Probably the Most Misquoted Verse of All Time. 4/16/23

Weekly Memory Verse: "Brothers if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who arte spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. " - Galatians 6:1

Sermon Scripture Reading: Galatians 6:1-10

-THIS SUNDAY'S SERMON-

Dear River Family,

Matthew 7:1 is arguably the most misquoted verse in all the Bible. It reads - "Judge not, that you be not judged." When Jesus makes this statement, He is not prohibiting all judgment. Consider the following verse:

John 7:24 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 The Letter to the Galatians

Jesus is prohibiting a self-righteous, hypocritical judgment. While even truthful, graceful, God honoring judgment may seem painful at times, self-righteous, hypocritical judgment does not glorify God and nor does it strengthen His people; such judgment is destructive and divisive.

Now read Matthew 7:1-6

Jesus is not instructing us not to judge, but He is teaching us how to judge. As I have been studying this portion of the Scriptures, I am reminded of that which the Lord brought to our attention at the beginning of the year - "Until He comes, having the mind of Christ, walk together in grace and truth."

May the Lord draw us closer to Christ and to one another (the body of Christ) in His grace and truth.

Grace and Peace, Eric