The Demands of the Kingdom, VI
Central thought: Judge not, that ye be not judged, Matthew 7:1.
Text: Matthew 7:1-14
In Matthew chapters 5-7, the Sermon on the Mount as taught by the Lord Jesus Christa was recorded. Chapter 7 which is the last in the series focuses on Christ’s teaching on the dangers of judging others, and how we can live and run our Christian race here on earth successfully.
1. Differentiate the following concepts: judgment, correction and discipline. Matthew 7:1-2; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 2:15; 1 Corinthians 5:1-12
Judgment can mean the ability to make considered decision or form sensible opinions based on facts available to one. It can also imply assuming the right to criticize someone. Correction is seen as the action or process of direction aright. It can also be viewed as a change that rectifies an error or inaccuracy. Discipline refers to the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviors, or a resulting from such training. It can also mean training someone to obey rules or a code of behavior by punishment or rebuke, punish or rebuke formally for an offense.
2. What are the consequences of judging others? Matthew 7:1-2
The major consequence of judging others is that the one who is judging will also be judged. Also with what judgment he judges, he shall be judged: and with what measure he metes, it shall be measured to him again. However, it is worthy to note here that we should correct or reprove our brethren when occasion warrants. We should do this with all sincerity and in love, in order to deliver the soul of a dear one that Christ died for.
3. Explain with examples how some people criticize others while ignoring their own faults. Matthew 7:3-5, John 8:3-11
In many instances some people are prone to criticizing others while ignoring their own faults. These acts are referred to as acts of hypocrisy by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For example there are many so called believers in the Church today who indulge in one form of sin or immorality and are always critical about other people’s misdeeds yet they are neck deep in such vices. Some individual may be involved in adultery in church but will be the first to accuse others of the same crime even without verifying the truth of the matter. We must first examine ourselves before criticizing others. Even when we think we are upright and without any sin, we must learn to correct our brethren in love.
4. Discuss perseverance in prayer and its attendant promises. Matthew 7:7-11
God expects us to persevere in our prayers. We are enjoined to ask, seek and knock. We must be men and women of prayer who must never give up until our requests are met. It is commonly said that if there are people to pray there is a God to answer. Manifold blessings attend our ways when we persevere in prayers. God promises us that when we ask we will receive, when we seek we shall find and when we knock it shall be opened unto us. The Lord Jesus Himself promised us this as He said thus, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name; ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full”, John 16:24. Furthermore in Luke 18:1, the Lord enjoined us to pray always and not faint.
5. Explain how the “Golden Rule” as formulated by Christ Jesus can be said to be the foundation of good neighborliness. Matthew 7:12
The Lord has clearly instructed us in Matthew 7:12, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets”. The truth is that we cannot expect to receive good things from God if we do not do good to all the people around us who we come in contact with on a daily basis and at all times. Christ came to teach us not only what we are to know and believe, but what we are to do, not only toward God, but also toward men. We must therefore do to others what we would want them to do to us. If this golden rule is strictly followed and adhered to by all believers, it will be the foundation of good neighborliness. Firstly, people will love their neighbors as themselves. When this is so, then no one will hurt or offend his neighbor. All will show mercy and kindness/goodness to one another. “He hath shewed, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”, Micah 6:8. The effect of this will be manifested in our churches, neighborhoods, offices and society at large. There will be no room for suspicion among us, no bitterness or any such vice in the midst of God’s people. We would live peaceably among ourselves and this will create an enabling environment for the move of the Spirit of God in our midst.
6. Discuss the characteristics of the broad way and the narrow way and those in each. Matthew 7:13-14
The analogy of Christ to show the difference between the broad way and the narrow way is very instructive. This serves as a means of assessing ourselves to know on which track we are. The characteristics of the two ways have been made obvious.
The main characteristics of the broad way can be seen as follows: a way of sin and evil, no regard for God, unholy living, ungodliness. Jesus said, “for wide is the gate and broad is the way . . . and many there be which go in thereat:”. This implies that it is a very busy way with many who are headed for eternal damnation.
ON the other hand, the major characteristic of the narrow way is this, “and an high way shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools shall not err therein.”, Isaiah 35:8. This narrow way is characterized by righteous living, desire for the things of God and living to please God in all things.
Just as the two ways have characteristics at variance with each other, so are those in them. As many as have not yet given their lives to Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior are on the broad way. Those on the narrow way are the ransomed of the Lord, washed with the blood of Jesus have accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, living daily for Him, denying ungodliness and worldly lust, living soberly, righteously and looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ, Titus 2:12-13
7. Discuss the end of those in the broad way and the narrow way. Matthew 7:13-14
Christ was very categorical about the end of those on the broad way and narrow way. He made a clear distinction as to their final destinations. For those on the broad way, it leads to destruction. They will end up in hell, and eternal separation from God. However, those on the narrow way, the pilgrims on the way that leads to life will end up in Heaven and spend eternity with God. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away”, Revelation 21:4
For those on the broad way, there is good news for you. There is still an opportunity for you to change your track by leaving the broad way and crossing over to the narrow way that leads to life. Jesus; the way, the truth and the life is willing to redirect you to the narrow way as you yield your life to Him by accepting Him as your Savior and acknowledging His Lordship over your life. He will give a turn around and set you on the path of holy living and an acceptable walk with God as long as you continue to follow Him and His divine instructions.
For those on the narrow way, there is no provision for looking back or going out of the track. There is no option, we must continue so we can finish well. “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end”, Hebrews 3:14
Daily living application:
We are being admonished by Christ not to judge others lest we be judged. We must desist from being very critical and always quick at finding faults in others while overlooking our obvious faults. We must daily examine ourselves to ensure that we are having a right standing with Him. It is only by o doing will we be able to see clearly and will then be able to appreciate our brethren, thereby correcting them in love when the need arises. We must learn to do to others what we expect them to do to us.
Memory verse
Matthew 7:13 – “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and may there be which go in thereat.”