Matthew 7:1-7 | Judging vs. Being Judgmental

8.17.25 |Al Rossi

Do Not Judge | Matthew 7:1–6 | Living Hope Church

Sermon Synopsis

In this message, Pastor Al unpacks Jesus’ words from Matthew 7:1–6: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” This is one of the most quoted yet misunderstood passages in the Bible. Jesus does not forbid discernment, but He warns against judgment that is hypercritical, hypocritical, or hostile. Instead, believers are called to self-examination, humility, and Christlike compassion when addressing sin in others.

Key Topics Covered

  • Faith and discernment in the Christian life

  • Forgiveness through Christ’s sacrifice

  • Grace over condemnation

  • Humility before judging others

  • Unity within the church body

Types of Judgment to Avoid

  1. Hypercritical Judgment – Constantly finding fault, assuming the worst in others, and defining people by their lowest moments.

  2. Hypocritical Judgment – Pointing out “specks” in others’ lives while ignoring the “plank” in your own; gossip and self-righteousness fall here.

  3. Hostile Judgment – Speaking truth without love, harshly condemning others, or forcing correction on those unwilling to hear it.

Key Takeaways

  • Learn how to exercise discernment without hypocrisy.

  • Understand the difference between unconditional love and unconditional approval.

  • Discover how communion reminds us of the grace and unity found in Jesus.

Scripture Reference

Matthew 7:1–6

Judging Others

7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

Watch or Listen

This sermon was recorded live at Living Hope Church. Watch the full sermon here, or explore more Bible teachings at churchlh.com.

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