extend grace and mercy instead?
Day 2: The Measure of Judgment
The standard we use to judge others will be the standard by which we are judged. This sobering truth calls us to be cautious and merciful in our judgments, recognizing our own shortcomings and the grace we have received from God. Jesus' teaching on judgment emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and humility. When we judge others, we often do so from a place of pride, forgetting that we too are flawed and in need of grace.
By being mindful of the measure we use to judge others, we can cultivate a spirit of compassion and understanding. This doesn't mean we ignore sin or wrongdoing, but rather that we approach others with the same mercy and grace that we desire for ourselves. In doing so, we create an environment where growth and transformation can occur, both in our lives and in the lives of those around us. [09:55]
James 2:12-13 (ESV): "So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you were judged harshly. How did it make you feel, and how can that experience shape the way you judge others?
Day 3: Self-Examination Before Correction
Before we can help others with their faults, we must first address our own. Jesus' illustration of the speck and the log teaches us to prioritize self-examination and repentance. Only then can we approach others with the right spirit. This principle calls us to a deep, inward examination of our own hearts and actions. It is easy to see the faults in others while ignoring our own, but true spiritual growth requires us to confront our own sins and seek God's forgiveness.
By focusing on our own spiritual health, we become better equipped to help others. Our approach will be marked by humility and empathy, rather than judgment and condemnation. This creates a safe space for others to receive correction and guidance, knowing that it comes from a place of genuine love and concern. [13:26]
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
Reflection: Take a moment to ask God to reveal any areas in your life that need correction. How can you address these areas before helping others with their faults?
Day 4: Gentleness in Correction
When we do need to address the faults of others, it should be done with gentleness and humility. Paul’s advice in Galatians 6 emphasizes restoring others in a spirit of gentleness, being mindful of our own vulnerabilities and sins. This approach fosters an environment of trust and openness, where individuals feel safe to acknowledge their mistakes and seek help.
Gentleness in correction is not about being lenient or ignoring sin, but about approaching others with a heart of compassion and a desire for their restoration. It requires us to be patient and understanding, recognizing that we too are susceptible to sin and in need of God's grace. By embodying this spirit of gentleness, we reflect the character of Christ and create opportunities for true healing and growth. [23:48]
Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Think of someone you need to correct or guide. How can you approach them with gentleness and humility, reflecting the character of Christ?
Day 5: Discernment in Sharing the Gospel
Jesus teaches us to use discernment when sharing the gospel. Not everyone will receive it, and some may react with hostility. We must stay on mission, sharing the gospel with love and grace, but also knowing when to move on and continue praying for those who reject it. This principle calls for wisdom and sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is important to recognize that while we are called to share the gospel, we are not responsible for how others respond.
By exercising discernment, we can focus our efforts on those who are open and receptive, while continuing to pray for those who are not. This approach ensures that we remain effective in our mission and do not become discouraged by rejection. It also reminds us that ultimately, it is God who changes hearts and brings people to faith. [27:58]
Matthew 10:14-15 (ESV): "And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town."
Reflection: Think of someone who has rejected the gospel message. How can you continue to pray for them and trust God with their heart, while also focusing on those who are open to hearing the good news?
Quotes
1. "Can you believe that we get to actually read the very words of Jesus Christ and the words that He preached to a multitude? It's a privilege, isn't it? That we've got the Word of God like we do, and we can see what Jesus had to say. You know, today's passage is going to quote a verse or reference a verse that I think is probably most known to everyone in the world, really, especially non-Christians." [00:52] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We judge people so much more than we should. We do it all the time. And what we're going to find out today is that Jesus says, Don't. Stop. Stop criticizing people. Stop condemning people. Quit being harsh with those that you speak with. Just stop it. Stop judging. are hard words to take, but man, they're so good for us to hear." [02:58] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our main idea for today, if I could summarize this whole message in one sentence, it would be this, is that Jesus takes judgment very seriously, really seriously. And that we need to examine, our own lives first, before we lovingly speak into the life of other people. Before we can express a concern outwardly to somebody, we need to take an inward look first. That's the message for today." [05:40] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Only Jesus Christ is the perfect judge. And that's because he is God, right? Only Jesus knows what's in the heart of men. Jesus knows all things. And so therefore, he is really the only one who is truly fit to judge. That's our first point. Jesus is the perfect judge and he will judge everyone." [06:16] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Don't judge because you will be judged. And we saw that. The Apostle Paul tells us that all of us will stand before the Lord someday. And then there's a sober warning in here. He says, The measure or the standard by which you judge other people, you will also be judged according to that. See, we create this false standard of righteousness. We tend to think that maybe we have our lives more together than we really do." [09:55] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Stop condemning. Don't condemn others. In other words, don't harshly criticize people. Don't look down upon people. You know, I tend to have a problem when I speak to my children at times. I think I'm being loving and gracious and trying to offer a word of encouragement. Maybe trying to correct a thought that I feel maybe isn't the best way of thinking. And I'll say something to my kids. Inevitably, I hear this from my wife. It's, It's, honey, it's not what you say, but it's how you say it." [11:03] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Self assess before giving loving correction. Why do we miss it? Why are we so blind? Maybe, maybe it's insecurity. I don't know. Maybe, maybe we're afraid that if we admit that we have some of these same faults, that it'll make us look weak, less spiritual. Maybe we're trying to convey the sense that we really have our life together. Our spiritual life is really vibrant, but if we're honest and we let people know some of the things we struggle with, it would paint us in a bad light." [17:31] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Stop condemning. Don't condemn others. And we need to. To self assess before we speak into the life of other people. If we don't, Jesus says we're hypocrites. Let's look at verse five. You hypocrite first, take the log out of your own eye. And then you will see clearly see to take the speck out of your brother's eye. See, there's a process here. First do this, then do that." [18:36] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Jesus is the only true judge. It's not our role to condemn, to criticize. And if we see a brother and sister in Christ, what are we supposed to do? Look inward first. Self-assess our own sin. And only then can we go and lovingly speak into the life of somebody else." [24:48] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "What do we learn? That Jesus is the true judge. It's not our job to condemn other people, to be harsh, to be overly critical. We've learned that we need to self-assess before we speak into the life of somebody else. Ask God to show us our sinfulness, that we're not hypocrites. And then finally, realize, use discernment and know that regardless of how loving and gracious we are as we present the gospel, there will be some people who just reject it." [29:34] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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