I. When Judging, Use One Standard For Everyone Vs. 1, 2
A. Jesus Is Not Universally Prohibiting Judgment
1. Judge- krinō- kree’-no
To distinguish, to decide (mentally or judicially); by implication to try, condemn, punish:—avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.
2. Verse 3 calls for self judgment
3. Verse 6 calls for judgment between holy and unholy
4. Verses 13 & 14 call for judgment of the narrow and broad ways
5. Verses 15-20 call for making judgments regarding false prophets and their fruit
6. Verse 24-27 call for us to judge Jesus’ words
7. 1 Corinthians 5 commands that the church pass judgment upon those in the church who constantly live a sinful lifestyle, and to put them out of the church.
8. 1 Cor. 6:1-6 Paul commands that the leaders in the church make judgments between Christians regarding legal matters, instead of going to secular courts
9. 1 Cor. 10:15 “I speak as to wise men; judge (krino) for yourselves what I say.”
10. 1 Cor. 14:29 “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.”
11. We all must make judgments on a regular basis.
12. We must judge doctors, teachers, schools, churches, theology, messages, etc.
13. The negative connotation regarding judgment is that we judge unfairly
a. We judge someone’s intentions
b. We judge without having all the information
c. We judge with a wrong pre-disposition
d. We judge from jealousy, hatred, envy
e. We make rash and unmerciful judgments, assuming the worst
f. We judge other’s faults but defend that same action/attitude in ourselves
B. Jesus is saying to be ready to receive the same judgment we use
1. The Pharisees judged others but would not judge themselves
2. They made life burdensome and unfair to others, while excusing themselves
3. Luke 6:37, 38 “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
4. Jesus is talking about treating people the way that you want them to treat you
5. He is applying this truth to the particular practice of judging one another
6. If we will use fair, kind, loving judgment, we will (probably) receive the same
7. If we are harsh, critical, unloving, in judgment, we will receive the same
C. Things Not To Judge
1. Personal convictions regarding non-essential practices. Romans 14:1-13
a. We can and should judge actions and attitudes.
b. We cannot and should not judge people’s motive and personal convictions
2. People’s intentions
Romans 2:16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
II. Self Judgment Vs. 3-5
A. The Tendency To Overlook Our Planks Vs. 3, 4
1. We look at our brother’s specks
2. We fail to consider our own planks
B. The Tendency To Not Remove Our Planks
1. Removing our brother’s speck is comparatively easy
a. It’s smaller than our plank
b. We don’t feel any pain, our brother does
2. Removing our plank is not so easy
a. We tend to overlook our planks
b. They are probably obvious to others
c. Removing our plank will be painful to us
d. It’s embarrassing to admit that we have planks
e. We can pretend we have no plank, or deny what is obvious to others
f. We admit to the general truth of having a plank. Doesn’t everyone?
g. We never allow ourselves to be honest about our particular plank
h. Jesus says that that is hypocritical
3. We need to be more zealous to correct ourselves than to correct others
4. If we are concerned with truthful living, let it begin with us, whatever it takes
5. Consider part of the problem with having a plank:
a. Your vision is impaired
b. You may have gotten used to impaired vision
c. Someone else has to point out your plank. (People, Bible, H.S. situations)
6. Rushing to point out other’s specks may indicate you need attention
C. Why Is Self-Examination And Treatment Is Important
1. We are healthier for it
2. We are better suited to help others with their specks V. 5
3. If we don’t self examine, we are less suited to help others
4. Going through a “plankectomy” will make us humble person.
5. You expect gentleness with your plankectomy. “Eyes” are sensitive areas.
6. That means that you will be gentle with others, and not harsh and uncaring.
a. Ephesians 4:14, 15 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—
7. Pharisees judged & criticized others to make themselves look good-Luke 18:9-14
8. But Christians should judge themselves so that they can help others live good.
9. Men with planks will cause harm while trying to help.
10. We must allow God to search our hearts, and then humbly confess our sins
11. We must take whatever steps are necessary to have those planks removed
D. Things To Avoid Regarding Self-Examination
1. Shallow Examination. Lack of honesty with self. Remedied by James 1:22-25
2. Over-Examination. We are constantly looking at ourselves, and not at Jesus
a. Extreme self examination brings discouragement and defeat.
3. Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.