Judgment with Humility: Building a Compassionate Community
Summary
In Matthew 7:1-6, Jesus addresses the concept of judgment within the context of living as citizens of the kingdom of heaven. This passage is often misquoted or misunderstood, with many using it to suggest that judgment should never occur. However, Jesus is not forbidding all forms of judgment; rather, He is teaching us to approach judgment with humility and self-awareness. The key is to worry about oneself first, ensuring that we address our own sins before attempting to help others with theirs. This is not a call to ignore sin but to engage with it responsibly and compassionately, recognizing our own faults and the mercy of God.
Jesus emphasizes that the manner in which we judge others will be the manner in which we are judged. This principle calls for introspection and a recognition of our own shortcomings. It is a reminder that we should not be quick to condemn others without first examining our own lives. The passage also highlights the importance of community and accountability within the church. We are called to judge those within the church, not to condemn, but to restore and support one another in love and truth.
Furthermore, Jesus calls for wisdom in our interactions, urging us to discern when and how to engage with others. This discernment is crucial, as it helps us avoid futile arguments and focus our efforts on those who are receptive to guidance. The call to wisdom is a reminder that not every situation requires our intervention, and sometimes stepping back is the wisest course of action.
Ultimately, Jesus' teaching in this passage is about fostering a community of believers who are committed to personal holiness and mutual support. It challenges us to live authentically, addressing our own sins while lovingly helping others to do the same. This approach not only strengthens the church but also reflects the character of Christ to the world.
Key Takeaways:
- Self-Examination Before Judgment: Jesus teaches us to address our own sins before judging others. This self-examination fosters humility and allows us to approach others with compassion and understanding. By dealing with our own faults first, we gain the clarity needed to help others effectively. [04:40]
- Judgment with Mercy and Grace: The way we judge others will be the way we are judged. This principle calls us to exercise judgment with mercy and grace, recognizing our own need for forgiveness. It reminds us that our interactions should reflect the love and compassion of Christ. [09:10]
- Community Accountability: Within the church, we are called to hold each other accountable, not to condemn, but to restore. This accountability is essential for spiritual growth and maintaining the integrity of the church. It requires us to engage with one another in love and truth. [13:48]
- Wisdom in Interactions: Jesus calls us to use wisdom in our interactions, discerning when and how to engage with others. This discernment helps us avoid futile arguments and focus on those who are receptive to guidance. It is a reminder that not every situation requires our intervention. [22:42]
- Building Authentic Relationships: To effectively help others, we must build authentic relationships within the church. This involves being close enough to see the "speck" in someone else's eye, fostering a community of support and accountability. Even in challenging times, such as during a pandemic, we are called to pursue meaningful connections. [34:21]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:29] - Context of the Kingdom
[02:58] - Misunderstanding Judgment
[03:57] - Worry About Yourself First
[04:40] - Judging Others and Ourselves
[05:35] - Evaluating and Condemning
[07:13] - The Measure of Judgment
[09:10] - Responsibility and Mercy
[10:13] - Addressing Sin Properly
[11:07] - Judging Within the Church
[12:21] - Sin in the Church
[13:48] - Purging Evil from Among Us
[14:43] - Clarification on Judging
[15:49] - Dealing with Our Own Sin
[19:24] - Engaging with Compassion
[22:42] - Wisdom in Judgment
[25:52] - Using Wisdom in Interactions
[27:10] - Answering a Fool
[29:36] - Individual Responsibility
[31:18] - Engaging with Wisdom
[32:56] - Dealing with Sin in the Church
[34:21] - Building Community and Relationships
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 7:1-6
- 1 Corinthians 5:9-13
- Galatians 6:1-2
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "Judge not, that you be not judged," in Matthew 7:1-2? How does this relate to the way we judge others? [04:40]
2. In Matthew 7:3-5, Jesus uses the metaphor of a speck and a log. What is the significance of this metaphor in the context of judgment? [15:49]
3. According to 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, who are we called to judge, and what is the purpose of this judgment within the church? [11:07]
4. How does Galatians 6:1-2 instruct believers to approach someone caught in sin, and what attitude should they maintain? [19:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the principle of being judged by the same measure we use to judge others challenge our approach to judgment? [09:10]
2. What does it mean to exercise judgment with mercy and grace, and how does this reflect the character of Christ? [09:10]
3. In what ways does community accountability contribute to spiritual growth and the integrity of the church? [13:48]
4. How can believers discern when to engage in discussions about sin and when to step back, according to the wisdom Jesus calls for in Matthew 7:6? [22:42]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you judged someone harshly. How might self-examination have changed your approach in that situation? [04:40]
2. Consider the way you judge others. How can you incorporate more mercy and grace into your interactions, recognizing your own need for forgiveness? [09:10]
3. How can you actively participate in holding others accountable within your church community, while ensuring it is done in love and truth? [13:48]
4. Identify a situation where you need to use wisdom in your interactions. How can you discern whether to engage or step back? [22:42]
5. Think of a relationship within your church where you can build more authenticity. What steps can you take to foster a supportive and accountable connection? [34:21]
6. How can you ensure that you are addressing your own sins before attempting to help others with theirs? What practical steps can you take to maintain this focus? [15:49]
7. In what ways can you contribute to building a community of believers committed to personal holiness and mutual support, even in challenging times? [34:21]
Devotional
Day 1: Self-Reflection as a Path to Compassion
Before we can effectively help others, we must first look inward and address our own shortcomings. Jesus teaches that self-examination is crucial before passing judgment on others. This process fosters humility and allows us to approach others with compassion and understanding. By dealing with our own faults first, we gain the clarity needed to help others effectively. This approach not only benefits those around us but also aligns us with the character of Christ, who calls us to love and serve one another with grace. [04:40]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you judged someone. How might self-reflection have changed your response?
