Embracing Community: Judgment, Growth, and Grace
Summary
### Summary
Today is a day of celebration and reflection. We are blessed to witness multiple baptisms, a powerful symbol of our faith and commitment to Jesus Christ. Baptism is not just a personal milestone but a communal celebration that brings us together as a church family. As we continue our series, "The Bible Doesn't Say That," we delve into the often misunderstood topic of judgment. Many believe that Christians should never judge, but Scripture provides a more nuanced view. While it warns against hypocritical judgment, it also highlights the importance of righteous judgment within a community that seeks to grow together in Christ.
Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:1-5 serves as our guide. He warns against judging others without first examining our own faults. The analogy of the speck and the plank illustrates our tendency to focus on others' minor flaws while ignoring our significant issues. This hypocrisy not only harms our relationships but also distorts our perception of reality. True community involves mutual accountability, where we are willing to both give and receive correction in love.
The key question we must ask ourselves is: What are we hoping to get out of our relationships with others? Are we seeking to elevate ourselves by pointing out others' faults, or are we genuinely committed to helping each other grow in Christ? This requires vulnerability, honesty, and a willingness to confront our own issues. It also demands that we extend grace and truth to others, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive spiritually.
As we prepare for communion and baptism, let us reflect on the kind of relationships we want within our church. Are we willing to be part of a community that speaks hard truths for the sake of growth? Are we ready to remove the planks from our own eyes so we can see clearly to help our brothers and sisters? Let us strive to be a church that embodies grace, truth, and mutual restoration.
### Key Takeaways
1. Baptism as a Communal Celebration: Baptism is not just a personal milestone but a communal celebration that unites us as a church family. It symbolizes our collective commitment to Jesus Christ and serves as a powerful reminder of His transformative work in our lives. [30:08]
2. The Nuanced View of Judgment: While Scripture warns against hypocritical judgment, it also emphasizes the importance of righteous judgment within a community. We must be willing to both give and receive correction in love, fostering an environment where everyone can grow spiritually. [32:40]
3. The Speck and the Plank: Jesus' analogy of the speck and the plank in Matthew 7:1-5 highlights our tendency to focus on others' minor flaws while ignoring our significant issues. True community involves mutual accountability, where we are willing to confront our own faults before addressing others'. [38:24]
4. Vulnerability and Honesty: Building meaningful relationships within the church requires vulnerability and honesty. We must be willing to share our struggles and allow others to speak truth into our lives. This mutual exchange of grace and correction is essential for spiritual growth. [47:00]
5. The Importance of Clear Vision: Just as a dirty lens distorts our view, unresolved issues in our lives can cloud our judgment and perception. We must be committed to addressing our own faults to see clearly and help others effectively. This involves a willingness to undergo deep, sometimes painful, self-examination. [52:46]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:08] - Baptism Celebration
[32:40] - The Nuanced View of Judgment
[38:24] - The Speck and the Plank
[47:00] - Vulnerability and Honesty
[52:46] - The Importance of Clear Vision
[58:32] - Communion and Baptism
[01:00:09] - Reflecting on Relationships
[01:02:02] - Joining a Life Group
[01:04:20] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 7:1-5 (NIV)
> "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus warn against in Matthew 7:1-2, and what consequence does He mention for those who judge others?
2. In the analogy of the speck and the plank (Matthew 7:3-5), what does Jesus highlight about human behavior and judgment?
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of baptism as mentioned in the context of a church community? [31:17]
4. How does the pastor describe the role of vulnerability and honesty in building meaningful relationships within the church? [47:00]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean by "righteous judgment" and how does it differ from hypocritical judgment as described in Matthew 7:1-5?
2. How can unresolved personal issues, like the "plank" in one's eye, affect one's ability to help others within the church community? [42:24]
3. Why is mutual accountability important in a church community, and how does it contribute to spiritual growth? [34:26]
4. How does the pastor's personal story about overcoming insecurity illustrate the process of removing the "plank" from one's own eye? [55:10]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any "planks" that might be clouding your judgment of others? How can you begin to address these issues? [42:24]
2. In what ways can you foster an environment of mutual accountability and grace within your small group or church community? [34:26]
3. Think about a time when you received correction from someone in your church. How did it impact your spiritual growth, and how can you be open to such feedback in the future? [47:00]
4. How can you practice vulnerability and honesty in your relationships within the church? What steps can you take to build deeper, more meaningful connections? [47:00]
5. Consider the pastor's question: "What are you hoping to get out of your relationship with others?" How does this question challenge your current approach to relationships within the church? [33:33]
6. How can you actively participate in communal celebrations like baptism and communion to strengthen your sense of belonging and commitment to the church family? [31:17]
7. Identify one person in your church community who might need encouragement or support. What specific action can you take this week to extend grace and truth to them? [58:32]
Devotional
### Day 1: Baptism as a Communal Celebration
Baptism is not just a personal milestone but a communal celebration that unites us as a church family. It symbolizes our collective commitment to Jesus Christ and serves as a powerful reminder of His transformative work in our lives. When we witness baptisms, we are reminded of the shared journey we are on as believers, and it strengthens our bond as a community. This act of faith is a public declaration of one's decision to follow Christ, and it invites the entire church to rejoice and support the individual in their spiritual walk.
