The Speck

Matthew 7:1-5
Sermon: Recovery Road part 1

1. Have your ever seen the T.V. show “Judge Judy?” What do you think of her quick decisive judgments?

2. Read Matthew 7:1-5. In this Scripture passage and in the sermon series, Recovery Road, we are going to be learning about attitude – which is our own personal responsibility. Specifically, we are going to talk about our propensity to judge others before we judge ourselves. Why do you think, as human beings, we are prone to do this?

3. How does Matthew 23:12 and I Corinthians 11:31 give us direction in this area?

4. Our culture would tell us that self-exaltation and self-gratification are o.k. and we should build ourselves up. There is a lot of emphasis on “self-esteem.” But the Bible speaks very differently on these subjects. Read Luke 6:41-42. What is Jesus directing us to do?

5. Commentator Matthew Henry shares the insight that while we are not to judge, some in the body of Christ are to “reprove,” which is somewhat different. A good contemporary word would be to “admonish”. Answers.com defines “admonish” as to reprove gently but earnestly or to counsel (another) against something to be avoided; caution. What, in your opinion is the difference between “judging” and “admonishing?”

6. According to Jeremiah 17:9-10 and Mark 7:20-23, what is the true condition of the human heart?

7. What does Luke 9:23-24 say in regards to the way Christians are to deal with ourselves?

8. Human nature is such that there is a constant temptation to self-centeredness. The outgrowth of a self-centered mindset will result in thoughts, words and actions that re hurtful to one’s own walk with the Lord, and then to others around us including one’s church family, friends, church family and other believers.

According to Proverbs 28:13, what are we to do to guard against self-centeredness and the inclination to judge others unfairly?

9. This is a personal question for reflection and self-examination this week. Think through a recent situation in which you were upset. In the quietness of your heart read II Corinthians 5:9; Colossians 1:10; Colossians 3:2 and 3:17 and then determine whether you were seeking to please God or please yourself in this situation?

10. Another question for your own quiet devotion time: Human beings tend to judge the sins of others on a scale. There are sins as big as “logs” and sins that seem as insignificant and minor as “specks.” Yet, when a speck is in our own eye, it is incredibly painful! All of our sins – no matter what size we think they are stand between us and a Holy God. That is why we need a Savior – to forgive us of our sins. As a personal exercise, list the things for which God has forgiven you recently. Include thoughts, words and actions. Look up I John 1:9 and write the words of this verse over your list.

How does looking through the filter of forgiveness change the way we view the shortcomings, faults and outright sins of others?