Misused Verse 2 - Matthew 7:1

Recap from last Wednesday:
Matthew 7:1  - Do not judge, or you too will be judged."
We like to use this verse as defense when someone tries to tell us we're doing something wrong.  But, that is taking it out of context.

Jesus said this during the Sermon on the Mount where he was giving many insights on how to follow God with your life.  He was referencing the Pharisees, the religious leaders, who were being hypocrites and making people follow a standard that they didn't even follow themselves!

In the next few verses Jesus mentions to avoid being a hypocrite and to also make sure you deal with your sin first.  That's the context of this verse!  You can only help your Christian friends with accountability if you have sought forgiveness and deliverance from your sin.

BIG POINTS RECAP
1. Don't be a hypocrite (say one thing and do another).
2. Judge your Christian friends through accountability in loving ways to keep each other on track.
3. Deal with your sin (plank in your eye) before worrying about others specks.

Read the passage link below!
Matthew 7:1-5
Other supporting verses include
Galatians 6:1-2 - restore each other gently and carry each other's burden (don't attack them when pointing out their sin.  Instead, do it in a loving, non-threatening way).

James 5:19-20 - Care for and help return friends who fall away from God.  They need your help!