Heed The Watchmen

The Judgment in Matthew 7

            Few scripture passages are more abused than the first five verses in Matthew chapter 7. It is an unfortunate truth that congregations are being taught this abuse from their pastors and “elders”. They are indeed blind leaders of the blind, and both will fall into the ditch (Matthew 15:14).

            This passage is a classic example for the need to “rightly divide” the Word of truth (II Timothy 2:15). The misusing of this section is usually centered around verse one only; “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” This verse is mostly used in defensiveness against the conviction of sin, or it is used as a way to tell someone else to mind their own business.

            There are very many verses which contradict the incorrect use of Matthew 7:1. If these verses  actually meant what the heresies propose; easily more than half of the entire Bible would have no application!

            To understand correctly (rightly dividing) any section of God’s Word, you need to first consider which person or group of people is being addressed. This meaning will then be confirmed as you evaluate it in light of other related passages in the bible. This will provide you with a true meaning, and not a false “faith” that is being tailored to an individual perspective. Do not take anyone else’s personal faith tailoring either (II Peter 1:20): it must be sufficiently shown from the directives in God’s Word (KJV only).

            During the Sermon on the Mount, given in Matthew chapter five through seven, Jesus was not speaking only to His disciples.

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: Matthew 5:1

            The target of Jesus’ teaching here was the general multitude, among which His disciples were only a small part. Even in chapter 7 verse 11, just a few verses beyond our focal passage, Jesus starts with, “If ye then, being evil…” These teachings are plainly not directed toward the church to be, or to Jesus’ disciples only. Therefore Matthew 7:1-5 should be taken in stride as general advice into Godly behavior. The great majority of this multitude was certainly not in right relationship with God, and were already spiritually lost (John 3:18); therefore Jesus was providing them with instruction on drawing near to God, and what He expects from them in regard to behavior.

            Jesus came to provide a way for the salvation of mankind. He is the intercessor, bridging the gap between God and man. The Sermon on the Mount was near the beginning of His physical earthly ministry, which was to provide for that salvation.

            There is a distinct difference in the way God regards mankind in general, and His own children. This meant the nation of Israel in times past, and now the church—which is the body of Christ; the bride of the Sacrifice Lamb that was slain.

            Did you ever babysit someone else’s children? You cannot discipline them as you do your own, or raise them in any way. So you are more involved with your own, and expectations are greater—as is your own responsibility toward them. Consider the following verses for promoting this idea:

You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. Amos 3:2

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Hebrews 12:6-8

            Yet there must be more—we must also find the instruction directed to the church regarding judgment. The Bible is plentiful in these admonitions, but it is mostly ignored! Why? People are sinfully rebellious, and don’t want to be told to amend their behavior. By clinging to Matthew 7:1 alone, separated from all other instruction, they are allowed to continue in their pride and rebellion rather than change.

            Some would also contend, “Well, if God wants me to change, He can tell me to.” But God works through the obedient lives of His children!

Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. Amos 3:7

            How do you think the Bible was written? Our creator used imperfect men to write and preserve His perfect, Holy Word. Besides this, the Bible instructs us to judge within the church!

            Much is found in the book of I Corinthians in regard to instruction for judging within the church, and for telling believers that they should judge. Like most of the Bible, the instructions here are for God’s people (the church)—not for the world at large! See how it is directed, so that you may “rightly divide (apply)” the Word of truth.

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: I Corinthians 1:2

            Wow! Isn’t this clear enough? Even today, we must take this instruction to heart. What about this further admonishment?

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. I Corinthians 14:37

            Believers must hold other professing believers accountable. We are instructed from God to do so!

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. I Corinthians 2:12-16

             Chapter 5 of I Corinthians speaks specifically to the judgment of a church member. I’m sure that today such a person would be “loved and prayed for,” rather than to create the separation which God instructs! Let’s see what our Lord says.

For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: I Corinthians 5:3-7

            More instructions along this line are given later in the chapter. Verses 12 and 13 confirm the standard of judgment within the church being committed to believers, while outside the church it is left directly to God.

