Don"t Judge Me

Well, today I'm going to speak on America's favorite verse. No it's not John 316 is Matthew seven verse one judge nods that you be not judged. All of us have probably been judged by others, perhaps unfairly weeping at the receiving end of those indulging in the favorite pastime of many of judging others, and in the days of social media. Everyone is an expert. We like to give our own ideas and pass judgments on all kinds of things and so there's an abundance particularly on social media of vitriol of hatred of judgments being given and can I say before we go any further, let me give you some principles from the word of God as you would speak as you would disagree with others. Whether your speaking to the person or whether you're talking about the person behind the back or whether you're putting something on social media. Remember this is a follower of Jesus. Everything you do is to be done in love. Whatever you say whatever you post is to be loving and incessantly to be truthful because of followers of Jesus were committed to truth. Also, the word of God tells us that as we speak what to give grace to those who hear do you do that those posts of yours in social media, bringing grace to those who hear.

Are they written in the spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ. Are they advancing the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ well this morning were going to hear directly from the lips of our Lord Jesus. Something about judgments and so I want us first of all I to read the first six verses of Romans chapter 7 and if you're at home I could you just read them out loud with me as we think of these very very important verses and Chelsea and that wonderful song picks up some of the themes of this passage, Lord Jesus as judge nods 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 know this dialogue that is a 9 or can you say to your brother, let me take the speck out of your eye when there's a login 9 you have a good 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. This is the word of God to us today from Matthew chapter 7 verses one through six.

First of all, investors wanted to.

Jesus is saying don't be judgmental, 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 by what these verses mean well that's what judge used by Lord here is very interesting word and cover factor making a technical legal decision rendering about that coming to a conclusion. So Jesus is talking about someone who is judging someone in a very critical parts censorious way this person can we say is the fruit inspector who speciality is locating and condemning the bad fruit. He seems to ignore the good fruit, but he looks and finds something to criticize. He looks at the bad foods present a garden of flowers, beautiful flowers invariably he looks at the weed.

He points to the wheat and is terrible it is that there is a weed in this garden by some of your bread. Pilgrim's progress by John Bunyan. If you've never read that amazing but you need to do so.

I do it through the summer, you can take it to the beach and surprise people and read John Bunyan's Pilgrim's progress. But he has this wonderful iconic Ted and Ed called the moderator. I think we have an illustration that he was the man says. John Bunyan, a man that could look Norway but dying words with our marketing in his hand. I see the crying above him, but he's ignoring the crowning is not looking up to the sky. He's looking down the in the mock and he rakes in the monkey is the mark Raker and this is a great joy and blessing of God because he is always looking down, and you know people like that. Always looking to you that kind of individual you love to criticize you your quite brilliant at criticizing. In fact, you really encourage anyone if you do encourage someone always swiftly follow it with a negative all of us have been approached by someone who say something positive living well. This is surprising. I didn't know this person felt like that but to give the complement and then invariably, this is what you really want to say is the negative critical censorious and harsh gravitating to the negative rather than the positive. This individual judgment is harsh as I say it is critical under this condemning, and of course when this individual does this when we do it we are self-righteous we put ourselves in the position of a judge.

What is Jesus saying do not be judgmental. Stop it is wrong with her. You're saying it to someone talking behind her back, posting it on social media.

Something is wrong when asked you a couple questions for you to set yourself up as the judge, Paul says in Romans 14 verse four who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another. You think you're better than that an individual and you're going to pass judgment on that brother or sister.

And Paul is saying on the Lord is saying who are you to do that. Are you the authority why is it that you think your views your opinions matter more than anyone else made you the arbiter in the circumstances. Why do you look dotting another's civil I really don't guess you do when your judgment so when I'm judgmental. I'm looking down and on the other person. I think I'm superior to you if I'm acting in a judge mental way and Jesus say soffit thunder judge nods that you be not judged not remember the context of the sermon on the Mount, Jesus has gathered his disciples so he's not talking to the viruses. Yes, the Pharisees were very judgmental, but he's driving this home. He's talking to those who are following him, to those who are in the kingdom of heaven. He refers to your brother three times in the passage as we read in verses three, four and five.

