Matthew 7:1-11

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***Week 3 Memory Verse***

 

In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

Amen.

Matthew 6:9-13

 

READ MATTHEW 7:1-11!

 

God's Judgment

(vs. 1-5)

This passage of scripture is one of the most misused and misapplied scriptures EVER!  Many times when people want to justify sinful living this is the scripture they throw out at any Christian who dares to call sin, "SIN." 

 

To give you an example, it is daily being used against any Pastor who refuses to comply and perform homosexual marriages because they believe it is a sin.  For that matter, it is used against ANY Christian who opposes pretty much anything the world stands for.  When an issue comes up, I have heard the same scriptures quoted in debates and posted on Facebook.  "Don't you know the Bible says not to judge  (Matt. 7:1) and to love your neighbor?"(Matt.22:39)  Taking God's Word out of context will not make your stance right.  If you are a Born-Again Believer, it is out of love that you might address these things.  It is LOVE that drives evangelists to spread the truth of The Gospel.  It is LOVE that allows us to hold each other accountable for our words and actions.  Only LOVE can present God's statutes and commandments to a lost and dying world and be an effective agent of change.  Anything else is just religious legalism.  

 

I do not believe that the Lord means it is wrong to pass judgment on the actions of others.  As a matter of fact, Jesus said in John 7:24, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge RIGHTEOUS judgment!"  How else would we "prove all things" (1 Thess. 5:12) or "believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God" (1 John 4:1)?  Jesus also did not mean that it is wrong to correct a believer in their sin or in false teachings.  Matthew 18 instructs us to do just that and tells us the exact procedure we are to follow.  James 1:5 tells us, "Let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins."

 

The Holman N.T. Commentary writes, It is one thing to exercise judgment, and quite another to have a judgmental attitude. One is an action that might be carried out with right or wrong motives; the other is a negative character quality.

 

I believe this passage means that if we are put in a position to address someone in their sin, or to take a stand against ungodliness, we should have well examined our own heart first.  We must make sure that we do not judge (actions or words) harshly out of anger, hate, or prejudice, but love.  We must keep our hearts in check because God discerns our thoughts and very intent. (Heb. 4:12)  We must remember that how we judge others will be "measured back to" us. (vs. 2) 

 

(vs. 6-11)

It is not a coincidence that at this particular time Jesus points out the importance of prayer.  Without communicating with God and reading His Word we do not know Him or His nature.  It is God's nature to love, to extend forgiveness, to be long-suffering, and to be merciful, as we must also be.  We are reminded of this when we pray and ask for the forgiveness we desperately need.  If we don't talk to Him regularly, we will not know what His will is.  In all that we do we must acknowledge Him first so He will direct our paths! (Prov. 3:5-6)  COMMUNING WITH GOD ON A REGULAR BASIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP OUR HEART IN CHECK! 

 

 

TIME OF REFLECTION:

In your journal, write down at least 3 scriptures that instruct Believers to JUDGE (evaluation of evidence to make a decision) between good and evil.  For example, John 7:24 says, "  Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”  Matthew 7:20 says, "Therefore by their fruits you will know them."  Proverbs 20:11 says, "Even a child is known by his deeds, Whether what he does is pure and right."  This would require judgment on our part to decide if the fruit, words and actions, are good or evil.

 

Today, as you spend time with the Lord in prayer, ask Him to show you if you have a judgmental attitude.  Pray that the Love of Christ would be the fruit that others see in your life and be evident in every word and action.