His Word Today

⁶ “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” (Matthew 7:6 (ESV)

⁶ “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.” (Matthew 7:6 (KJV 1900)

It is important when interpreting a text of Scripture to understand not only the historical context, but also the grammatical and cultural context. In other words, students need to understand not only what a biblical text says, but to also peel away the outer layers to understand what the text means. Such is the cast with any biblical text. Such is the case with today’s text.

Jesus said, “Do not give dogs what is holy.” Dogs (κύων; kyon) in this context did not mean a beloved family pet. Rather, it referred to a wild or street dog capable of violence and filthy habits (Luke 16:21; 2 Peter 2:22). It also was a euphemism for a morally bad and perverted person (Phil. 3:1-2). Holy (ἅγιος; hagios) means to be set apart from sin. It is also that which is consecrated for sacred use and is pure.

Jesus also said, “Do not throw your pearls before pigs,” Pearls (μαργαρίτης; margaritis) are valued gems. Pigs (χοῖρος; choiros) is a swine that is filthy and disgusting.

“Pigs and dogs were considered unclean animals (Prov. 26:11; 2 Pet 2:22), which had no appreciation for valuable things (Prov. 11:22). Pigs typically ate the vilest foods, and dogs were scavengers, consuming even human blood. Stray dogs were known to growl at those who tossed them food as well as those who ignored them. The image would thus be forceful and beyond dispute for ancient hearers,” states commentator Craig Keener.

“The question is what the verse means in the context. Perhaps it means not correcting (cf. Matt. 7:1–5) those who would not listen (cf. Prov. 23:9). Perhaps it means giving only to those who want what one offers, as God does (Matt. 7:7–11); in this case the text returns to the idea of giving and of reciprocity in verse 12.”

“These animals are ceremonially unclean (I Sam. 17:43; Prov. 26:11; Lev. 11:7). They symbolize people who respond to the priceless message of God’s kingdom (Matt. 13:45-46) with adamant unbelief. Jesus’ messengers must discern when their gospel message meets obstinate resistance (Matt. 10:14; 15:14). The Book of Acts illustrates this principle in practice (Acts 11:44-51; 18:1-6; 28:17-28),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“Perhaps the meaning is a paradox; we who must not judge must yet judge who will hear our judgments. Jesus proposes another reason to shun judgment; it is futile to try to correct people who will not, in any event receive it,” states commentator Daniel M. Doriani.

“We should not try to force our message on those who show no inclination to accept it. Should we offer God’s truth to those who have demonstrated their contempt for God’s truth,” asks John Calvin?

Jesus’ answer is no. May the Lord gives each of us the discernment in this area of judging. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!    

³ “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? ⁴ Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:3–5 (ESV)

Have you ever had a speck of dust in your eye? Perhaps an eyelash? I’m sure you have. It hurts and is most uncomfortable. A speck (κάρφος; karphos) refers to a small piece of sawdust or a splinter of wood. It is foreign matter that needs to be removed before it causes lasting damage to the eye.

Jesus encouraged His disciples to help a brother in Christ. They do so by removing the speck in their brother’s eye. The speck, in this context, refers to a particular sin. It may seem like such a small thing, but it can cause lasting damage.

However, before the disciple of Jesus removes a sinful speck from a brother’s eye, they must first remove the log that is in their own eye. A log (δοκός; dokos) is a beam of wood or timber. It is a plank. Planks can range in measurement from 2 x 8 inches, 2 x 10, and even 2 x 12. By comparison, a log is obviously larger than a speck.

The application is simple. A disciple who seeks to help another brother in Christ deal with their sin, but first address his own. There must be a realization that the helper’s sin is much larger in comparison to the one who is in need of help with their sin.

“Jesus is actually warning us to be fair and humble when we make our evaluations. Human beings are naturally prone to focus on the failings of others and ignore their own heinous sins. Consider David’s reaction to Nathan after he slept with Bathsheba and had Uriah murdered (2 Sam. 11:1–12:15a). The king did more evil than the man in Nathan’s parable, but David wanted to chase after the speck in that man’s eye, so blinded was he by the plank of his own sin.” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

John Chrysostom (347 – 407) says, “Jesus does not forbid judging but commands that one first remove the plank from one’s own eye” (Homilies on the Gospel of Saint Matthew, 23.2).

