Don't be a "Judgelots" - 7/7/2024 Sunday Sermon

The Tabernacle Today

Don’t be a “Judgelots”

Today we will look at one of the most quoted, but also one of the most mis-quoted verses in the Bible. The reason it is so often misquoted is because it is also one of the most mis-understood. Let’s clear it up!

Matthew 7:1-6

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus teaches dozens of moral judgments He expects His followers to embrace and live out by faith as they follow Him, even going beyond the previous expectations of Old Testament Law.

You’re not THE Judge, so don’t be judgmental V. 1

The reason we are not to Judge others is simple – we are not their Judge, and they are not our Judge – God is the Judge of all of us.

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is the Judge of the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom. -2 Timothy 4:1

The one who rejects Me and does not receive My words has a judge; the word I have spoken will judge him on the last day. -John 12:48

Believers are called to make judgments and to share God’s judgments with others – we are NOT called to be judgmental, because God is the Judge.

Impersonating THE Judge will bring you extra judgment V. 2

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God? -Micah 6:8

So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. -James 2:12-13

Ready yourself to meet the Judge and then try to help others V. 3-5

Jesus’ point is clear – do not concentrate on another’s sin when you are minimizing your own sin.

4 key points are made in verse 5, and it helps to review them in reverse:

God wants us as Christians to help each other deal with even little sins; We need to be able to see clearly to do that; Each of us needs to deal with our own sins first to be able to see clearly and help others with their sins; if we don’t we are justly open to the charge of being hypocrites.

For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God. -1 Peter 4:17

Don’t overshare holy things with those who aren’t ready yet V. 6

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. -1 Peter 3:15

If you find yourself sharing with someone about Jesus, or your testimony, or what you are learning in Bible study and church, and they just respond with mocking and ridicule, you don’t need to keep sharing with them.

Jesus often answered scoffers questions with questions rather than with the perfect teaching He had to give, or with a brief comment that left them thinking rather than dismissing Him.

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. -2 Timothy 1-2