This judgmental attitude.

It destroys relationships in the remember in a predischarge young woman was serving on the church committee and she was in tears.

She had given her opinion on a certain matter. The committee meeting on the an individual, an older man.

In fact, a deacon who should've known better ripped and torn and was so critical that you have the young lady in tears and he thought that this was all right. He was judgmental. He was harsh he was condemning the woman and her opinion on the mat with a man privately and admonish them for such a judgmental and destructive attitude and suck such words and he said well yes it's all true, but that's the kind of person I am a very negative person that I said it's time to change.

Don't be judgmental about having said what the verses mean the let me tell you what they don't mean Jesus is not saying that we should abandon our critical faculties.

There are things which are right under things which are wrong which are clearly stated in the word of God and just that it's time to make a judgment. There's a difference between making a judgment and being judgmental. For example, about going to see two or three weeks Jesus in the sermon on the mind. In verses 15 through 20 Matthew seven he refers to false prophets at the says in verse 20. You will recognize them by their fruits.

That's making a judgment that falls people who are giving false teaching of Jesus's warning about them and through the word of God. There are warnings against false teaching others warnings against false prophets others warnings against sinful conduct. So from this bill. But when I reach against false doctrine. What I preach against sinful conduct as defined by the word of God." Matthew seven verse one to me is on the context. That's not what Jesus is saying when there is unrepentant sin in the Corinthian church.

Paul said that that individual had to be removed from the fellowship of the church. He writes, is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge first Corinthians 5 verse 12 he says in first Corinthians 6, when there are disputes between brothers in the church but not to go to the secular law codes for judgment thereafter judge these mothers themselves, so there's a time for judgments but look at it another way, millions of people, including myself, have said that what happened to George. Floyd was unjust.

It was brutal. It was criminal and obviously it was clearly wrong.

That's making a judgment. Can someone in these circumstances, say all judge not that you be not judged.

No, that's not what Jesus is saying if that's what Jesus is saying there would be no judgments in law courts, there would be no condemnation of model wrongs such as racism or Bruce or police brutality or looting our Lord Jesus says in John seven verse 24.

Let me read it to you. Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment. Yes, there is a time to make a right judgment in accordance with the word of God. So in terms of discrimination or racism. We can make a judgment because it is clear from Scripture that God doesn't discriminate based on race or color, but that is one gospel that there is one body of Christ. What reason does Jesus give in these verses.

Verses one and two for not being judgmental. Look again at verse one. Judge not that you be not judged by just think about if you're judgmental. Others will judge you uncertainly. Every single one of us is accountable to God. He is the ultimate judge and his judgment is perfect and so whoever we are each one of us in the future day is going to stand before the perfect judge. What kind of judgment do you want from God, but who are you, meantime to judge other people.

I do you know there motives when you say that person's private when oh when you say that person is bad. Did you know that you know the motives. In general, the circumstances we don't know the reason why people do certain things, and often our assessment of judgment of others is wrong.

That's wise very very important when we disagree with someone, someone who looks at things differently from us that we learn to listen carefully, particularly to those with whom we disagree.

Rather than making a snap judgment rather than making a statement based on your prejudice are your buyers take a step back judge.

Not that you be not judged leak on you was the farmer applied ministered in Singapore is a it was a brilliant and a shrewd politician remember one time he was being interviewed on television and the interviewer said to him about the qualities that go into being a successful politician. An interview said well that that the good politician knows what way the wind is blowing.

We see that with the polls and that the politician that follows the way the wind is blowing and leak. When you said well you know the bamboo sways in the wind doesn't break very, very tall. Other trees may break in the wind with a bamboo doesn't and make when you said I understand that there bamboos and fat, which can move before the wind comes and he said the very good politician is able to move in the direction of the wind. Even before the wind comes but shrewd politician, but this is what he said in the context of judging. He said I cannot judge what he did because I did not have his in for nation Y statement. I cannot judge what he did because I did not have his information before you judge. Be careful.

