Study Guide for Sermon on Matthew 7:1-5: “Stop Worrying About Other People’s Stuff”
Opening Prayer
Begin with a prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to guide you as you study and reflect on Jesus’ teachings. Ask for open hearts and minds, and for God to reveal areas in each person’s life where change may be needed.
Scripture Passage: Matthew 7:1-5
“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.”
Sermon Overview
The focus of this sermon is on the call to refrain from judgment, examining our own lives rather than focusing on others’ shortcomings. The message emphasizes Jesus’ compassion and love and the importance of seeing others through His eyes. It challenges us to address the “plank” in our own eye before attempting to “help” others with their flaws, reminding us that judging others can obstruct God’s work in our lives and the church.
Key Points
- Jesus’ Warning Against Judgment
- Judging others brings judgment on ourselves. The same measure we use to judge others will be used for us.
- Self-Examination Over Criticism
- Jesus uses a vivid image of a “plank” in our own eye to illustrate our blind spots.
- Compassion and Humility in Relationships
- We are called to love, just as Jesus did with those society shunned.
- Letting Go of Judgment for Revival
- When the church becomes a safe place without judgment, it becomes a beacon for people searching for hope.
Discussion Questions
Understanding the Text
- Why do you think Jesus places such a strong warning on judging others in this passage?
Applying Self-Reflection
- Reflect on the image of the “plank” in your eye.
Application Questions
- Are there areas in your life where you find it difficult not to judge others?
Prayer Prompts
- Confession and Repentance
- Ask God to forgive you for any judgments.