For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. I Corinthians 5:12,13

            The sum of instruction here is found in chapter 6, verses 1-3:

Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? I Corinthians 6:1-3

            Powerful, isn’t it? We shall even judge angels! How dare any deny Christ, by denying the judgment aspect of our spiritual life?    The good news is that God chastens His children in order to share His holiness, and inherit eternal life.

But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. I Corinthians 11:32

            Words can vary in meaning, and the term judgment in the Bible is no exception. It is used on different levels of meaning, and it is often clearly implied even when not literally used. Consider Ephesians 5:11;

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Ephesians 5:11

            Obviously judgment takes place here. Also in II Timothy 4:2 we find;

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. II Timothy 4:2

            So we see that in many areas of instruction, a type of judgment is required. II John 9,10 is yet another good example.

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: II John 9,10

            Other scriptures use the term judgment and discourage it in regard to lesser issues. Romans  chapter 14 contains such verses. Someone could isolate a verse to try and dissuade people from judging altogether, but it would deny huge sections of God’s Word (Jesus)! Look at verse 13 as an example.

Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. Romans 14:13

            To rightly divide (apply) Romans 14, take a look at verse one to help your understanding.

Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. Romans 14:1

            This chapter  concerns the weak in faith. They are not sinning, and wanting God to approve it! So it is not the same as the judgment that was brought against the fornicator in I Corinthians 5. What is being discussed here are the minor issues of allowable food, and observing special days of the week. So here we find the use of the same term “judgment”, with a far different application.

            I Corinthians 4:5 opens the verse with, “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come…” If we look back at the first verses of the chapter, we see that the judging spoken of here means basically the potential criticism of Paul’s ministry. It is so very important to discover the context of each passage, and not to ignore any Word which God has spoken—we need it all!

            Throughout the Bible’s history, God’s servants have continually spoken judgment to those around them. These servants, the prophets, were typically persecuted and/or killed. To get along with others, all the time, is a heretical doctrine we find running rampant in the last days’ churches.

            My wife and I have spent time at a particular campground each year while we have been married. There is a gift shop there, and this year we observed a t-shirt which read; “if you don’t have something nice to say”—and then there was a face with duct tape over the mouth! In other words, if you aren’t saying something pleasant, keep your mouth shut. I would have been indifferent to this shirt had it not been in a “Christian” bookstore, at a “Christ-centered” campground!

            Praise God that Jesus, His disciples, and the prophets never practiced such things. Jesus offended many by boldly bringing us the truth. Were His goal to say only “nice” things, He would still be physically alive (no sin); and we all would still be waiting for a way of salvation!

            So what should we do with the judgment spoken of in Matthew 7:1-5? We should take its direction and cautions seriously, every bit of them, in the context it was given.

            1) We should examine ourselves with Holy Ghost guidance. It is often that we criticize our own shortcomings in others. Various sins can blind us to being able to see another person clearly. 2) We should always pray for guidance and wisdom. Should we speak? How should we speak? Is the issue at hand really genuine, or a minor difference of opinion? Enter into such a situation with true spiritual commitment. 3) Go to the individual for “mote removal!” When we genuinely care for another with the love of Christ, we want the best for them. It is not for ourselves, nor are we concerned to keep a perceived “good standing” in the eyes of others—the cost is too high. Would you rather have someone love you right up until the point of their destruction; or instead, help them avoid the destruction?

            God’s Holy Word has powerful admonitions in regard to our accountability toward others. It is for us to warn about eternal consequences both to the unsaved, and to those who are falling away from the truth of God’s Word. We cannot turn a blind eye to these things. This is the strong root of my calling. Time is short; we must return to the Lord now.

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling-block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul. Ezekiel 3:17-21

Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live? Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live. Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal. When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby. But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby. Ezekiel 33:10-19

            Don’t reject the judgment of the Lord through others—or neglect to give it, when it falls to you. Rely on the Word; for it is the single source of pure truth, and our final authority in all matters of faith and practice (II Timothy 3:16,17.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:11-14

            Don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t be judging—God’s Word says otherwise, as we grow up into the mature faith that Jesus wants us to have. Study and learn the Word of God, and prayerfully trust the Holy Spirit to lead you (I John 2:27). Real faith is slipping (Luke 18:8) away from this world—let us hunger and thirst (Matthew 5:6) for righteousness, believing and living every word (Matthew 4:4) our God has provided us.