Rev. David Holwick ZD Sermon on the Mount series
First Baptist Church
Ledgewood, New Jersey
August 27, 1989
Matthew 7:1-5
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I. Illustration of bishop who pre-judges roommate.
Many years ago an Episcopalian bishop was sailing to Europe on
one of the great ocean liners.
When he got on board, he was told he would have to share his room
with another passenger.
He checked out the room, then went up to the information desk and
asked if he could put his gold watch and wallet in the ship's safe.
The Bishop explained that he didn't do this ordinarily, but he had been
to his cabin and didn't like the looks of his roommate.
The clerk took the valuables and said,
"No problem, I'll be glad to take care of them for you.
Your roommate has already been here and left his stuff for the
same reason." #971
A. We all make judgments.
B. Often, our judgments are wrong.
C. Jesus' simple command: "Don't judge."
II. Variety of interpretations.
A. Tolstoy - no law courts.
B. Do not make judgments or assessments.
1) Jesus made judgments and assessments of people.
a) He called King Herod a "sly fox."
b) He called his opponents "hypocrites" and "blind guides."
2) Jesus' teaching requires us to make assessments.
a) 7:6 - dogs and pigs.
b) 7:15 - false prophets in lamb's clothing.
1> Jesus tells us to inspect their fruit. 7:16
2> He even describes them in a damning way.
C. Destructive criticism.
1) Condemning.
2) Negative.
3) Destructive.
III. The act of destructive judging.
A. We are establishing the standards that will be used against us.
1) The measure we use will be applied to us. 7:2
a) By others.
b) Especially by God.
2) Rabbis - God has two measures, Justice & Mercy.
a) Which do we use most often?
b) Which would we prefer used for us?
B. We are claiming the competence and authority that rightfully
belong to God alone. 7:2
1) If we act like God, we'll answer to God.
2) We set ourselves up for the judgment / wrath of God.
IV. Dangers in judging.
A. We do not know all the facts. (Barclay)
A number of years ago one of our Presidents gave a speech at a
dedication ceremony for a cemetery.
It was not well-received.
A Pennsylvania paper called it "silly remarks."
A Chicago paper described it as an insult to the memory of
the brave men who were buried there.
The criticism even came from across the Atlantic - a London paper
called the short speech "dull and commonplace."
Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address took awhile to be appreciated.
Now that we know so much about him, we idolize him.
But in his own day he faced constant criticism and second-guessing.
Here is how he described his philosophy about criticism:
"If I were to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me,
this shop might as well be closed for any other business.
I do the very best I know how, the very best I can;
and I mean to keep on doing so until the end.
If the end brings me out all right, then what is said against
me won't matter.
If the end brings me out wrong, then 10 angels swearing I was
right would make no difference."
#644
1) We do not really know other people.
a) Tragic events may be shaping them.
The poet Longfellow wrote:
"If we could only read the secret history of our enemies,
we would find in each man's life, sorrow and suffering
enough to disarm all hostility."
2) We do not even really know ourselves.
a) 1 Corinthians 4:3. Paul and criticism.
"I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court;
indeed, I do not even judge myself.
My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent.
It is the Lord who judges me.
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till
the Lord comes.
He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will
expose the motives of men's hearts.
At that time each will receive his praise from God."
3) Only God knows us.
a) Pastoral calls and criticism of others.
B. We like to dish out, but don't want to take it.
1) Double standard in most judging.
2) We condemn all sin, but our own.
a) For that sin we want understanding.
C. All judges have blind spots.
1) Beam and splinter. 7:3
2) Our failings should take precedence over other's faults.
a) Usually we are much easier on ourselves.
1> (Jesus, adulterous woman - and older opponents.)
b) Much gossip is true.
1> But is it total perspective?
2> Does it build other up?
V. Principles for removing splinters.
A. Jesus: "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right
judgment." John 7:24
1) Straighten out your own life first. 7:5
a) Repent of your sin, remember how weak you are.
2) Use balance - splinter for splinter.
B. Other passages:
Matthew 18:15, confronting a brother.
1) Criticism should directed at the person. 18:15
a) Sneakiness of remark in church telephone book. !!!!
b) Gossip gets back eventually - go right to the source.
2) Criticism should be restricted. 18:16
a) It is not for the world to know.
b) Telling others shows we are cowardly, not right.
3) Criticism should strengthen Christian relations. 18:15
Ephesians 4:29, build others up according to their needs.
a) Be motivated by concern for person.
b) Be gentle and humble.
c) If no positive outcome foreseen, don't do it.
Copyright © 2024 by Rev. David Holwick
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