Tough Sayings of JESUS in the Gospels
“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine…” Jesus – Mt. 7:6
I. The Caution with CRITICISM (Mt. 7:1-4)
The Context is the very _____________ “Sermon on the Mount” where Jesus is confronting spiritual hypocrisy. Verse 1 is very well-known but often _______________! Jesus commands His disciples not to judge or separate people based on ___________. cf. Mt. 6:2,5,8a,16 FYI – He obviously can’t mean to stop being people of _________________. cf. Mt. 5:20-48; 7:15-23 Jesus’ concern is a ___________ or judgmental attitude.
3 Reasons for Caution:
1. God is the __________ Judge. “lest you be judged” cf. Rom. 14:10-12; Jam. 4:11-12
2. Others will _________ you too. “by your standard” cf. Rom. 2:1-2; Jam. 3:1
3. We are all __________. “but do not notice the log” cf. Rom. 3:23; Jam. 1:22-24 The sin that Jesus most often confronted in the Pharisees was the sin of _______ _______________.(Mt. 23:27)
II. LOGS, DOGS and HOGS (Mt. 7:5-6)
Before attempting to remove their brother’s _________, Jesus said to remove the _____ from their own eye. i.e. humility & confession cf. Gal. 6:1; Ps. 51:10-13 NOTE – Jesus instructs His disciples to take the “speck” out of their brother’s eye only when they can ________________. (v. 5) i.e. self-examination
“Vulnerable, humble, transparent individuals make the best confronters.” Charles Swindoll
Verse 6 is a jolting climax that shatters any false ideas of ______________! i.e. A Right Balance The believer & the Church must be morally & doctrinally discerning & ________________. cf. 1 Pet. 4:17 By speaking of “dogs” and “swine,” Jesus was instructing not to share God’s precious Truth with those who are ______________ toward it. cf. Mt. 10:14; Ac. 18:5-6
Practical Application:
- Eye and Log
- Brother
- Pearls
Appointments with God
“Tough Sayings of JESUS”
Matthew 7:6
Monday, August 30th
Meditate upon Judgment & the Household of God:
- 1 Peter 4:17; Rom. 2:1-3; 14:10-13
What does Peter mean by Judgment “beginning” with the Household of God? Spend some time in humble self-examination and confession of sin before God.
Tuesday, August 31st
Meditate upon Jesus and Judgment:
- John 3:17-18; 5:22; 7:24; 8:15-16; 1 Pet. 2:23
Jesus is able to judge righteously because He is a Just Judge. If you have been wronged or hurt, spend time in prayer for that person & entrust it to God.
Wednesday, September 1st
Meditate upon the Thoroughness of God’s Judgment:
- 1 Corinthians 4:4-5
Notice the words “things hidden in the darkness.” God will “disclose the motives of men’s hearts” and so confess your desire to “control” certain situations and turn them over to God and give praise to God!
Thursday, September 2nd
Meditate upon the Caution concerning Judgment:
- James 4:11-12
Our tongue can speak before we think and can get us into trouble. Have you “spoke against a brother” recently? Confess your critical spirit to God and repent of it. Ask God to change it!
Friday, September 3rd
Meditate upon the Caution concerning Judgment:
- 1 Cor. 5:9-13; Titus 3:10-11
When should a believer “judge” another & when should he not? Pray for a spirit of biblical discernment for yourself & for the Church!! Cry out to God!!
Saturday/Sunday, Sept. 4-5
Meditate upon the Caution concerning Judgment:
- Galatians 6:1
Spend a good bit of time praying over & observing this one verse. What is God saying to you about how to confront a brother or sister in sin, morally or doctrinally? Pray for wisdom as to your response.
[audio:http://www.marshalltownefc.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/28-I-Cant-Believe-He-said-That-Mt-7_1-6.mp3|titles=28 I Cant Believe He said That (Mt 7_1-6)] 28 I Cant Believe He said That (Mt 7_1-6)
Notes: S-Tough Sayings – Mt. 7.6
PowerPoint: S-Tough Sayings-Mt. 7.6
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