Do you have all of the information you have all the facts you understand the situation before you make that snap judgments Proverbs 18 verse 13 A1 gives an answer before he hears it is his folly and shame. You quickly post that on social media is very destructive. Are you saying in anger.

Are you sure your prejudice and that you've given unanswered before you really have the issue.

Proverbs 18 verse 17 the one who states his case first seems right until the other calms and examines him. In other words, here's a situation you want to make a judgment and you really only listen to one side. Just listen to your friends you make a judgment based on your own prejudices and desires and you haven't heard from the other side you imagine a court where a judge only hear from one side is a very bad judge. No wonder that judge notes that you be not judged easy when you're judgmental you are.

We are presuming that we know everything about the person we don't. The person that you're very harsh with may be in pain may have come through a terrible situation you may have seen the mother very worst moments. They may come from a horrible bank runs and then you are passing a harsh judgment on them.

You do not know the motivation and remember that you will be judged by God.

Why is it even in the Christian community.

We are so when we hear something negative about someone were so apt to believe the worst about our brother or sister that's all right is love covers a multitude of sins.

You know, if you love someone you don't excuse the wrongdoing, but you don't make a snap judgment judge notes that you be not judged. But look at verse two. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it. We measured.

That is, Jesus is saying the standard by which you judge others will be the standard by which you judged that sphere is if you have high expectations of others. You can complainant when they hold you to that same high standards. If you judge them based on a certain standard. Who are you to complain when you held to that same standard was the old proverb those living in glass houses shouldn't throw some shouldn't throw stones masculine us in terms of dealing with others. Do you want mercy or justice. We believe we been saying women worshiping about God's mercy in terms of you dealing with others tickly when there's disagreement, particularly when you see things from a different perspective. Do you want mercy or do you want judgment, usually are far more likely to receive mercy from others. If you yourself have been merciful to them is not what Jesus said in one of the Beatitudes chapter 5 verse seven Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. That's it. Paul says in Romans to verse one in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself. Yes it is, individual men, that they love to condemn others to listen to them. You think it would an angel just flown in from heaven there so self-righteous, but always right that opinion is the most important in the room and in that very convicting passage in Romans to recommend it to you.

Paul is saying Don piece of fast judging and passing judgment on another you are condemning yourself in other words, it is reversed. On the other hand, if you are merciful to others, you're more likely to receive mercy. That's true isn't it to think of your dealing with others. Just think of it. If you're an employee out of your boss on even in your home with the measure you meet. It will be measured to you know this is Father's Day and I want to encourage fathers thing we have with isn't the case. Men that we are apt to be more critical, more harsh, more judgmental than otherwise than on mothers that are sisters. I think that's true isn't it that there is a harsh critic of your life.

I've met men who are there. There we could do nothing wrong in the pick pick pick so much wonderful in the management look of their life and they become them find fault don't that's going to produce a very unhappy home, whereby the way men you do with your children.

The multi-fit. Of course they're not all have sinned, including your children all messed up I'll fill it is your relationship with them to your children, Junior I didn't see you as a as a as a just man with a rather harsh man and enforcement of rules rather than a man of love and compassion on the kindness that produces a good home because a view in your home are harsh and critical with your children. They are much more likely to be harsh and critical with their children. And if you're the kind of individual… Dad that was very very hard on you that you could never please, that was very judgmental to bring that into you manage and injure lump this is so important isn't it Jesus saying don't be judgmental, but Chelsea sang a beautiful song that she wrote two or three years ago and that comes from this passage, but it also comes from James chapter 2 verse 13. Listen to this for judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy with the measure you me to be measured to you. Judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy mercy love this triumphs over judgment.

What do you want from your friends from your family justice I want. I would mercy because I mess up sometimes. And sadly, with God's if I get justice from God. I'm in hell because of a sinner. No, I don't justice.

Yes, God is a just God that has provided a way, what is just as is maintained because what I desire falls on his son.

