What is the difference between judgement and discernment? If Jesus came to save and not judge, what should our attitude be? In what situations do we need to be discerning. How can we use this to help others?
Do not Judge
Overview
Matt 7:1-6; Mark 4:24-25; Luke 6:37-42
1.Objectives
2.What it does not mean
3.Need for Judgement
4.Why we should not judge
5.Discernment vs. Judgement
6.To save not to judge
7.Discussion
OBJECTIVES
- To have a wise approach in our judgement
- To know the difference between discernment and criticism
- To edify others without discrimination
- To evaluate ourselves before evaluating others
Bible Passage
Matthew 7:1-5
1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Also read Luke 6:37-42
What it does not mean
Judging not forbidden in the absolute sense of the word – Jn. 7:24
John Stott reminds us that “our Lord’s injunction to ‘judge not’ cannot be understood as a command to suspend our critical faculties in relation to other people, to turn a blind eye to their faults (pretending not to notice them), to eschew all criticism and to refuse to discern between truth and error, goodness and evil”
Need for Judgement
So that people are accountable for their actions – 1 Co.11:31
So that we can discern between right and wrong – 2 Th. 5:21-22
Spiritual matters by Spiritual authority – 1 Co. 6:4
Parents have the responsibility to control children – 1 Tim. 3:4
Why we should not judge
- Because our judgment of others will lead to similar judgment
- Because we could be guilty of hypocrisy
- Because our judgment is often prone to error
To judge or not to judge
Don’t judge:
- You will be judged (Matt 7)
- With same measure (Matt 7)
- There is only one law giver and judge (Js 4:12)
- God is going to help them stand (Rom 14:4)
- Grey areas (Rom 14)
Jesus came to save, not Judge
Discern..
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matt 10:16
Don’t Judge
46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. John 12, John 3:17
Discussion
What is the best practical approach to judging or not judging others?
What are the specific areas where we are more prone to judge others?
Am I guilty of having a double standard toward another brother or sister in Christ?
Do I try to impose my views on fellow believers ? What’s the best way to handle difference of opinion.