Preparing for Sunday - Matthew 7:1-6
February 7, 2013Carefully Think
- Read Matthew 7:1-6. Sum up the main idea in one sentence.
- What does "judge" mean in this context? How do you know? What does it not mean in this context? Why? Compare this with 1 Corinthians 5:4.
- How do verses 3-5 help define what "judge" means in verse 1?
- What are the consequences of inappropriately judging someone else?
- Who is being judged in this context (vv 3-5 give an indication)?
- How can you tell that these verses are not suggesting that we never address sin in another person's life?
- How does verse 6 fit with verses 1-5?
- Who would the "dogs" and "pigs" refer to (how is this a different group than those being addressed in vv 3-5)?
- What would the "holy" things and the "pearls" refer to in verse 6?
Prayerfully Meditate
- List as many examples as you can think of that would be a violation of what kind of judging Jesus is referring to in 7:1-5.
- Who would be examples of those in v6 for whom we are called not to engage with?
- In what ways have you demonstrated the kind of judgment condemned in 7:1-5?
- In what ways have you been a recipient of the kind of judgment condemned in 7:1-5. What would be a biblical response to receiving that sort of judgment? What does the rest of the Sermon on the Mount suggest?
- How can you help to create a climate among Christians that does not give in to the judgment described in 7:1-5?
- How do you know when you should apply verse 6?
Intentionally Act
- Do you need to ask forgiveness of another brother or sister because of your own violation of Matthew 7:1?
- What sins in your own life do you need to be most mindful of and confess before God before helping another with their sin?
- What is the best and most appropirate way you should confront sin in another person when you see it?
- Pray for our church to specifically show the kind of love Jesus is calling for in this passage.
- Pray for those who will be leading our service on Sunday: Dawson Bryant, music; Mark Krystyniak, Elders' Prayer and Scripture Reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
- Listen to the music we will be singing on Sunday and prepare yourself to sing with the church. Consider how the lyrics undergird the message of Matthew 7:1-6.
Songs for Sunday
Morning
Evening
- Your Words of Life
- Immovable Our Hope Remains
- The Power of The Cross
- Hosanna
- The Church's One Foundation
Lyrics
Morning and Evening Gathering - February 10, 2013 by Summit Woods Baptist Church