Summer on the Mount: Judging Others

Matthew 7:1-5

1) Imagine somebody walked through the door right now and they were openly against your views, and wanted to join our rGroup and participate in the discussion. What is your response?

• Would your response be the same for a non-believer and believer, or different? Explain.

2) Have you judged people in the past that made you look like a Pharisee? What were your intentions? What would you do differently?

3) If we are required to remove the "log from our own eye" before we remove the "speck from our brother's eye" when do you suppose it is necessary to "judge" our brother (or sister)?

• What is the objective in our judgments?

• Give an example of when you did this? What was the outcome? How was it received?

4) Matthew 18:15-20 says that judgment of our brother in Christ's sin is necessary for edification of the body. Discuss why this is important.

5) Discuss with the group a practical approach to how we should "judge" all people. What is the biblical protocol to these situations?

Homework:

1) Who have you been judging that you shouldn't have been? Approach that person and apologize for your sin.

2) Who is openly sinning that you feel you should lovingly approach so they can repent? Approach that person and explain to them biblically why it is necessary.

3) Do you still feel like you have "a log" in your eye, and are in no position to do either of these two things? If so, talk to a trusted friend, your rGroup leader or Elder to help work through these issues. Strive for a lifestyle that is holy and reflective of our God and Savior, Jesus.