Pastor Matt reminded us that no righteousness is gained by harshly judging people, especially when we come to conclusions without knowing the whole story. Those who are merciful to others will receive mercy when they need it.
MY STORY
What tends to be your first impulse when it comes to judging people?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use to will be measured to you. 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? 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? 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. "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they ramble then underfoot and turn to attack you. (Matthew 7:1-6)
Why do you think this instruction on judging others follows the previous topics in the Sermon on the Mount (anger, lust, divorce, money, oaths).
Why can it be easy to judge others in these areas of life—especially in those areas where we tend not be to challenged?
When do remarks, meant to be helpful, come across as judgmental? How can we offer loving, constructive criticism without the recipient feeling like he or she is being backed into a corner?
Pastor Matt said, “Literally what Jesus is saying is what measurement you use to judge someone else in your life, whatever that measure is, it will be applied to you.”
What does taking the log out of your own eye look like? Feel like?
How does this painful process help us to see more clearly what’s going on with our brother or sister who may be struggling?
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what "takeaways" do you think God has revealed to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
What is the difference between judging a person’s words or actions as unhealthy, and judging the motives behind those things?
How does genuine humility make people more receptive to our feedback?
What does it mean to throw pearls before swine? How could you apply this metaphor when deciding whether or not to offer feedback to someone?
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit's leading, call us to?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (Matt. 7:7)
Who knows you well, someone you trust, who can help you to see what’s in your blind spot? Knock on their door, and ask for his or her help. What level of candid feedback are you seeking?
How will receiving their feedback prepare you to lovingly confront someone else, when it’s clearly needed and appropriate?
When making a judgement about someone’s words & actions, say to yourself … “This is only a place holder until I actually talk to him or her about what’s going on—I could be missing something.
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
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