JUDGING OTHER PEOPLE
Matthew 7:1-6 (707)
Introduction
A. Has anyone ever said to you something to the effect: 1) “Judge not, that you be not
judged?” 2) The Bible teaches us not to judge other people?”
B. Jesus obviously tells us in Matthew 7:1-2, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” Etc.
C. The issue isn’t whether Jesus made this statement, but what kind of judging He
prohibits.
D. Let’s look at the kind of judging Jesus prohibits, then the kind of judging Jesus
permits.
I. The kind of judging Jesus prohibits.
A. Jesus condemns hypocritical judging. Vv3-5
1. Do we ever recognize the sins and faults of others and criticize them when we ____
to be concerned with ourselves? Romans 2:1-3 (830); 2 Corinthians 13:5 (859)
2. Jesus directs us to the proper way of judging in Matthew 7:5
B. Jesus condemns judging without mercy and love. Luke 6:36-37 (756); Read also
James 2:13 (892)
C. Jesus doesn’t allow judging based on what appears to be. John 7:21-24 (786)
1. Brief story of the Prophet Samuel anointing the second king of Israel. 1 Samuel 16
(235) Note verses 12,7
2. When we hear gossip we need to be certain we have the necessary facts before
making a final judgment.
II. Jesus doesn’t forbid all kinds of judging.
A. Jesus taught people to “Judge with righteous judgment.” John 7:24 (786)
B. In Matthew 7:6, Jesus implies that His disciples are to determine (judge) those who are
enemies of truth. (dogs: ; swine: ) How without judging?
C. In Matthew 7:15-20 (708), Jesus teaches us that we make judgment in determining
who are false teachers. “By their fruits you will know them.”
1. See also 1 John 4:1 about determining teachers of error.
D. The Apostle Paul teaches us to judge one another and ourselves.
1. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 (875) 2. 1 Corinthians 11:31-32 (848)
Conclusion: There is a kind of judging prohibited by Jesus: Matthew 7:1 (unrighteous-based on
fault finding attitude, deposition to condemn). A kind permitted by Jesus: John 7:24
(righteous). We must be careful as to how we judge other people. Matthew 7:2
