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Saturday, April 30, 2016

Avoid Judging, Pursue Healing (Matt. 7:1-6)

Outline: Matthew 7:1-6
  1. What does the command "Judge not" actually mean? (vv.1-4)
  2. How does this command apply in the church? (v.5)
  3. How does this command apply outside the church? (v.6)
Summary: 
Matthew 7 is sort of an extended conclusion where Jesus explains how Christians are to relate to a variety of people: to those inside and outside the church (vv.1-6), to God (vv.7-11), to all people (vv.12-14), to false teachers (vv.15-20) and to Jesus himself (vv.21-27). Beginning in vv.1-4, Jesus forbids applying a judgment to others that is without mercy.  That is, He strictly forbids a harshly critical, nitpicking, fault-finding, judgmental spirit that is devoid of mercy and hope.  In v.5, Jesus shows us that there is a type of "judgment" that starts with "log removal" and proceeds to offer merciful and hopeful help to other brothers and sisters within the church.  Then, in v.6, the principle is applied to those outside the church, particularly unbelievers who are exceptionally hard-hearted and who continually reject the gospel.  Spirit-sharpened discernment is needed in order to know when enough is enough, when one should pack up the gospel pearl, knock the dust of our feet, and focus our labors elsewhere.

Discussion Questions:
  • What is the typical misunderstanding of the command "Judge not"?
  • What does the command "Judge not" actually mean? (cf. James 2:12-13; 4:11-12)
  • What point is Jesus seeking to illustrate by using the log and speck analogy?
  • Is it wrong to take the speck out of another person's eye? Explain.
  • If we understand and apply the command "Judge not" in light of v.5, what beautiful effects might this have in the church? 
  • To whom does "dogs" and "pigs" refer?  
  • What is it that is holy and of great value (13:45-46)?
  • What does v.6 mean and how will we know when it is to be applied?  (cf. 10:5-15)
Application Questions:
  • What sin in my life may be obstructing my ability to sensitively address the sins of others? 
  • Is there anyone in my life whose sins or character flaws or weaknesses I am keenly aware of?
  • If people were to notice the same things in me, how would I want to be treated by them? 
  • How would I want them to feel toward me?
  • How would I want to be thought about and talked about?  
  • How would I be most loved and helped in the face of my sin and weakness?

Prayer Points:
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to expose any sin and hypocrisy in your own life
  • Confess your sins to God and perhaps to another believer (1 Jn. 1:9; James 5:16)
  • Thank Jesus for the mercy shown you at the cross & the hope opened to you in the resurrection 
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to grow your ability to help others see and deal with their sin in a way that is fueled by mercy and seasoned with hope.