What a good past couple weeks we’ve had seeing some powerful stuff from Jesus on the Sermon on the Mount! Here’s some questions from today formatted a little differently today…

Questions for Group Discussions:

Text: Matthew 7:1-6; Romans 2:1-5
Themes: Stop Judging- let God handle it; Walk the Plank- Address your own junk first; Exercise Discernment- Engage wisely with the world

Open the Scriptures
– How has Jesus’ statement in 7:1 about “not judging, lest you be judged” get twisted and misapplied or taken out of context?

– Reflect on Romans 2:1-4, where Paul addresses judging others. What are some similarities and differences between what Paul says and Jesus’ message in Matthew 7:1-6? 

–  Analyze Proverbs 26:4-5 in light of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:6 about not giving dogs what is holy. How do these verses offer guidance on when to engage or disengage in discussions about faith?

– Delve into the wisdom of differentiating between when to speak and when to stay silent.

– What strongly stood out to you from the passage?

Point 1: Stop Judging
   •    When have you been quick to judge someone recently? What assumptions did you make about them?
   •    How often do you compare others to your personal standards instead of God’s?
   •    In what areas of life are you most tempted to be judgmental (e.g., parenting, lifestyle, appearance)?
   •    What would change in your relationships if you extended grace instead of judgment?

Point 2: Walk the Plank

• What “log” in your life might God be calling you to address before helping others?

• Do you take time for honest self-examination, or are you more focused on pointing out others’ faults?

• How has pride blinded you to your own need for grace?

• How can you practice asking God to reveal your own blind spots this week?

Point 3: Exercise Discernment

• Who in your life are you trying to “fix” when they may not be ready to listen?

• How do you discern when to share truth and when to step back in a relationship?

• How can you prayerfully prepare for opportunities to share the Gospel wisely?

• What does it look like to trust God with the results when someone rejects the truth you’ve shared?