We must be harsher on ourselves than we are on others. Let us make sure our consciences are clear before we judge our brothers and sisters. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

“Judge not, that you be not judged. ² For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:1-2 ESV)

“According to the prevailing mind-set of our age, no one has the right to judge – or, more specifically, to condemn – anybody else.”  — Daniel M. Doriani

There is irony to this statement by Pastor Doriani. Those in our culture who are so swift to tell people not to judge others immediately begin judging those who do not agree with their statement to not judge. It is enough to cause an individual to shake their head in confusion and frustration.

In His sermon, Jesus gave several reasons for people to not hypocritically judge others. First, God alone is the ultimate judge of mankind. We have no right to try and usurp His role.

Second, when we hypocritically judge others, we are asking to be judged in return; both by God and by others. This is Jesus’ point in vs. 2 of today’s text.

Often, our judgment of people is usually harsh. We take no prisoners. If words could kill, then we have often committed premeditated murder; perhaps against those we claim to love the most. How different our perspective is when we are on the receiving end of hypocritical judgment. It hurts!

“When Jesus says, ‘Do not judge,’ He does not mean that we must never criticize anything. There is nothing wrong with saying that a certain move is a waste of time, or that certain apples taste bad. Jesus does not forbid the evaluation of others. He forbids the condemnation of others,” states Doriani. “Jesus prohibits a critical spirit, but does not forbid all use of the critical faculty.”

“Church leaders who have gossiped might come down mercilessly on someone who has occasionally used lewd language. This latter sin is real and inexcusable, but we have done wrong when we who judge do not hold ourselves to the same standard by which we judge others (Matt. 7:2),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“The one who judges according to the word and law of the Lord, and forms his judgment by the rule of charity, always begins with subjecting himself to examination, and preserves a proper medium and order in his judgments,” states John Calvin.

No earthly individual is perfect. However, we can make judgments without hypocrisy if we live a life of repentance and endeavor to mortify, put to death, our own sin (Colossians 3:1-5). Are you more critical of others than you are of yourself? Repent of this sin and resolve to be more critical of yourself than you are of others.

Soli deo Gloria!

“Judge not, that you be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1 ESV)

“Few texts are more misunderstood in our day than Matthew 7:1: “Judge not, that you be not judged.” It often comes up in conversations when one dares to make a moral assessment of another person that rubs the hearer the wrong way. “Who are you to judge?” comes the retort, writes Pastor Timothy Witmer.

What is the proper understanding of Matthew 7:1? Are believers in Christ never to make moral judgments? Are pastors and elders to keep silent when church members engage in open sin and rebellion against the Lord and His Word? After all, who are they to judge?

How does a proper understanding of today’s text affect parents and their children? Are parents never to discipline their children because in doing so they are making moral judgments upon their kids?

What about a nation’s judicial system? Does Matthew 7:1 prevent local, state and federal government courts from trying, convicting and sentencing individuals found guilty of criminal acts?

The word judge (κρίνω; krinō) is a present, active imperative command. It means to pass judgment upon something or someone. The second use of this word in the text means to have judgment passed upon because of their act of judging another.

“As the context reveals, this does not prohibit all types of judging (v. 16). There is a righteous kind of judgment we are supposed to exercise with careful discernment (John 7:24). Censorious, hypocritical, self-righteous, or other kinds of unfair judgments are forbidden; but in order to fulfill the commandments that follow, it is necessary to discern dogs and swine (Matt. 7:6) from one’s own brethren (vv. 3–5),” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

Therefore, believers in Christ can, and may, make moral judgments of others as long as they recognize that others may morally judge them for the same, or other, sin.  Pastors and church elders are charged with keep watch over their flock (Acts 20:28-35; I Peter 5:1-5) and confronting sin (I Cor. 5:1-5). Parents are to train  their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (6:1-4). Criminal courts are God established elements of godly government (Exodus 18; Rom. 13:1-7).

“This verse is probably the only verse that every pagan in America knows is in the Bible. They may miss the recitation of John 3:16 in bold letters at sporting events, but they know, “Judge not, lest you be judged.” Any time the church makes a comment about a practice the church deems sinful, the pagan is quick to quote the Scriptures by saying: “Don’t judge. You’re not supposed to judge us,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“When He (Jesus) said, “Judge not, and you shall not be judged,” our Lord was addressing a personality trait that we sometimes find in people. Sometimes, sadly, we even find it in ourselves. We become judgmental in our spirit, censorious of others, or hypercritical of people around us. I think you understand what that is like. It has to do with how we pass judgment upon other people,” writes Dr. Sproul.  

