In a message titled “Judge Rightly, Walk Wisely,” based on Matthew 7, Pastor Allen Victor addressed one of the most misunderstood verses in the Bible: Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” The Pastor explained that this verse is often misquoted or used on social media to justify sinful behavior or to silence biblical correction. Allen clarified that Jesus was not forbidding all judgment but was warning against hypocritical and condemning judgment. Looking at Matthew 7:2, he noted that the measure people use to judge others will also be measured back to them, meaning believers must be careful to judge with humility, mercy, and fairness rather than harshness.

Allen then discussed Jesus’ illustration in Matthew 7:3–5 about the speck in a brother’s eye and the plank in one’s own eye. The Pastor explained that Jesus was confronting hypocrisy—people condemning others for sins they themselves practice. Using the example of the woman caught in adultery in John 8, he reminded listeners that before confronting someone else, believers should first examine their own hearts and motives. Only after removing the “plank” from their own eye can they clearly help remove the “speck” from another’s. Allen illustrated this principle by comparing it to putting on an oxygen mask on an airplane before helping others.

The Pastor also addressed discernment in Matthew 7:6, where Jesus warned not to give what is holy to dogs or cast pearls before swine. In Jewish culture, dogs and pigs were considered unclean animals. Allen explained that Jesus was teaching believers to recognize when someone is not ready to receive correction or truth. Even when a believer’s motives are good, wisdom is needed to know whether the person is willing to listen. This is why Jesus encouraged believers in Matthew 7:7–11 to ask, seek, and knock. God promises to give wisdom to those who seek Him, helping them know what to say, how to say it, and when to say it.

Allen then highlighted the well-known Golden Rule found in Matthew 7:12: “Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.” The Pastor emphasized that believers should treat others with the same grace, mercy, and forgiveness they hope to receive themselves. When confronting someone about sin, the message will be far better received when it is delivered with humility, love, and genuine concern.

Moving further into the chapter, Allen explained Jesus’ teaching about the two paths in Matthew 7:13–14. The broad way is easy and widely traveled but leads to destruction, while the narrow gate is difficult and leads to life. The Pastor reminded listeners that following Christ requires dying to self, taking up the cross, and often going against the culture around us. Salvation is found only through Jesus Christ, not through many paths or religions.

Allen also warned about false prophets as described in Matthew 7:15–20. Jesus cautioned believers that some leaders may appear harmless like sheep but are inwardly wolves. The Pastor explained that false teachers can be identified by their fruit—their teachings, character, and the results of their ministry. Many twist Scripture, seek personal gain, or lead people away from Christ rather than toward Him.

Finally, Allen reflected on Jesus’ sobering words in Matthew 7:21–23, where some will claim to serve the Lord yet will hear Him say, “I never knew you.” The Pastor explained that true followers of Christ are those who do the will of the Father, which includes believing in Jesus as taught in John 6:28–29, 39–40 and living according to His Word. Jesus concluded the Sermon on the Mount with the illustration of two builders in Matthew 7:24–27. The wise man built his house on the rock by hearing and obeying Christ’s words, while the foolish man built on sand by hearing but not obeying. Allen reminded the church that storms will come in life, but those who build their lives on God’s Word will stand firm.

This message was shared at Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, a church under the leadership of Pastor Allen Victor.

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