Summary of passage: Jesus says to not judge for you will be judged in the same manner you judge others. He admonishes hypocrites. Be wary of those not prepared to receive Christ for they will turn and tear you to pieces.
3a) Judging, according to Webster’s Dictionary, means: “to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises”.
Galatians and Ephesians say love one another and don’t speak unwholesome to others (only words of encouragement). Philippians says to help others, put others first, and don’t complain so that you shine. Basically, we are allowed to judge others, to say what they are doing is right or wrong, only in a spirit of love and helpfulness, and one by which we hold ourselves to as well.
Often, we form an opinion without careful weighing of evidence. We jump to conclusions about others and therefore treat them differently than we should; not with a kind heart or spirit of love.
b) That we will be judged in the same way that we judge. Judging people from a standard we ourselves do not abide by is hypocritical and wrong. We often attempt to correct others’ faults instead of our own. Yet we must be discerning and recognize those hardened towards the message.
c) “Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you.” If you do that, you will receive a good measure. If you are judgmental, you are unable to lad anyone and both of you will fall.
4a) Matthew 18:15-17: Other believers
Galatians 1:8: Those who pervert the gospel of Christ (see verse 7)
Galatians 6:1-5: Other believers
2 John 7-11: Deceivers and unbelievers
c) First deal with your own faults. Then go and speak to that person alone about his fault. If that person is still being obstinate, then take one or two other believers along. Finally, take that person to the church. If they refuse to listen, treat them as a pagan or a tax collector (which back then was horrible so I wouldn’t recommend this).
Galatians says to restore that person gently but be careful you are not drawn into that sin. Help with others’ burdens but be careful of your actions as well.
5) We must be careful not to give what is sacred to those who would only trample upon it (unbelievers who will never be open to Christ or who are openly opposing Christ). Hypocritical believers also must not be given what is sacred. We must correct in a Godly manner and preach pearls to those who are ready to receive the message. If they are hardened to Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4), then we should not waste our time (Acts 19:9).
I found Acts 13:44-51 the most helpful. It basically says if people (here the Jews) reject the message of Christ, move on and tell others. Some are false prophets and will lie and try to deceive you. Be wary.
Conclusions: I have mixed reactions to this lesson. I actually stopped and came back because I just was not feeling the message or the questions. Sometimes I’m in the mood to go all over the Bible and sometimes I’m not and today was an “I don’t feel like working” day. Hence, my judgement (yes, read irony here) becomes cloudy.
In essence, we are all called to share the Gospel but we ourselves must be careful and loving. If people are not prepared to receive the word, move on. Don’t batter or judge them because of it. Give them time and then approach them again but continue looking for prepared hearts–all out of love and kindness.
We must remember God chooses those who will ultimately receive Him (John 6:44; 15:16 & 2 Thessalonians 2:13 & 2 Timothy 1:9). We must wait on His time and try again later.