Judgment & Judgmentalism Pt. 1

Introduction:
We now come to the end of the main body of the Sermon on the Mount. That is what we have in Chapter 7, verses 1-12.
When we get to verses 13-28, we will meet with a great invitation, a great exhortation, a great demand, a great decision set before us.
But first, the main ideas are brought to a close.
What is the logical connection between what we've seen so far and these closing statements?
I WOULD DESCRIBE IT LIKE THIS.
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT CLOSES WITH WARNINGS AND GUIDANCE AGAINST HYPOCRISY IN THE REALM OF JUDGMENT (See verse 5).
AND THE WARNINGS AND GUIDANCE THAT OUR LORD GIVES US WILL SERVE US WELL FOR THE APPLICATION OF THIS TEACHING.
What do we do with these truths that we have been hearing? What kinds of judgments do we form as a result of what we've been taught?
WE DO FORM JUDGMENTS AS WE ARE TAUGHT GOD'S WORD.
The sermon on the mount forces us not just to think about ourselves, but to think about everyone else.
GOD'S WORD FORCES ME TO THINK ABOUT MY OWN SPIRITUAL CONDITION, BUT I'M ALSO FORCED TO THINK ABOUT YOUR SPIRITUAL CONDITION.
THIS ACTUALLY POINTS US TO ANOTHER WAY IN WHICH GOD'S PEOPLE ARE DISTINCT.
GOD'S PEOPLE CARE ABOUT THE SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF OTHER PEOPLE.
BUT we care about others in a way that is LOVING.
It is not examination for the purpose of self-exaltation. It is an examination for the purpose of exhortation and investment. How can I encourage you, how can I help you?
We are concerned that other people know the true God, know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are doing well spiritually, are in the truth. THIS MATTERS TO US.