Sermon On The Mount Series - Wisdom In Relationships

---

Being Kingdom Minded

Please use whatever section you feel you need to cover. These studies are written to cover a wide range of people at various points along their faith journey, as such some sections may not be relevant to you or your group, feel free to use whatever is helpful. - GRANT

Passage: Matthew 7:1-12

Main Themes:

• Judging others

• Discerning spiritual truth

• Asking, seeking, knocking

• The Golden Rule

I. Read the Passage

Read Matthew 7:1-12

II. Observation & Initial Thoughts

• What are your immediate reactions to this passage?

• Which verses or phrases resonate with you most strongly?

• What seems to be the overarching message Jesus is conveying?

III. Deeper Dive & Discussion Questions

A. Judging Others (vv. 1-5)

• What does Jesus mean by "Do not judge, or you too will be judged"? Does this mean we should never make any evaluations or discernment about people's actions or beliefs? If not, what kind of "judgment" is Jesus prohibiting?

• How does the metaphor of the "plank in your own eye" versus the "speck in your brother's eye" illustrate Jesus' point?

• Why is it so difficult for us to see our own flaws (the "plank") when we are quick to notice others' shortcomings (the "speck")?

• How can practicing self-reflection and humility help us to be more gracious and effective in addressing issues with others?

• Can you think of a time when you were quick to judge someone, only to later realize you had a similar or greater flaw yourself?

B. Don't Cast Pearls Before Pigs (v. 6)

• This verse seems to contradict the idea of loving and sharing with everyone. What do "dogs" and "pigs" represent in this context? What are the "holy" things and "pearls"?

• When might it be appropriate not to share certain spiritual truths or sacred things with those who are hostile or unreceptive?

• How can we discern when someone is genuinely open to spiritual truth versus when they might treat it with contempt?

C. Ask, Seek, Knock (vv. 7-11)

• Jesus gives three commands: "Ask," "Seek," and "Knock." What is the significance of these three distinct actions? How do they progress in intensity or effort?

• What promises are attached to each command?

• Why does Jesus use the analogy of a human father giving good gifts to his children? How does this illustrate God's nature and His willingness to respond to our prayers?

• What does this passage teach us about the persistence and faith required in prayer?

• Are there times when we feel like our prayers aren't answered? How might this passage encourage us in those moments?

D. The Golden Rule (v. 12)

• This verse is often called "The Golden Rule." What does it mean to "do to others what you would have them do to you"?

• How does applying the Golden Rule impact our relationships, our work, and our interactions with strangers?

• In what ways is the Golden Rule a challenging command to live out consistently? What prevents us from always applying it?

• How does this verse connect back to the earlier teaching about judging others?

IV. Personal Application & Reflection

• In which area of your life do you need to be more careful about judging others? What steps can you take to remove the "plank" from your own eye?

• How can you apply the "Ask, Seek, Knock" principle more intentionally in your prayer life? What are you currently asking, seeking, or knocking for?

• What is one specific way you can practice the Golden Rule in your interactions with someone this week?

• Considering the entire passage (7:1-12), what is the most significant spiritual challenge or encouragement for you right now?

See Video from Bible Project on Wisdom In Relationships in the Sermon On The Mount: https://bibleproject.com/videos/wisdom-in-relationships