Pearls and Swine

N.T. #74  "Pearls and Swine"

May 22, 2023

Matthew 7-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

In this chapter, Jesus is speaking on judging others. First, He told us to not do it. Secondly, He told us whatever standard we us in judging others will be used on us. Thirdly, He calls us a hypocrite whenever we do so as we apply God's standards to someone else's life and not to our own life. We fall short.

Jesus explains: Why worry about the mote (a twig or straw) in our friend's eye when we have a log or beam in our own eye? (verses 4-5)

J.V. McGee called the sawdust and a great big redwood long. With that blocking your vision, you are in no position to judge the little sin of another.

When we address our own sins, then we become more understanding, compassionate, and righteous in assessing our brothers sins.

LET IT GROW

In verse 6, Jesus tells us, Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Pearls would be things of value. God's Word is of value to a Christian. 

There are numerous places in the Bible in which God instructs His people to make judgment calls. Here is one of them. This verse refers to those who despise spiritual things, but you can't obey this command unless you can discern who the "dogs" and "pigs" are. The difference between judgmentalism and what Jesus calls us to do here is the standard we use. When you sinfully judge, you use your own standard and condemn others. When you obey Jesus words in verse 6, you use wisdom, refusing to give what is precious in God's sight to those who refuse to value spiritual things. (Tony Evans)

Using wisdom and God's standards is how we are to live. We are told to not waste our time on unbelievers who do not treasure holy concepts of the Bible and reject the Truth. they first need a clean heart by coming to Jesus for salvation, then we teach them the ways and Words of God.

When a person's heart has not been broken over their sins, they will turn on us and try to break us. They may point out our sins instead of being concerned about their own. 

Rend means to break, wreck, crack; shattering to minute fragments; disrupt, lacerate; tear.

That is when we walk away and pray for them.

LET IT GO 

Please give us discernment, Jesus.

We pray for our families who need Jesus in their heart.

Please save all who come to read the words in this post.

Glory to God in the Highest, peace and goodwill toward men.