But I through the death and burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ receive mercy because God is a London and mercy. I did my relationship. Send in your relationship. Surely in your family where you work and sadly in the church as we glided into our world. We don't want to be known as people who are censorious and self-righteous modernization has done nothing saying everyone in a harsh, critical way with some of these parable postings on social media that Christians do and get caught up with all of the hate and that in the violence and the prejudice that is characteristic of so much of our society want to be like that. No were to be people of mercy, people of grace.

Yes, of justice, but justice based on their own ideas, not on our prejudices, but on the solid word of God. So there's the first coming from the first two verses don't be judgmental, though Jesus develops this beautifully and almost humorously in verses three through five when he says don't be a hypocrite, first, don't be judgmental.

Secondly, don't be a hypocrite. Verse three Jesus gives an illustration of brilliant illustration of his point. Why do you see the spec that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log is in your own eyes how can you say to your brother, let me take the speck out of your eye when there's a login you know now you have a credit first take the log of your own.

I and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. Jesus gives an illustration here is a kind of particle isn't it fun for the point of emphasis Jesus presents an almost ridiculous situation and individual has a plank of wood in the Zai is obvious to everyone but he seems to be in blissful ignorance of his terrible defect regardless big plank of wood in his, then he looked at his brother although he can see very clearly because of the plank and he sees a tiny spike in these brothers that spec and his brothers is almost indiscernible. Please able to see it and then he approaches his brother to take that little slack and of his eye the whole thing is laughable.

And that's the point of the illustration is noted. Bob was a bubble.

I've never seen that word before Bob hey Bubba figures from the south you go ahead Bob, you have a little something in your eye. There is the point Jesus is using humor to make the point is ridiculous. Who would be so insensitive to do that. I really should plank in my and I'm focused on that tiny tiny splinter of woods in your Uganda don't you understand that is what Jesus says that you hypocrites, you strong will, and the sound of pharmacies and the scribes were hypocrites. Jesus is going make that clear in chapter 23 of Matthew. But now he's addressing you and me when we do that we are hypocrites know if you want to deal with that tiny speck in your brother's eye first deal with that huge login 901 fault so more difficult to see that other people's falls in fact, we can be guilty of the same faults and receipt and someone else and we miss it in ourselves. Furthermore, taking the speck out of your brother's eye is a good thing to do, but taking the speck out of your brother's is a matter requiring prayerful sensitivity care compression is to be done with.

I have a desire to help your brother not to wound him not to humiliate him not to publicize that tiny little fault that he but man who's got the plank in his own Mr. judgmental. He lives in blissful ignorance of the zone situation you can think of some people like that tension is a amazing, isn't it going on passing judgment on others very, very strongly, and they don't want to publicize it, and everyone sees the big log in your to get the points.

Why is it that were so quick to condemn others. Why is it were so quick to judge others and ignore the huge flaw they should send this huge failure in ourselves is hypocrisy.

Ignorance. It's soft. This is what one intends to stop exaggerating the sins of others. Stop focusing on the flaws of others and start minimizing your own failures. If your goal is to help your brother that's a good goal, but first say Jesus before you go to that brother before you go to that sister before you write that nasty post on social media before you send that email before you criticize your brother behind his back, or even to his face, Jesus saying this something that you must do think that huge log no with prayer sensitivity with care. With love for the well-being of that brother or that sister go to them. Paul deals with that in Galatians and Galatians 6 verse one is as brothers. If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should gossip about them criticize them. Send them a nasty email posted on social media so everyone knows how bad they are also wheezing using who would do that many many and if you're doing it, stop it, judge not that you be not judged. Listen to Paul brothers for anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself last you to be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ was Paul saying keep a watch on yourself, deal with yourself and they should go to that brother without fault who has committed that transgression. Who's got a spackle to login his eye, as it were. Do that carefully and first deal with your own sin that happens in the church doesn't notice someone who has failed. Perhaps they feel humiliated perhaps is difficult for them even to come to Calvary church.

Are they when the going to be dealt with.

How wonderful to have brothers and sisters who get besides that person in the spirit of gentleness and remove that spec from their eyes.

