Judge Not, You Pig

Passage

Matthew 7:1-6

Sermon Summary

Everyone hates to be judged, but everyone does it. Jesus identifies two ditches on either side of the road, which we are all prone to fall into: Judging people harshly and hypocritically, and refusing to evaluate people fairly and wisely. The only way to stay between these ditches is by clinging desperately to Jesus. His cross liberates us to confess our sin without despairing, empowering us to grow and to help others grow with us.

Discussion Questions

1. [Optional starter question] What stood out or stuck with you from the sermon?
2. Why is the idea of "never ever judge anyone" such an impossible and unloving standard?
3. What are some of your personal pet peeves, and how can you hold those standards without being harsh and/or hypocritical toward others?
4. Which of the two ditches are you more prone to slip into? How does the Gospel of grace steady you between them?
5. Has anyone ever tried to take a "speck" out of your eye? How did you respond—and why?
6. How do Scripture and Fellowship with other believers help you to see yourself more clearly and humbly?
7. How do you practice regular self-examination and repentance? Share any specific approaches that have been helpful to you.
8. Can you think of a time when you "threw your pearls to pigs"? How did you know? What would you have done differently?

Resources Consulted:

• Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyemo
• True to Our Native Land, ed. Bryan K. Blount
• The New Testament in Color, ed. Esau McCauley
• Matthew for Everyone, NT Wright
• The Message of Matthew, John Stott
• The Divine Conspiracy, Dallas Willard
• The Sermon on the Mount, Sinclair Ferguson
• Biblical-Critical Theory, Chris Watkin

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