Kingdom Come Series, Thames Valley churches of Christ
Matt. 7:1
Chapter
3 dangers building toward the golden rule. Danger of judgmental-ism, danger of folly, danger of misunderstanding the father.
Judge
Judge (krinoœ) can mean to discern, to judge judicially, to be judgmental, to condemn.
What about the context? Must mean “do not be judgmental”, no critical spirit, condemning attitude. Same verb found in Romans 14:10.
Need to make judgments: Matt 7.6, 15-20; 18.15-17.
Perhaps this warning comes here because, if we have grasped the teachings of chapters 5 and 6 and have begun to live and celebrate them, it is possible we could look down at those who have not yet done so.
Carson sees this attitude as, “a scurrilous sort of zeal.” Carson, 107
You will be judged
Perhaps by God, perhaps by others.
“People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.”
Matt. 7:2
In the same way
Implies judgement by God. See Matt 18.23-35. But could also refer to the way others will treat you. We see this especially when a critical spirit becomes part of the culture. If we indulge it in ourselves, it will infect those around us.
See also: Romans 2:1, 21–23; James 4:11–12.
Breaks the beatitude to be merciful, Matthew 5:7; 6:14.
Matt. 7:3
Speck
karphos, a tiny splinter of wood or straw
plank
beam or rafter
Biblical example: 2 Samuel 12:1-7. David, Nathan.
Matt. 7:5
Hypocrite
Here it’s the disciples who are hypocrites, not his usual targets the Pharisees etc.
The speck is there. The problem is not the diagnosis. The problem is the inconsistency of applying judgement to another but not to oneself.
One of the great sadnesses of a critical spirit is that it comprises love – John 13:34; 17:20-23.
Remove the speck
“… The speck of sawdust in the patient’s eye does in fact require removal, even if the operation should not be performed by a surgeon with a plank in his own eye.” Carson, 110.
God himself blends justice with mercy, therefore, so should his followers.
It is far more likely that those with a speck will welcome help in removing it if they are confident their spiritual surgeon lacks hypocritical judgemental-ism.
Matt. 7:6
Context
Jesus is making a judgement here. Indicates it does not mean we should not make judgements. Only hypocritical ones. He is also telling us that we must make such judgements as he is making. See also Matthew 7:15. Paul – 1 Corinthians 5:5, Galatians 1:8; Philippians 3:2; Galatians 5:12; 1 John 4:1; John 7:24.
Sacred
The holy given to the unholy is unthinkable.
Pearls
What is meant to be admired forever is instead lost.
Tear you to pieces
What does this mean? Is it that thoughtless application of truth leads to unhealthy reactions.
What of the connection with judgement? Jesus is advocating discernment here.
“… We are not to be judgmental and yet we are not to be undiscriminating.” Carson, 106.
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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
PS: You might also be interested in my book: “An elephant’s swimming pool”, a devotional look at the Gospel of John
