HOLIDAY ON ITS HEAD Week 8 - December 13, 2020 Matthew 7:1-12 GETTING TO KNOW YOU 1. Have you ever judged someone without knowing all the circumstances and after realized that you had made a mistake? Explain. Have you ever been the recipient of judgment? How did it make you feel? How did you respond? 2. What is your favorite Christmas Carol or song? Why? 3. Stephen Covey said, “We judge others by their actions, and we judge ourselves by our intentions”. Thoughts? Agree? Disagree? 4. John Chrysostom said, ''Correct your brother, not as a foe, nor as an adversary, exacting a penalty, but as a physician providing medicines. Yes, and even more, as a loving brother anxious to restore and rescue''. Thoughts? Agree? Disagree? 5. Charles Spurgeon said, “None are more unjust in their judgments of others than those who have a high opinion of themselves”. Thoughts? Agree? Disagree? 6. Tupac Shakur said, “Only God can judge me”. Thoughts? Agree? Disagree? 7. Looking back at your notes from this week’s sermon, was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused you? DIGGING DEEPER 1. What does it mean to judge? When Jesus says that we should “judge not”, what does that mean? What is the difference between judging and making assessment/judgments? Explain. Are there any circumstances that we can judge/assess/make a judgement? Explain. • When it comes to this area, how are you doing? Is this something that you do well or struggle at? Explain. What are some of the most common ways that this plays out in our culture today? 2. When Jesus gives us the warning of the measuring stick that we use on others, that God will use on us, what is your response? Does your measuring stick shorten any? Explain. Where does grace come in? How often are we hypocrites when it comes to the standard we use on others and ourselves? • What does the measuring stick you use look like? Are you naturally more judgmental or gracious? Explain. 3. What illustration does Jesus use for judging others? Why does He use the example of a plank or beam in someone’s eye? If you actually had a plank or beam in your eye, what challenges would it create with being in relationship with others? What kind of physical separation would it cause? What limitations would it cause? What would change if the plank or beam was taken out? • Does Jesus ever say to not take the speck out of the other person’s eye? Why is this sometimes looked over when it comes to this topic? Is accountability important? If someone was trying to take the speck out of your eye, how would you receive it? How would you go about trying to take the speck out of someone else’s eye? 4. How were dogs and pigs viewed in Jewish culture? What does Jesus mean when He says that you give them something holy or throw pearls before them? Is everyone always ready to receive what is needed? Have you ever tried to assist or come alongside someone and they weren’t ready or able to receive it? Explain. • What are some examples or circumstances where this truth is applicable and could really benefit those involved? Are you throwing pearls before swine? How do you know when you are doing this? Explain. 5. What is your understanding of verses 7-8? What kinds of gifts does God give us? What illustration does Jesus use? • What do these verses do for your spirit? 6. What is the golden rule? How was this countercultural for Jesus’ audience? Jesus says that the golden rule is the law and prophets, thoughts? What are some ways that you would like to be treated and are not? How do we/you treat others? Explain. • How well do you do the golden rule? Is there anything preventing you from having a golden Christmas? Explain. How can you ensure you have a golden Christmas? GROWING CLOSER 1. Who is someone you shared the gospel with this week? 2. What have you been reading in your quiet times? 3. What has God been teaching you?
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