Matthew Chapter 7 Verse 1

• Ah yes, the world’s favorite verse! And look, there’s no denying it…Jesus said it! But the question is, what else did He say? You could take one sentence or seven words out of the thousands that someone says to you too and twist it to mean or say whatever you like! And the first time you try to talk to someone about something in their life that is not helpful, even harmful, foolish or dangerous, they become an expert on Biblical truth…
• Here’s the thing about though. The statement, “Don’t judge me,” is nonsensical. Of course I’m going to judge you…just as you have judged me! Why do you think we are friends? Obviously you judged me friendly! We are constantly making judgments as we should be and when we don’t, we get reprimanded…! “Don’t be so indecisive!” HA!
• Well what if we don’t know them? Listen, if you approach my family with a mean mug then Ima judge you FAST! I’d be a fool not to! Walking in the mall or out at the market, we are all constantly scanning our environments and making judgments about everyone we see! Ya bunch of jerks! HA! Not so much! It’s a part of life! So the statement, “Don’t judge,” or “Don’t judge me,” at its core is nonsense! If I judge you cute you say thanks baby cakes! See what I’m saying!?
• But what was Jesus saying? Look at the next verse in connection with the first verse!

Matthew Chapter 7 Verse 2

• Jesus says, “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged yourself!” The key! They truth! He isn’t saying don’t judge…that’s preposterous! Jesus is saying to His followers that if you’re not ready to be judged with the same measuring stick, keep it sheathed and work on yourself first! I love this! He is absolutely not, never, never ever ever saying don’t judge! He is saying, step forward and handle your business so that your judgment will lead folks to the love of God! BOOOOOOM!
• How do I know I’m right? God told me. HA, just kidding…well kidding not kidding…turn over to John 7. Look with me at verse 24…Jesus speaking here, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge (BOOM HA WHAT YEA….) BUT JUDGE – commandment style man! BUT JUDGE with RIGHTEOUS judgment!

• Of course we are to judge! Of course we are! How dumb would it be if we all stopped judging right now? “Honey where would you like to eat tonight?” Silence. “Dear do you like my new hair cut?” Silence. “Sugar, will you help me get groceries in?” Silence. Man she would KEEEEL you! HA! Of course we are to make judgments…especially when it comes to leading people out of darkness or even when it comes to reaching into their darkness with truth…you cannot be ashamed and you cannot be a jerk because the direction that Jesus gives to us in His word is that when we judge, we are to do it righteously?

• So how do we do that? Well, who is the righteous One? Here’s a clue, there’s only One. And where can we find perfect absolute truth? Here’s a clue, there’s only one place. And so to judge righteously you are to walk, live, talk, speak, exhort, correct, teach and rebuke in strict accordance with the Word of God and in such a way as to honor Jesus! With grace and love and consistency of messaging!
• This is so big! We are to share the Word of God even when they don’t want to hear it…so what! When will darkness ever want light? That’s why this thing is a battle, man! But when we share that truth, we are not only to be right…but are we also righteous? Is our heart right, man…We are the salt and the light of this world but never forget, you represent the Father of that lost or stumbling child…and with whatever judgment you bring, best be ready to stand in it yourself…that’s what Jesus means here…
• Folks say, “Don’t judge me, what about you? You’re not perfect!” And you tell them straight up, that’s right! But in no way does my imperfection make the truth no longer the truth. Here’s what God has said…and man that’s the key…to know God’s Word and to share it without fear…really fear comes from not knowing the Word (looking stupid too)…if you know the Word, you’re completely stable in sharing it…, “Study to show yourself approved, a workman that needs not be ashamed, rightfully dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15.
• The reason why that argument from the world works against you is because you don’t know the Word and you’re easily defeated. So no, judging for you is going to be frustrating…especially if your inconsistencies are stackable like bricks in a wall…we must first deal with our own hearts, deal with our own lack of priority for God and His Word…and then we will be well suited, suited up if you will, to go and be the light we are supposed to be…
• Deuteronomy 1:17 is the key to Biblical, God-honoring and God-commanding judgment, “You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small as well as the great; you shall not be afraid in any man’s presence, for the judgment is Gods .” Only God can judge me! That’s true, and He has…can we talk about that? Here’s what the Word says…and then you proceed. Don’t be afraid. Not in any man’s presence and if you are, grow up in faith. How? Romans 10:17. MORE time in the Word. Time to study. Time to apply. Time to grow up and deal with your own planks so that you can address the world’s specs…

Matthew Chapter 7 Verses 3 – 5

• Does this mean that one sin is greater than another…look, any sin is sin…any imperfection cannot be more imperfect but here’s the thing…the church, you and I, we are full of planks in our own eyes while the world is filled with specs in theirs. Why? Because we know better.

• Listening to a sermon this week it occurred to me…the pastor Nate Morris from Calvary Belmar, a good brother, was saying, “Get into the Word more. Study More. Spend time in prayer. Live your life for Jesus.” And it occurred to me that the listener, even the believer, in his heart of hearts was saying, “Nope.” Study more. Not going to do that. Get into the Word more…not going to do that. Spend time in prayer…not going to do that…live life for Jesus…not going to do that. And something deep within me groaned…that good seed falling on the ground and immediately being stolen by the flesh…

• Church, you who have heard hundreds of sermons, you know what is good…they don’t…but here’s the thing…you don’t do it yourself! Breaks the heart of Jesus as He proclaims, “Hypocrite.” Planks, man…but if we would actually give our lives to Jesus, and some of you have, very few, then the world would stand in your judgment and God would be glorified…

• Jesus concludes this subject with comfort towards His followers…

Matthew Chapter 7 Verse 6

• Folks that receive, awesome. Folks that don’t, no problem. Pray for them…and move on…lest they tear you into pieces. Whenever I see a brother or a sister just week in and week out trying to deal with someone who just won’t hear, won’t turn and won’t be healed…and the ministering brother or sister is just suffering because of it…I remind them, for every one that won’t hear, there are 5 out there waiting to hear. Go to them…
• Because that’s the thing…until the whole world hears. Until the whole world knows the truth…we will continue to fight the battle and the battle is truly against self. Deal with your own inconsistencies and your own sin man…so that you can walk in the calling that God has for you…Paul said, do you not know that you will indeed judge angels? We have the truth of the Word and the Spirit of God…of course we are to make it and Him known…but church, please, we must grow in faith. Amen.