Judgment, Humility, and the Spirit of Restoration
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound teachings of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount, specifically focusing on Matthew chapter 7. We began by revisiting the context from chapters 4 through 6, where Jesus preached the good news of the kingdom, healed the sick, and taught about the availability of God's righteousness through faith in Him. In chapter 7, Jesus addresses the critical issue of judgment among believers. He warns against a spirit of condemnation and emphasizes the importance of self-evaluation before judging others. Jesus uses the metaphor of the speck and the plank to illustrate the hypocrisy of judging others without first addressing our own faults.
We explored the concept of not judging others with a condemning attitude but rather with a spirit of gentleness and humility. Jesus teaches that the measure we use to judge others will be the measure used against us. Therefore, it is crucial to begin with a humble assessment of ourselves. This self-evaluation allows us to approach others with a gentle spirit, aiming for restoration rather than condemnation.
Furthermore, we discussed the importance of discerning the capacity of others to receive correction. Jesus advises against giving what is sacred to those who cannot appreciate it, as it may lead to alienation and harm. Instead, we should pray for wisdom and discernment, seeking God's guidance in how to approach and help others.
Finally, we touched on the importance of prayer and a spirit of request. Jesus encourages us to ask, seek, and knock, trusting that God will open doors and provide what is needed. This approach fosters a spirit of gentleness and respect for the dignity and freedom of others, allowing God to work in their lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Avoiding a Spirit of Condemnation: Jesus teaches us not to judge others with a condemning attitude. Instead, we should focus on self-evaluation and humility. By addressing our own faults first, we can approach others with a spirit of gentleness and aim for restoration rather than condemnation. [38:04]
2. The Measure of Judgment: The measure we use to judge others will be the measure used against us. This principle underscores the importance of self-reflection and humility. Before evaluating others, we must ensure that our own hearts are right with God. [42:32]
3. Discerning Capacity: Not everyone is ready to receive correction or advice. Jesus advises us to discern the capacity of others to handle what we share. This discernment helps prevent alienation and ensures that our efforts to help are received in the right spirit. [49:26]
4. Spirit of Request: Jesus encourages us to ask, seek, and knock, trusting that God will provide. This spirit of request fosters a gentle and respectful approach to others, allowing God to work in their lives. It emphasizes the importance of prayer and seeking God's guidance in our interactions. [54:02]
5. Respecting Dignity and Freedom: In all our interactions, we must respect the dignity and freedom of others. Jesus' teachings remind us to treat others as we would like to be treated, with gentleness, respect, and a desire for their restoration and well-being. [55:29]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:02] - Opening Prayer
[31:48] - Review of Previous Chapters
[33:17] - Introduction to Chapter 7
[34:11] - The Good Life and Righteousness
[35:22] - Obstacles in Practicing Religion
[37:33] - Relationship with Others
[38:04] - Do Not Judge
[40:04] - Spirit of Condemnation
[42:32] - Measure of Judgment
[45:32] - Humble Assessment
[46:30] - Gentle Assessment
[49:26] - Discerning Capacity
[54:02] - Spirit of Request
[55:29] - Respecting Dignity and Freedom
[57:28] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 7:1-12 - "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. Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
2. Romans 12:3 - "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you."
3. Galatians 6:1 - "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted."
#### Observation Questions
1. What metaphor does Jesus use to illustrate the hypocrisy of judging others in Matthew 7:3-5? ([38:04])
2. According to Romans 12:3, how should we think of ourselves when evaluating our own actions and attitudes?
3. In Galatians 6:1, what attitude should we have when restoring someone caught in sin?
4. What does Jesus say about the measure we use to judge others in Matthew 7:2? ([38:04])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of self-evaluation before judging others? How does this principle help in fostering a spirit of gentleness and humility? ([38:04])
2. How can the principle of "the measure you use" in Matthew 7:2 affect our relationships with others? What might be the consequences of ignoring this principle? ([42:32])
3. What does it mean to discern the capacity of others to receive correction, as mentioned in the sermon? How can this discernment prevent alienation and harm? ([49:26])
4. How does the spirit of request, as described in Matthew 7:7-8, foster a respectful and gentle approach in our interactions with others? ([54:02])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you judged someone with a condemning attitude. How could you have approached the situation differently with a spirit of gentleness and humility? ([38:04])
2. Think about the measure you use to judge others. Are there areas in your life where you need to practice more self-reflection and humility? How can you start doing this today? ([42:32])
3. Have you ever tried to give advice or correction to someone who wasn't ready to receive it? What was the outcome? How can you better discern the capacity of others to handle what you share in the future? ([49:26])
4. How can you incorporate the spirit of request in your daily interactions? Identify a specific situation where you can ask, seek, and knock, trusting God to open doors and provide what is needed. ([54:02])
5. In what ways can you respect the dignity and freedom of others while still offering guidance and support? Think of a specific relationship where you can apply this principle. ([55:29])
6. How can you practice the Golden Rule ("Do to others what you would have them do to you") in your current relationships? Identify one person you can treat with extra gentleness and respect this week. ([55:29])
7. Consider a person in your life who is struggling or has strayed from their faith. How can you approach them with a spirit of gentleness and a desire for their restoration? What specific steps will you take? ([46:57])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Humility in Judgment
Jesus teaches us not to judge others with a condemning attitude. Instead, we should focus on self-evaluation and humility. By addressing our own faults first, we can approach others with a spirit of gentleness and aim for restoration rather than condemnation. Jesus uses the metaphor of the speck and the plank to illustrate the hypocrisy of judging others without first addressing our own faults. This self-evaluation allows us to approach others with a gentle spirit, aiming for restoration rather than condemnation. [38:04]
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 recent situation where you judged someone harshly. How can you approach that person with humility and a spirit of restoration instead?
