1. How to Judge Accurately
Matthew 7:1-6

2. In the early years of this nation…
Any average citizen could serve as a judge…
Today we have complicated things so much that one needs a special degree and much training
Yet we are told not to make judgments...
What does the Bible really say about making judgments?

3. I. The Basic Principle of Judging Stated Negatively
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Matthew 7:1–2, NKJV)

4. A. Consider our understanding of the nature of judging
The practice of judging is inevitable
The concept of judging has many facets

5. B. Consider our relation to the standard of judgment
All judgments are made on the basis of some perceived standard
All persons are rightly or wrongly related to some standards

6. II. The Basic Principle of Judging Illustrated
“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:3–5, NKJV)

7. A. Our obsession with some fault may blind us to our own faults
There is no question that we obsess over things
Sometimes our faults trigger sensing other’s faults

8. B. Our concern should be with our conformity to the standard
Our first priority should be our conformity to God’s standard
A secondary concern is the conformity of others

9. III. The Basic Principle of Judging Applied
“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (Matthew 7:6, NKJV)

10. A. There is a proper context for making judgments
Not all will accept even proper judgments made
We should use good judgment regarding sharing truth

11. B. There is a time and place for restrained judgments
There is concern for wellbeing in standing for truth
We need discernment and restraint in our approach

12. C. There is a time and place for sustained judgments
We must not give up on what is right and true
We must be sure we are biblically sound

13. D. There is an ultimate Judge and final judgments
All are accountable to God and His Son
This judgment is sure and righteous