Speaker: Brian Brookins
Notes: Matthew 7:1-6
Many people who have almost no knowledge of the NT are familiar with the words of the first verse of Matthew 7. Indeed, one writer has speculated that Matthew 7:1, or at least the content of it, has replaced John 3:16 as the most known verse in the entire bible. This much is true, judging others is not looked upon as favorable by most. But what does Jesus mean here? We know from the very context that he is not telling us to forgo all discernment and judgment. If we stop and think about it we know that correct judgment, or discernment, is applauded throughout the bible.
We see therefore that Jesus is speaking of a certain kind of judgment. Unfortunately, I suspect that it is something that every person struggles with. This judgment is a critical spirit. It involves the condemning of others.
