Matthew 7:1-12, concludes the body of Jesus' sermon on the mount, and the key topic of His sermon was the true intent of the Law. In this section, Jesus teaches us about relationships, how we are to judge one another. When the principles of this particular text are applied to 'one another' exhortations, it can be considered the golden rule of one anothering. 

1. Judging Others. Matthew (v.1-6)
2. Ask, Seek, Knock. Matthew (v.7-11)
3. The Golden Rule. Matthew (v.12)

Matthew 7:1-2 are very popular with unbelievers today to promote 'diversity and inclusion.' "Don't be judgy!" They use these verses to criticize Christians who they believe are hypocritical and judgmental. And, in some cases they are right. But they misunderstand these verses in light of the bible as a whole, as the Word of God declares we ARE to judge, not hypocritically, not unrighteously, but righteously.

The first six verses focus on the negative aspects of a self-righteous, judgmental spirit. And the next six verses, 7-12, focus on an attitude that is humble, trusting, and loving.

If you want to be genuinely helpful to your brothers and sisters in Christ, you must be willing to judge them—to discern right from wrong in their lives and be willing to come alongside them to help them do what is right. But as you do so, be sure that you are judging sincerely, discerningly, and prayerfully, or else you will never judge relationally.

Getting Started                          

1. Have you ever entered a singing, poetry or art competition where you, or your talent was judged? Share your story.

•  Read Matthew 7:1-12

2. What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling?

Digging Deeper

3. Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, lest you also be judged” is often used as ammunition against a concept like church discipline. Why would this be a misreading of the text?

4. Read Matthew 7:3-5. What is the speck of sawdust and the plank in the eye referring to?

5. What does Matthew 7:7-11 teach us about God’s character, and how is this an encouragement to be prayerful?

 The Heart of the Matter

6. What is the key word in Matthew 7:5 that Jesus uses in this section to describe these people? How can we keep from being that kind of person?

7. Read Matthew 7:12. This is a very popular saying that Jesus put in the positive but most other religions and philosophers use this saying in the negative. Eg. Confucius said, "What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others." What's the difference?

8. Matthew 7:7 tells us that as Christians we have a great and powerful and loving Father who loves us and will answer our prayers. What fears keep you from taking your requests to God?