Paul's Jesus says in Matthew 18 when your brothers send you go to your brother privately privately put on social media don't tell others you go to your brother privately was the goal. The goal is to win your brother. The goal is to gain your brother want friends like that one. Spiritual leaders like that don't you want friends like that. I don't want fathers and mothers and children like that, not hypocrites, but coming in love. This is the spirit of Christ. So first, don't be judgmental. Secondly, don't be a hypocrite. And third, be discerning.

Verse six. Do not give dogs what is holy and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and to attack it read that I thought yes I'm with a large I understand the principle of the first two verses.

I understand his almost chivalrous illustration which drives home the point in verses three, 325 verse six seems a bit of it doesn't. On the face of it seems to have nothing to do with what please see or what follows I think this is a point is a very important point.

While we are not to be judgmental and certainly not to be hypocritical we are to be discerning follower of Jesus is to be an individual of discernment and Jesus gives an example about this that the dogs mentioned here are not your cuddly golden retriever pastor home that that's not the picture. This is a picture of dogs are vicious dogs or wild dogs.

They they they go around trying to get food and they are our wild dogs, vicious dogs and then there are the pigs.

This is not your friend a little pink lit in the in the farm this nice and pink and cuddly know this is a wild pig again vicious bus to pick the picture, while dogs and well pigs and they are of course ceremonially unclean. Now here's the point, why would you take that which is holy. Why would you take that which is of great value, why would you take something of of beauty like pearls and throw them out to the dogs, throw them to the pigs. If you throw the perils to the pigs into the dog settling the pigs know the pigs are going to do the going trying them to the pig will virtually eat anything, but is not good to eat. Perils particles cannot be true, then there going to spread them out and then says Jesus will trample them underfoot so you take that which is holy, that which is beautiful. That which is of great value and you throw them to these wild ugly vicious animals. These wild dogs and well pigs and they don't even know they trample them underfoot and tartan to attack you as interesting, isn't it. What's holy.

What are the perils I think the perils of the gospel of that which is great value. Jesus going to use an illustration in Matthew 13 about the man who says for the pearl illustration of the kingdom of God is referring as a went to the pearl of great price. The glorious message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. How foolish it would be to take something holy, something of value, something of beauty and presented to people who are going to mark you who are going to Savage you and who's going to treat the gospel in the vile way. I think that's the point.

Be discerning, don't do that.

That presenting the gospel to people ones being ridiculed.

They understand the gospel and feeling. Not only did he reject it. Many people reject the gospel know these are these are markers. These are viable people. These are people who are going to swear and possibly even attack you without is true Matthews going to make a very clear throughout his gospel and I coming to a brilliant summary in Matthew chapter 20 it's true, we who are followers of Jesus Christ are to take the gospel to all the nations. It's true that God loves everyone and that we as God opens doors that gives us strength.

We are to present the gospel to everyone. This message reverberates around the whole world or them braces. All world that's true, but as we live the Christian life, and as we seek to share the gospel with others we are to be discerning nonjudgment so not hypocritical, but discerning that our people I've known them. I'm sure some of you know the better people who not only reject the gospel but out offensive, vulgar and vicious. And when that happens it's time to leave such people don't continue to throw your pearls before pigs. For example, in Matthew chapter 10 as Jesus is sending out the disciples he tells him listen, you come to a place that they don't hear hear from you.

What are you to do your to shake the dust from your feet and you to move on. Listen to the apostles. For example, in acts 18 verse six. Here's Saul, and Timothy arriving from Macedonia with Paul and he's testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus verse six and when the opposed and reviled. He shook out his garments and said to them, your blood be on your own heads. I'm innocent from now on I will go to the Gentiles is presented. The message they reject it, but only do they reject it they were, trample it under food Sunday to attack the messenger and then it's time to move.

Perhaps you have family, friends, colleagues at work. God is given you the opportunity to communicate the gospel. I trust you're doing. But not only are they not receptive like attack dogs.

