MEMORY VERSE: ‘Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.’ Luke 6:37.
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Matthew 7:1-5; Luke 6:37-38.
STUDY HELP: Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, pages 123-128.
LESSON AIM: To study Christ’s words about judging and criticism.
‘The work of judging his brother has not been placed upon any man. “Judge not,” the Saviour says, “that ye be not judged; for with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” He who takes upon himself the work of judging and criticising others, lays himself open to the same degree of judgement and criticism. Those who are ready to condemn their brethren, would do well to examine their own works and character. Such an examination, honestly made, will reveal the fact that they, too, have defects of character, and have made grave blunders in their work. If the great Judge should deal with men as they deal with their fellow workers, they would regard Him as unkind and unmerciful.’ Christian Leadership, page 59.
1. What attitude did Jesus forbid and why? Matthew 7:1.
NOTE: ‘Do not set yourself up as a standard. Do not make your opinions, your views of duty, your interpretations of Scripture, a criterion for others and in your heart condemn them if they do not come up to your ideal. Do not criticise others, conjecturing as to their motives and passing judgement upon them.’ Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, page 123.
2. What will happen to those who judge and criticise others? Matthew 7:1, last part.
NOTE: ‘Those who condemn or criticise others proclaim themselves guilty, for they do the same things. In condemning others, they are passing sentence upon themselves, and God declares that this sentence is just. He accepts their own verdict against themselves.’ Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, page 124.