What does Matthew 7:1 teach about God's perspective on judgment? Verse in Focus “Do not judge, or you will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1) Setting the Scene • Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) • Jesus is addressing disciples and the gathered crowd, exposing heart motives, not merely external actions. What Matthew 7:1 Says • God reserves ultimate judgment for Himself. • Human judgment invites reciprocal judgment from God. • The standard we apply to others will be applied to us (see v. 2). What Matthew 7:1 Does NOT Say • It does not forbid discernment (Matthew 7:15–20; 1 John 4:1). • It does not cancel church discipline (Matthew 18:15–17). • It does not excuse calling sin “sin” (Isaiah 5:20; Galatians 6:1). God’s Perspective on Judgment • He alone is perfectly holy and impartial (Deuteronomy 32:4). • He commands righteous, merciful judgment, never hypocritical (John 7:24). • He hates self-righteousness that ignores personal sin (Romans 2:1–3). Hypocrisy Exposed (vv. 3–5) • Focusing on a “speck” in a brother’s eye while ignoring our own “plank” is unacceptable. • Only after honest self-examination may we help others. • The verse guards against prideful comparison rather than loving correction. Supporting Passages • Luke 6:37 — Parallel teaching emphasizing forgiveness. • James 4:11–12 — One Lawgiver and Judge; speaking against a brother usurps God’s role. • Romans 14:10-13 — Each will stand before God; therefore avoid contempt. Balanced Biblical Discernment 1. Examine self first (2 Corinthians 13:5). 2. Confess and forsake personal sin (1 John 1:9). 3. Approach others gently, aiming at restoration (Galatians 6:1-2). 4. Leave final verdict to God (1 Corinthians 4:5). Living the Lesson • Cultivate humility—remembering we too need mercy. • Speak truth with grace, avoiding a condemning spirit. • Rely on Scripture, not personal preference, as the measure. • Trust God’s perfect justice while practicing steadfast love (Micah 6:8). |