Sermon on the Mount – Pt 8

Matthew 7:1-6 (NLT)

1 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.

3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.

Matthew 7:20 (NLT)

20 Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

Matthew 18:15 (NLT)

15 “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.

Galatians 6:1 (NLT)

1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

Matthew 7:1-2 (MSG)

“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging.

Matthew 7:3-5 (NLT)

We tend to judge ourselves by our intentions and judge others by their actions.

THE KINGDOM WAY TO HELP SOMEONE WHO HAS SIN OR A FAULT IN THEIR LIFE:

– Deal with my own stuff first.

– Have a heart of humility.

– Extend mercy and grace.

Matthew 7:6 (NLT)

6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.

7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

9 “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

Ask = let your request be known; be specific.

Seek = seek God’s face; seek his will through the scriptures; seek his kingdom.

Knock = go into God’s presence boldly, presenting your case to the loving heavenly Father.

– How might these words of Jesus be stirring you to be bolder and more persistent in prayer?

Matthew 7:12 (NLT)

12 “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

– How might God be calling you to live out the Golden Rule this week?

SMALL GROUP MEETING OUTLINE

Where your faith intersects with real life!

Reconnect:

Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.

Explore:

Review the message notes.

Big Idea: Jesus tells us to show mercy instead of judgment, to treat others as we want to be treated, and to persist in prayer to our generous Heavenly Father.

Consider:

Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.

▶ Read Matthew 7:1-5 in the Message version if possible. What is the difference between judging well and being judgmental?

▶ Read Matthew 7:7-8. Which action word: ask, seek or knock, stands out to you at this time and why?

Activate:

Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share with the Group.

Read Matthew 7:12. Ask God for one area you can be proactive in and intentionally do something for someone.

Prayer:

Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.

Take turns praying for the persistent prayer focus God put on your heart.