Believers in Christ must not judge other people, when they themselves are guilty of the same sin, or other sin, and behave self-righteously. This is hypocritical judgment. It is wrong, it is sin.

There is more to explore in this unfolding text from Matthew 7. Take time today to ask God to reveal to you when you hypocritically judge other people. Rather than point out the sins of others, ask God to point out to you your own sins. Resolve to repent of this behavior.

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria! 

³¹ “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ³⁴ “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:31–34 (ESV)

I came across an article on worry by Christian author and Pastor Paul David Tripp. The following are excerpts from his essay entitled Thinking Biblically about Worry.

“I am deeply persuaded that real, lasting personal rest of heart is never to be found in ease of circumstances. Even in the best of situations in this fallen world your heart will be able to find reasons for worry. Inner rest of soul and lasting peace of heart are only ever found when Jesus and His kingdom are your highest and deepest treasures. When you place your identity in His never-changing hands, when you find your meaning and purpose in the unstoppable work of His kingdom, and when you place your inner sense of well-being on the sure foundation of His promise to meet your every need, you will be able to rest even when the situations and relationships around you are broken.”

“Defeating worry is not about hoping that tomorrow will be better. No, defeating worry is about being a good soldier in this deeper war for the heart. It is about fighting the temptation to attach the peace of your heart to things that, by their very nature are temporary and, therefore, are not organically designed to give you lasting peace (see Matt. 6:19). It is about daily feeding your soul on the promises and provisions of your heavenly Father. It is about taking special care before you name something a need. And it is about living for something bigger than you. It is about giving the love and concern of your heart to the King and His kingdom and fighting the instinct to construct a Lilliputian kingdom of your own. The kingdom of self will never give you rest because it does not have the capacity to satisfy the cravings of your heart.”

“Worry and rest always reveal the true treasures of our hearts, and in this battle we are not alone because the King we are called to serve is also Emmanuel. He is ever with us and battles for us by His grace.”

I trust you will make an effort to have a worry free day.

Soli deo Gloria!

³¹ “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ³⁴ “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:31–34 (ESV)

I came across an article on worry by Christian author and Pastor Paul David Tripp. The following are excerpts from his essay entitled Thinking Biblically about Worry.

“To understand why we Christians tend to worry more than anyone should with our theology of everyday life, I am going to have to take you on a bit of a biblical tour. I want to begin with two verses that provide a stunning insight into what sin does to all of us. These verses begin to point us to why worry is such a universal struggle. “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all…that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (2 Cor. 5:14–15; emphasis mine).”

“In the ten words that I have highlighted, Paul makes a thunderous observation about how sin fundamentally alters every person’s approach to life. I was meant to live for something vastly bigger than myself. I was created to live for God — His kingdom and His glory. I was designed to get my identity, meaning and purpose, and my inner sense of well-being vertically. I was made to get my reason for doing what I am doing and my rest in the middle of doing it from God. But sin causes every one of us to live for ourselves, that is, to shrink our lives to the size of our lives. Sin causes us to reduce the field of our dreams and concerns down to our wants, our needs, and our feelings. Sin makes us scarily self-focused, self-absorbed, and self-motivated.”

“What does this have to do with worry? Everything! As a result of sin, no longer do we attach our inner peace to a God who is the definition of wisdom, power, and love and who will never, ever change. No, without realizing what we have done, we begin to look for identity, meaning and purpose, and our inner sense of well-being horizontally. We look to the broken and ever-changing situations and relationships of this fallen world for our purpose and our inner rest.”

“Things that were not designed to give us peace and over which we have no control become our replacement messiahs. We ask them to do for us what only God is able to do. You see, here is what happens: important things (like family, work, housing, money, etc.) become all too important to us because they become the places we look to for rest. When they do, they not only do not give us rest, they become the reason for the endless cycles of worry, anxiety, and fear that, frankly, are in the daily lives of too many believers. Your job is important, but it must not be the source of your identity, and when it is, it becomes the cause of endless anxiety. Your marriage or friendships are important, but they must not be the place you look for inner peace. Here’s what Scripture moves us to say. Worry that drives or paralyzes us reveals more about what is inside of us than what is outside of us.” 

How do we defeat worry? That is what Pastor Tripp will explain in our next installment of His Word Today. I trust you will make an effort to join us.

Soli deo Gloria!

³¹ “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ³⁴ “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:31–34 (ESV)

I came across an article on worry by Christian author and Pastor Paul David Tripp. The following are excerpts from his essay entitled Thinking Biblically About Worry.