They love to belittle you the love to insult you will love his work to trample the gospel under feet when it's time to stop. Remember what Peter says to the woman in first Peter three is a Christian movement and their husbands and unbeliever of Washington alluded to that to keep preaching to them. They keep sharing the gospel know he says no and he can be one with her words that others are trying to stop.

There's a time to move on. There's a time to say no. I'm going to end this discussion, I'm going to leave the room.

I'm going to leave the town that requires discernment. This is not a formula, but is very important as we share the gospel to understand that there are people who hate the gospel not only rejected not saying that I'll think about it.

Thank you for this interaction you've given me something to think about. No, we continue to communicate in dialogue with such people as those who attacked you and who are violent, vicious and vulgar. It's time to stop this time to stop casting your pearls before the pigs be discerning what we learned this morning. Three important lessons. Very practical for all of us.

None of us can say this does not apply to me. Lesson number one, don't be judgmental. Lesson number two do not be a hypocrite.

Stop judging others deal with yourself first and third, the son, and with the help of God the spirit may we at Calvary church not be judgmental. I pray that this church all churches and certainly Calvary church is not a judgmental church by the church when we condemn people, but we stand strong on the grace of God and the forgiveness of God than the compassion of God and welcome all people. Yes, welcome centers, just as God has welcomed us sinners into his family so that people who, who had broken her bruised who are hurting, yes, you've messed up will receive the message of the gospel, the love of God poured into their hearts.

Does that mean that we minimize the message.

Absolutely not. We send strong on the gospel of Jesus Christ. We stand strong that this is the word of God. We stand strong against false teaching and false teachers but we point people to our Lord Jesus Christ, where they will receive grace, forgiveness and compassion and that we in turn as we go into our families and our streets are not known as those who condemn is not known as people of prejudice who are critical who are censorious with people of love, people of grace. People of mercy. You see all of us.

This the judgment of God because all absent. I love John 316 but I love John 317 I John 316 says for God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

That's really my favorite verse, but the next verse comes close.

John 317 for God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved in the new American Standard version. It says this for God did not send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world shoot, but that the world through him that is through Jesus might be saved and that word judge are condemned, and out of action is the same word that Jesus uses in John in Matthew seven verse one when he says judge not that you be not judged. No we are not to judge but the great judge who sees us in our sin and knows that we deserve judgment. You and I desire God's eat eternal judgment, eternal separation in the lake of fire within the medical of the gospel.

Do you need gospel when God sends his son into this world. Our blessed Savior comes not to judge not to condemn you, then to condemn God in Christ doesn't condemn you. So he sends his son not to condemn us not to judge us not to throw us into hell would we desire when he comes to save comes to save for those who are in Christ there is no condemnation. How is it that God is able not to judge us because my blessed Savior. The sinless Christ takes my judgment he dies in my place.

He is the unique one is the perfect one meal today people are tearing down the statutes and say, well, these historical figures were basically sinful people he got it wrong and are absolutely right, because I don't know of any single person throughout human history throughout the Bible take Abraham take David take Moses and all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Every single person is flawed, has failed because prejudice is on the wrong things into such a world from Jesus.

If you never received his forgiveness when you do that. Perhaps you feel condemned, and perhaps Christians have said hard things you feel really estranged from the church estranged from God.

We say to you with today Lord Jesus above welcome to when you come with your brokenness when you come with your sin and come to the cross and cry out to Christ the Savior, and she will not knowingly Savior but he will give you the gift of his spirit so that as you live your life that love that mercy will be displayed to others. May we were followers of Christ that not be people of condemnation, not people of judgment, but people of love and compassion that is the way of Christ. Father, we thank you we we sent condemned each one of us of judged others harshly.

We said things with written things about others prematurely not known good motives. Forgive us father, we thank you for the Lord Jesus Christ and that through him we can be saved may even though the doors of hearts be opened. Christ coming, bringing salvation and forgiveness strengthen us. Father as we go into this dark world. This world of hurt this world of insults was world of recriminations and bear the beauty of the love of the compassion of a magnificent Savior in his name we pray