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NASB | Matthew 7:2 "For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 7:2 "For just as you [hypocritically] judge others [when you are sinful and unrepentant], so will you be judged; and in accordance with your standard of measure [used to pass out judgment], judgment will be measured to you. |
Bible Question:
Does this verse mean that we should not preach against the sins of others because we will be guilty of "Judging" others? I have heard this scripture quoted many times from "church go'ers". John the baptist was beheaded after preaching against sin. Was he wrong? Pastor Glenn |
Bible Answer: Greetings Pastor Glenn, NO! Absolutely not! Can I say it any stronger? Matthew 7:2 does not prohibit all types of judging (v.16). There is a righteous kind of judgement we are supposed to exercise with careful discernment (John 7:24 - Do not judge according to appearance but with righteous judgement). Censorious, hypocritical, self-righteous or other kinds of unfair jugements are prohibited. In other words the type of judgement that tears another down in order to build one's self up. Judge not means condemn not. Condemning others so blinds our spiritual vision (like a beam of wood in the eye)that we are unable to see to help take the speck out of anothers eye. When preaching your are to condemn the sin i.e., lying or stealing. Preach that sin is what will lead you to absence of eternal life. Do not preach against a person, preach against the sin. An attitude of "if the shoe fits...". The hearers of the Word should then decide whether it applies to them. If you did not preach against sin and say that it was wrong how do you think that your congregation would learn that sin leads to death? It is your responsibility to preach the truth, whether you step on toes or not. You are the shepherd and your congregation is your flock. You must answer to God concerning the actions and condition of your flock. Do you want to go in front of Jesus and tell Him that you did not want to preach aginst sin because you didn't want to judge anyone? As for the "church goers" - Maybe they don't want to hear it because when they hear it the Holy Spirit moves to convict them and they don't want to give up the sin. Remember, the devil will use anyone he can to stop God's word from going out. John the Baptist was beheaded because he upset Herodias by condemning her sin. Herodias married Phillip, her fathers brother. John openly rebuked the sin of incest strongly. The daughter of Herodias asked for John's head because her mother wanted revenge on John. Because of his promise he had to give it. He was grieved because he did not want to behead John. So I guess you could say that John was beheaded because he preached against sin. What would of happpened if John hadn't followed his call to preach against sin and prepare the path for Jesus? prayon |