Expository Thoughts On Matthew - Matthew 7:1-11
J.C. Ryle explains that Jesus' command 'Judge not' warns against a censorious spirit and rash judgments, urging believers to exercise Christian charity and discernment in judging others.
In this expository sermon on Matthew 7:1-11, J.C. Ryle carefully unpacks Jesus' teaching on judgment, emphasizing the importance of avoiding a censorious spirit while maintaining righteous discernment. He warns against misinterpretations that excuse harsh fault-finding and encourages believers to practice Christian charity by being slow to judge and quick to hope well of others. Ryle also highlights the need for discretion in religious conversations, fostering peace and understanding among believers.
Text
The first portion of these verses is one of those passages of Scripture which we must be careful not to strain beyond its proper meaning. It is frequently abused and misapplied by the enemies of true religion. It is possible to press the words of the Bible so far that they yield not medicine, but poison.
When our lord says, \"Judge not,\" He does not mean that it is wrong, under any circumstances, to pass an unfavourable judgement on the conduct and opinions of others. We ought to have decided opinions: we are to \"prove all things;\" we are to \"try the spirits.\" (1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1.) Nor yet does He mean that it is wrong to reprove the sins and faults of others until we are perfect and faultless ourselves. Such an interpretation would contradict other parts of Scripture: it would make it impossible to condemn error and false doctrine; it would debar any one from attempting the office of minister or a judge. The earth would be \"given into the hands of the wicked\" (Job 9:24): heresy would flourish: wrong-doing would abound.
What our Lord means to condemn is a censorious and fault-finding spirit. A readiness to blame others for trifling offences or matters of indifference, a habit of passing rash and hasty judgments, a disposition to magnify the errors and infirmities of our neighbours, and make the worst of them, this is what our Lord forbids. It was common among the Pharisees: it has always been common from their day down to the present time. We must watch against it. we should \"believe all things,\" and \"hope all things\" about others, and be very slow to find fault. This is Christian charity. (1 Corinthians 13:7).
The second portion of these verses teaches us the importance of exercising discretion as to the persons with whom we speak on the subject of religion. Everything is beautiful in it\\
Sermon Outline
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I. Understanding 'Judge Not'
- Avoid misapplying the passage beyond its meaning
- Recognize the necessity of making righteous judgments
- Distinguish between judgment and a censorious spirit
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II. The Danger of a Censorious Spirit
- Fault-finding and magnifying others' errors is condemned
- Common among Pharisees and prevalent today
- Christian charity calls for believing and hoping well of others
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III. Exercising Discretion in Religious Conversations
- Be careful with whom to discuss matters of faith
- Avoid rash judgments in spiritual matters
- Promote peace and understanding in dialogue
Key Quotes
“It is possible to press the words of the Bible so far that they yield not medicine, but poison.” — J.C. Ryle
“What our Lord means to condemn is a censorious and fault-finding spirit.” — J.C. Ryle
“We should 'believe all things,' and 'hope all things' about others, and be very slow to find fault.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Avoid rushing to criticize others and instead cultivate a spirit of patience and understanding.
- Exercise careful discernment when judging conduct or doctrine, ensuring judgments align with Scripture.
- Be prudent in choosing when and with whom to discuss matters of faith to promote edification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'Judge not' mean we should never judge others?
No, J.C. Ryle clarifies that it forbids a censorious spirit but does not prohibit making righteous judgments or reproving sin.
Why is a censorious spirit dangerous?
Because it leads to rash, harsh judgments that harm relationships and contradict Christian love.
How can we practice Christian charity in judgment?
By being slow to find fault, believing the best of others, and exercising patience and hope.
What biblical examples support making judgments?
Scripture encourages proving all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and trying the spirits (1 John 4:1).
How should we approach religious discussions?
With discretion, ensuring conversations are edifying and avoiding unnecessary conflicts.