Continued from the O.P.
Many Say "Just Believe"... But What Did Jesus Actually Teach?
About judging others and examining ourselves
One of the most quoted teachings of Jesus is, "Judge not." Many people use these words to say that we should never point out sin or speak about what is right and wrong. But when we read everything Jesus says, we see that this is not His meaning.
Matthew 7:1–5 (ASV)
"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me cast out the mote out of thine eye; and lo, the beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."
Jesus is not saying we should ignore sin. He is warning against hypocrisy. Before trying to correct someone else, we must first examine our own hearts. A person who refuses to deal with his own sins cannot help another with sincerity.
Notice that Jesus says, "first cast out the beam out of thine own eye." Then we will "see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye." The goal is still to help our brother, but only after we have first judged ourselves.
Jesus also says:
John 7:24 (ASV)
"Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment."
Here Jesus does not forbid judgment. Instead, He commands righteous judgment. We are not to judge by outward appearances, personal opinions, or favoritism. We are to judge according to God's truth.
This means we should be careful, fair, and humble. We should never condemn others while excusing ourselves. At the same time, we should not call evil good or good evil. Jesus Himself spoke plainly about sin, but He always did so with truth and mercy.
He also teaches us to forgive those who wrong us.
Luke 6:37 (ASV)
"And judge not, and ye shall not be judged: and condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: release, and ye shall be released."
A follower of Christ should not have a harsh and condemning spirit. Instead, he should be patient, merciful, and willing to forgive, remembering how much mercy God has shown him.
In daily life, this means looking honestly at ourselves before criticizing others. It means asking whether our own lives reflect the teachings of Jesus. It means correcting others gently, not proudly. It means speaking the truth without hatred and showing mercy without compromising what is right.
The message is simple. Jesus calls His followers to examine themselves first, to judge righteously according to God's truth, and to treat others with the same mercy they hope to receive.
About false prophets and false teachers
Jesus repeatedly warned His followers that not everyone who speaks in God's name speaks the truth. One of the greatest dangers to believers is deception. For this reason, He told His disciples to be watchful.
Matthew 7:15–20 (ASV)
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit... Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
Jesus says that false teachers often appear harmless. They may speak kindly, sound convincing, and even claim to speak for God. But appearances are not enough. He tells us to examine the fruit of their lives and the fruit of their teaching.
Good fruit agrees with the words of Jesus and produces lives that reflect His character. Bad fruit turns people away from His teachings, excuses sin, or leads people to trust in something other than obedience to God.
Jesus gives another warning when speaking about the last days.
Matthew 24:4–5 (ASV)
"And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man lead you astray. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ; and shall lead many astray."
The first warning Jesus gives about the last days is not about wars, earthquakes, or famine. It is about deception. He knew that many would come using His name while teaching things He never taught.
Later He says:
Matthew 24:11 (ASV)
"And many false prophets shall arise, and shall lead many astray."
And again:
Matthew 24:24 (ASV)
"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect."
Jesus warns that miracles alone are not proof that someone speaks for God. Even impressive signs can be used to deceive. The true test is whether their teaching agrees with what Jesus taught.
This is why Jesus continually points His followers back to His own words.
John 8:31 (ASV)
"If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples."
A believer who remains in the teachings of Christ is far less likely to be deceived by teachings that contradict Him.
In daily life, this means we should not believe every teacher simply because they are popular, persuasive, or perform impressive works. We should compare everything with the words of Jesus. If a teaching causes us to ignore His commandments, reject His warnings, or redefine what He clearly taught, then it should be rejected.
Jesus does not tell His followers to live in fear, but He does tell them to be watchful. The safest place for every believer is to remain close to Christ, to know His words well, and to measure every teaching against what He Himself has said.
When we gather all of Jesus' words together, the message is clear. Do not judge with hypocrisy, but judge righteously. Examine yourself before correcting others. And do not follow every voice that claims to speak for God. Remain in the words of Jesus, for His truth is the sure foundation that protects His disciples from deception.