Day 2: Judging with Mercy and Grace
The way we judge others will be the way we are judged. This principle calls us to exercise judgment with mercy and grace, recognizing our own need for forgiveness. Jesus emphasizes that our interactions should reflect the love and compassion of Christ. When we judge others, it should not be with condemnation but with a heart full of mercy, understanding that we too are in need of grace. This perspective helps us build a community that mirrors the kingdom of heaven, where love and forgiveness are paramount. [09:10]
"For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." (James 2:13, ESV)
Reflection: Consider someone you have judged harshly. How can you extend mercy and grace to them today?
Day 3: Accountability in Community
Within the church, we are called to hold each other accountable, not to condemn, but to restore. This accountability is essential for spiritual growth and maintaining the integrity of the church. It requires us to engage with one another in love and truth, fostering an environment where we can support each other in our spiritual journeys. By holding each other accountable, we help one another grow closer to God and live out our faith authentically. This process strengthens the church and reflects the unity and love that Christ desires for His followers. [13:48]
"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." (Galatians 6:1, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your church community can you support or hold accountable in love this week?
Day 4: Wisdom in Our Interactions
Jesus calls us to use wisdom in our interactions, discerning when and how to engage with others. This discernment helps us avoid futile arguments and focus on those who are receptive to guidance. It is a reminder that not every situation requires our intervention, and sometimes stepping back is the wisest course of action. By seeking God's wisdom, we can navigate our relationships with grace and effectiveness, ensuring that our efforts are fruitful and aligned with His will. [22:42]
"Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding." (Proverbs 17:27, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent interaction where you felt compelled to intervene. How might wisdom guide your response differently next time?
Day 5: Building Authentic Relationships
To effectively help others, we must build authentic relationships within the church. This involves being close enough to see the "speck" in someone else's eye, fostering a community of support and accountability. Even in challenging times, such as during a pandemic, we are called to pursue meaningful connections. Authentic relationships allow us to support one another genuinely and grow together in faith, reflecting the love and unity that Christ desires for His church. [34:21]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one person in your church with whom you can build a deeper, more authentic relationship. What steps can you take this week to foster that connection?
Quotes
"So as Jesus is teaching, as he's speaking to the people, and he gives all of these different, what have been treated as fragments of sayings, he's giving one continuous teaching of saying what it is like to be a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. So we have to remember that he's telling those who are listening, if you're a follower of Christ, if you're a believer in Christ, this is what should be normal for his followers." [00:01:29] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"This is what it should look like, period, to be a follower of Christ, to live as a citizen of his kingdom, that kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of God, the kingdom that is here, but is not here yet. It is already, but it's not yet physical. The kingdom of God that's in the hearts, that's in the lives of those who have trusted in Christ to save them from their sins, but is not physically here with him ruling in it yet." [00:02:02] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And Christ is going to establish his kingdom, and so he's saying, here's how to live now as part of that kingdom. And so as he comes into this section dealing with judging, he's doing that in context of being kingdom citizens. And our culture, our culture today loves to say things like, you can't judge me." [00:02:58] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Because if you judge not, that's what you're saying. Worry about yourself. No, what Jesus is going to say here is worry about yourself first. Because if we read it this morning, if you were listening as we read it this morning, he says, remove the log first that you may see to remove the speck. So, worry about yourself first." [00:04:18] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Therefore, he's saying the way we judge, the way we bring a verdict, the way we bring condemnation on another person, that is the same type of judgment we will receive. The consequences we give to others are the consequences that we will receive upon ourselves. That's simple enough." [00:07:49] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Now, in this, where he says don't judge, where he says the judgment we give will be brought back on us, he's not saying we don't call out sin. He's calling us to recognize our responsibility, our position, and the mercy and grace of God. In our interactions." [00:09:51] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"He's saying address it properly. Recognize who you are. Recognize your own position. Recognize your own sin. And with the compassion and mercy and grace of God, engage with one another. Because here Paul says, judge one another within the church. God's going to deal with what's going on outside. Deal with it within your own walls." [00:11:40] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"We should be more concerned with ourselves. More concerned with ourselves. Our big idea, remember, worry about yourself first. The word speck that's used here is like, it's a splinter, it's a piece of chaff. It's this tiny little thing." [00:15:27] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"One reason is because it's very difficult to have right perspective when we are indulging in sin ourselves because as he's talking about this that's what he's dealing with he's dealing with sin he's not saying you actually have a two -by -four in your head he's dealing with sin because that's what we judge others about right their actions and what we think is right and what we think is wrong to deal with your own sin first because that way you can have better vision you can have a better ability to see what's right but another thing when we deal with our own sin first is it brings grace and compassion and mercy and concern because we've been through it we get it we understand the temptation" [00:17:32] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Now, Galatians 6, verses 1 and 2, he says, 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. When we desire to purge someone else's evil and not our own, we are hypocrites. We are actors. We are playing a game." [00:18:52] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Are we dealing with our own issues? Are we dealing with our own sin? Are we trying to tell others how they should live while not dealing with our own sin, with what's wrong in our own lives? Now this doesn't mean that we're perfect before we remove that speck in others. But it's saying we cannot ignore our own sin as we engage with others, as citizens of the kingdom. We worry about ourselves first, but we also love and worry about those brothers and sisters who are around us." [00:31:54] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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