“Worry—it really is everywhere. Perhaps it is the one experience that all of us have in common. What about you? How much is worry of some kind a regular part of your daily thought life? How much does worry shape what you do and what you don’t do? How does worry interact with the faith that you hold dear? Could it be that worry is a greater influence in your life than you have typically considered it to be?”

“Maybe worry is one of the dirty secrets of the church. Perhaps it renders us timid, passive, and doubtful when our theology tells us we have every reason to be courageous, active, and confident. Could it be that many of us live with a huge gap between the theological confidence that we celebrate on Sunday and the street-level fear, worry, and anxiety that accompanies us the rest of the week? Why do so many of us worry so much? Why do we not experience the rest that the gospel is meant to give us? Why do we have sleepless nights, nervous stomachs, and fretful days? Why does worry so often enter our door?”

“Psalm 3 and 4 are morning and evening psalms, written when David was fleeing for his life and from those who would take his throne. You know the back story. It was David’s son Absalom who was out after his throne. He had already won the hearts of the people of Israel, and now he was after his father’s kingdom. David knew what this was about. This was a monarchy: for a son to permanently take his father’s throne, the father would have to die. So, David flees for his life with a small band of loyal men and is hiding in a cave. Perhaps there is no more heart-wrenching story in Scripture: sin ripping a family apart, sin resulting in sedition and possibly death. In this story, you’re seeing the fallen world at it worst. But in the middle of it all, David isn’t paralyzed by panic. He isn’t driven by worry. He isn’t captivated by the “what ifs.” No, David is remarkably restful. Look at what he writes from the cave: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Ps. 4:8). David is experiencing the full weight of the disappointment and danger of life in this fallen world, but he is not riddled with anxiety. His heart is at rest and his body is able to sleep, even in the middle of what would break the heart of any father.”

“David’s story and David’s psalm confront us with something important. It is what we will be unpacking for the rest of this article. Here it is: The difficulties of life in this fallen world are the occasion of our worry, but not the cause. To understand the cause, you have to look deeper. David was in a circumstance that could be the occasion for much worry, yet he was not fearful or anxious. His rest points us to where help for our worry can be found. Worry is not caused by what exists outside of us. No, worry is caused by what is going on inside of us.”

What is going on inside us? That is what Pastor Tripp will explain in our next installment of His Word Today. I trust you will make an effort to join us.

Soli deo Gloria!

³¹ “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ³⁴ “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:31–34 (ESV)

England Prime Minister Winston Churchill (1874-1965) once stated, “The terrible Ifs accumulate.” He identified the “terrible Ifs” to provide his commanders with warning signs that indicated potential failure.

Jesus continued His discourse on anxiety with a series of recurring “terrible what’s.”  He cautioned His listeners to not say, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ This is what pagans focus upon. He encouraged them to remember that their heavenly Father knew full well that they needed all of these things.

Rather, Jesus commanded His disciples to presently and actively seek first the kingdom of God. To seek (ζητέω; zeteo) means to desire and to obtain. Far greater than food, drink and clothing is God’s rule and reign in our lives as believers in Christ. God’s reign in the believer’s life is characterized by righteousness; both positionally and practically.

“Far from compounding our anxiety, making God’s kingdom the center of our lives frees us from anxiety. If we seek this kingdom first, He will meet all our needs (v. 33). Those who serve Him wholeheartedly and live out the ethics of God’s kingdom will share what they have (5:42; 6:1–4), and thereby our Father will meet our needs through our efforts and the generosity of others. We need not worry about tomorrow, for God always takes care of His own (Ps. 37:25),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

Believers in Christ are to pursue Him. Everything else in life is held in its proper priority when we seek first Christ in all we say, feel and do. Worry and anxiety is inconsistent with this goal. God will meet all our needs (Phil. 4:19-20).

“Rather than being like the pagans who are concerned about physical needs, the Lord’s disciples should be concerned about the things of God, His kingdom and His righteousness. Then all these needs will be supplied in God’s timing. This is the life of daily faith. It does no good to worry—do not worry occurs three times (vv. 25, 31, 34; cf. vv. 27–28)—or be concerned about tomorrow for there are sufficient matters to attend to each day. Worrying shows that one has “little faith” in what God can do (v. 30; cf. you of little faith in 8:26; 14:31; 16:8). As a disciple cares each day for the things God has trusted to him, God, his heavenly Father (6:26, 32), cares for his daily needs,” states Dr. John Walvoord.

Have a worry free day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!