"Don't Judge Lest You Be Judged"

1. Our Father is an all-knowing, omnipotent, just, fair, and merciful Judge. What a massive burden to let Him carry! Matthew 2:6, 3:12, 4:17, 5:22, 7:2, 13, 21-23, 27, 29-32; Romans 3:26, 14:4; Isaiah 28:21.

2. Before we can help anyone, we must be miserable and mourn and weep over our own sin and judgmental attitudes (complaining). Only then can we bask in the God of all grace, the just and merciful Father, Matthew 4:17, 5:3-4, 19; 1 Peter 5:10.

3. With the help of a gentle spirit, we can help the brother with his speck. Those who have truly experienced mercy, will be known as mercy givers, gentle in nature, peacemakers, with pure motives and intentions, Matthew 5:7, 6:12, 14-15, 21-26, 43-45.

4. Understand the limitations that each one of us has in helping others, motives are an essential element that we cannot know, 1 Corinthians 4:1-7.

5. Wisdom sometimes stays quiet because some will never listen, Matthew 7:6.

Discussion questions
1. What do many people think Matthew 7 means? Upon quick examination how can we show that this is not what Jesus meant?

2. Why is seeing other’s sin easier than seeing our own? When have you wept over your own sin? James 4. Is it necessary to weep over yourself before you weep over others properly?

3. In what ways do we judge other’s motives? This one may be the most insidiously and deceitful sin there is.

4. How can you tell if someone is so cynical or Pharisaical that they are really unapproachable? Should we ever give up on someone?