As we celebrate baptisms, we are also called to reflect on our own faith journey and the ways in which we can support and uplift one another. This communal aspect of baptism highlights the importance of being part of a church family that encourages and nurtures spiritual growth. Let us embrace the joy and responsibility that comes with being a part of this community, and commit to walking alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Romans 6:4 (ESV): "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: How can you actively support and celebrate the spiritual milestones of others in your church community today? [30:08]
### Day 2: The Nuanced View of Judgment
While Scripture warns against hypocritical judgment, it also emphasizes the importance of righteous judgment within a community. We must be willing to both give and receive correction in love, fostering an environment where everyone can grow spiritually. This means that judgment should not be about elevating ourselves by pointing out others' faults, but rather about helping each other grow in Christ.
Righteous judgment involves a careful and loving approach, where we first examine our own hearts and motives before addressing the issues we see in others. It requires humility and a genuine desire for the well-being of our fellow believers. By practicing this kind of judgment, we create a community where truth and grace coexist, and where everyone is encouraged to pursue holiness and spiritual maturity.
Galatians 6:1 (ESV): "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."
Reflection: Think of a time when you received correction from someone in your church. How did it impact your spiritual growth, and how can you approach others with the same spirit of gentleness and love? [32:40]
### Day 3: The Speck and the Plank
Jesus' analogy of the speck and the plank in Matthew 7:1-5 highlights our tendency to focus on others' minor flaws while ignoring our significant issues. True community involves mutual accountability, where we are willing to confront our own faults before addressing others'. This self-examination is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and fostering a spirit of humility and grace within the church.
When we focus on our own shortcomings, we become more compassionate and understanding towards others. This perspective shift allows us to approach others with a heart of empathy and a desire to help, rather than to criticize. By removing the planks from our own eyes, we can see clearly to assist our brothers and sisters in their spiritual journey, creating a community that is built on mutual support and growth.
James 1:23-24 (ESV): "For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like."
Reflection: What is one significant issue in your life that you need to address before you can help others? How can you take steps to confront and resolve this issue today? [38:24]
### Day 4: Vulnerability and Honesty
Building meaningful relationships within the church requires vulnerability and honesty. We must be willing to share our struggles and allow others to speak truth into our lives. This mutual exchange of grace and correction is essential for spiritual growth. When we open up about our weaknesses and challenges, we create an environment where others feel safe to do the same, fostering deeper connections and mutual support.
Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to our trust in God's grace and the strength of our community. By being honest about our struggles, we invite others to walk alongside us, offering encouragement and accountability. This openness paves the way for genuine relationships that are rooted in love and a shared commitment to growing in Christ.
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to be more vulnerable and honest with your church community? How can you take a step towards sharing this with someone you trust today? [47:00]
### Day 5: The Importance of Clear Vision
Just as a dirty lens distorts our view, unresolved issues in our lives can cloud our judgment and perception. We must be committed to addressing our own faults to see clearly and help others effectively. This involves a willingness to undergo deep, sometimes painful, self-examination. By doing so, we can remove the obstacles that hinder our spiritual vision and better serve our community.
Clear vision allows us to discern God's will and to act in ways that reflect His love and truth. It also enables us to offer genuine support and guidance to others, free from the distortions of our unresolved issues. Let us strive to maintain a clear and focused spiritual vision, continually seeking God's guidance and grace in our lives.
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
Reflection: What unresolved issue in your life is clouding your spiritual vision? How can you seek God's help in addressing this issue today? [52:46]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Baptism is not a personal celebration. It is supposed to be a church-wide celebration. Amen? So, come be part of that with us today." [31:17] (7 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What are you hoping to get out of your relationship with others? Are you hoping to be somebody that is so far above reproach that no one dare refute you? Are you hoping to be someone that you get to feel better about yourself because of the faults of others?" [33:33] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Are you willing to be part of a group of people that will risk the rejection in a relationship to be honest and to speak truth? Are you willing to be somebody that is willing to let others judge you?" [34:26] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have a natural kind of tendency that we want to help other people. And sometimes it's for the right reasons and sometimes it's for the wrong reasons. Sometimes I want to actually help you, but sometimes I want to help you because I don't want to confront my own issue. I'd rather work on yours." [40:15] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Are you wanting to be somebody people dare not refute? Or somebody that people can come to for truth? Are you wanting to hide or be offended when someone says you're wrong? Or are you wanting to help your church? Are you wanting the help of your church to be able to work on these areas?" [58:02] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The problem is, Scripture doesn't actually teach that. But it does teach that we're not supposed to judge. But it also teaches the benefit of when you live, when you live in a community of people that can be honest with you. That can tell you hard things. That can point out sin in your life." [32:40] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus uses the word hypocrite. You know, the English definition of the word hypocrite is someone who indulges in the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform. Somebody that is willing to hold you to a standard that they are themselves not willing to live by." [49:17] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What if the dirt is on the inside? You've got to take the whole thing apart. You've got to decide how committed are you to saving this camera? Are you willing to do the work?" [53:04] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I told you earlier about my debilitating problem with insecurity. You want to know how the Lord helped me with that? He had to convince me that He loved me. I wish I could tell you that it was like the day that I gave my life to Jesus that problem went away, but it wasn't. Actually, it was eight years later." [53:29] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What kind of relationship do you want with the church? With his church? Do you want to be somebody that's open to the exchange of grace? To the exchange of correction? Do you want to be somebody that is willing to receive others exactly how they are and not judge them because they don't meet your definition of perfect or righteous or disciple?" [01:00:09] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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