Day 2: The Measure of Judgment
The measure we use to judge others will be the measure used against us. This principle underscores the importance of self-reflection and humility. Before evaluating others, we must ensure that our own hearts are right with God. Jesus emphasizes that our judgment should be fair and compassionate, reflecting the grace we have received from God. This approach helps us to avoid hypocrisy and fosters a community of mutual respect and understanding. [42:32]
James 2:13 (ESV): "For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."
Reflection: Reflect on how you measure others' actions. Are you as merciful and understanding as you would want others to be towards you?
Day 3: Discerning Capacity for Correction
Not everyone is ready to receive correction or advice. Jesus advises us to discern the capacity of others to handle what we share. This discernment helps prevent alienation and ensures that our efforts to help are received in the right spirit. It is important to pray for wisdom and discernment, seeking God's guidance in how to approach and help others. This approach ensures that our intentions are aligned with God's will and that we are truly helping rather than harming. [49:26]
Proverbs 9:8-9 (ESV): "Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning."
Reflection: Think of someone you feel needs correction. How can you discern if they are ready to receive it, and how can you approach them in a way that is helpful and loving?
Day 4: The Spirit of Request
Jesus encourages us to ask, seek, and knock, trusting that God will provide. This spirit of request fosters a gentle and respectful approach to others, allowing God to work in their lives. It emphasizes the importance of prayer and seeking God's guidance in our interactions. By relying on God, we can approach others with confidence and humility, knowing that He is in control and will provide what is needed. [54:02]
Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV): "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to ask, seek, and knock? How can you trust God to provide in this area?
Day 5: Respecting Dignity and Freedom
In all our interactions, we must respect the dignity and freedom of others. Jesus' teachings remind us to treat others as we would like to be treated, with gentleness, respect, and a desire for their restoration and well-being. This respect for others' dignity and freedom allows us to build genuine relationships based on love and mutual respect, reflecting the love of Christ in our daily lives. [55:29]
Romans 12:10 (ESV): "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
Reflection: Think of a relationship where you may not be fully respecting the other person's dignity and freedom. How can you change your approach to honor them more fully?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The kingdom of God is available as we are dependent on Jesus. We rely on Jesus. And we allow Jesus to do his work in our life. As we allow that to happen. We become what Jesus calls salt and light. We are salt. We flavor the world. We preserve the world. We are light. We declare the righteousness of God. We reflect his character." [34:11] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Seek first the kingdom of God. And his righteousness. And all these things. That will be given to you. So we have this availability. We've established a relationship with God. We've established a relationship. And now we're practicing our religion. In our religious practices. And in the world. As we live out our lives." [37:04] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock. And the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives. The one who seeks finds. And to the one who knocks. The door will be opened. Which of you. If your son asks you for bread. Will give him a stone. Or if he asks for fish. Will give him a snake." [39:03] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "How would you like to be treated. If you were. Struggling. How would you like to be treated. If you have. Walked away from God. How would you like someone. To come with a condemning attitude. To you. Would you like someone. To manipulate and control. And say this is what you should be doing. And I want to help you seek God." [55:29] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Remember the spirit of God. And the spirit of gentleness. And love. And respect. For the dignity. And the freedom of other people. And pray for them. And ask God to do a great work. In people's lives. When they're going astray a little bit. But first. Let us look at ourselves." [57:59] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We are now offered this good life. And Jesus says I want to take this good life. Make it available to you. To change you. And transform you. And he tells you. You are a good person. When? The righteousness of God. Is in your life. And this righteousness must exceed that. Of the religious people. Because the righteousness of God that is now available. Comes into your heart. From the inside out." [34:50] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We do it because of the work of God in our hearts. And out of the overflow of our hearts. Our lives speak. And so through that at the end of chapter 6. He says. Another obstacle. Is our relationship to God. As we live in the world. And these obstacles are. We become very materialistic. And we suffer anxiety. As we worry. About what we eat. Drink. And wear." [37:04] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you begin to live your life. Judging. An attitude of judgmentalism. You run into deep. Deep problems. And this is what. Jesus is saying. Not to do. So we are not to. Condemn people. There's nothing wrong with evaluating them. But before we begin. Evaluation of people. Sometimes. We need to start. With ourselves." [42:01] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If your eye is healthy. You can see clearly. But if your eye is diseased. You cannot see clearly. And so when you are. Not evaluating your own life. And you are looking at the sins of others. You are unable. To see clearly. How best to minister. To that person. Because that is what we should be doing. As brothers and sisters in Christ. Is to minister. To those people." [44:33] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The goal is to bring them back. And the word restore. Has the concept of healing. It's a broken bone. That gets set. You fix it. You allow God to fix it. And the goal is not to condemn. The goal is always. To restore. The goal is always to restore." [48:28] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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