DO NOT JUDGE

By Preeti Shinde

GRACIOUS JESUS5. KINGDOM LIFESTYLE PART 3

Do not JudgeReceiving God’s Bounty

The Golden Rule

Gate to Life

True and False Prophets

A Firm Foundation

PRESENTATION OVERVIEW5. KINGDOM LIFESTYLE PART 3

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

WHAT IT DOES NOT MEANJudging 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 JUDGEMENTSo that people are accountable for their actions – 1 Co.11:31So that we can discern between right and wrong - 2 Th. 5:21-22Spiritual matters by Spiritual authority – 1 Co. 6:4Parents have the responsibility to control children – 1 Tim. 3:4

WHY WE SHOULD NOT JUDGE

A. Because our Judgment of Others Will Lead to Similar JudgmentB. Because You Could be Guilty of HypocrisyC. Because Our Judgment Is Often Prone To Error

DISCERNMENT VS. JUDGMENT

Discerning builds, protects, guidesJudging condemns

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)

TO JUDGE OR NOT TO JUDGEJudge (Discern):Ask God for wisdom (Js1:5)To prevent court cases before ungodly (some will judge angels) (1 Cor 6:1-6)To help make people stand as God does (edification) (Rom 14:4)To defend and protect the defenceless (Lev 19:15)To win people for Christ (1 Cor 9:22)As a group of believers, preferrably, (Matt 18:15-17) to

• Remove evil in your midst (1 Cor 5:13)• Identify dogs and swine (to protect “pearls of wisdom”) – Matt 7,

Phil 3:2• Identify clear biblical violations (Rom 14)

JESUS CAME TO SAVE, NOT JUDGEDiscern.."I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matt 10:16Don’t Judge46 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

DISCUSSIONWhat 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.