Rev. Cyril A. Stevens – Sermon 1006B recorded on July 14, 1985 teaching from Matthew 7:1-7 – Of Dogs and Hogs.
Pastor Cyril A. Stevens’ sermon delves into a “very awkward chunk of scripture” from Matthew 7:1-7, focusing on the commonly misused command “Do not judge, or you will be judged.” He clarifies that this passage is not a blanket prohibition against all discernment but rather a warning against hyper criticism and a condemning spirit, often stemming from hypocrisy, as illustrated by the parables of the plank and the speck. Stevens links this theme to Jesus’ teaching about not casting “pearls of enormous value” before “ravenous dogs and pigs,” urging disciples to avoid those who will deliberately dishonor the Gospel. Ultimately, Pastor Stevens stresses the necessity of self-examination to remove the internal “Pharisee attitude” and cultivate the love described in 1 Corinthians 13, which is characterized by patience, kindness, and freedom from a fault-finding disposition.