1-25-2026: Specks, Planks, and Other "I" Problems

Sermon Title: Specks, Planks, and Other "I" Problems  Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:1-6 

Sermon Focus: Jesus says: "Do not judge so that you will not be judged." Don't we have to judge sin? Actually, that is God's job. Church discipline is important but always for the betterment of the other and in recognition that we will be judged by God. We take care not to be hard on the sins of others and lax on our own sins and not to be more focused on condemning others than in helping them to be more like Christ. In today’s message, John Yeatts (pastor emeritus) invites us to apply the words of Jesus. 

Thank you for going deeper in conversation with your small group. Use the following questions to help guide your small group discussion:  

1. Begin by reading Matthew 7:1-6 to yourself silently, giving everyone a few minutes to read and reflect. After that, have someone read the passage aloud. How do the words of Jesus encourage you? Also, how do they challenge you? 

2. Ask yourself, “In what ways am I quick to evaluate, label, or criticize others? How might Jesus be calling me to replace judgment with humility and mercy?” Share with your group what comes to your mind and what the Spirit is saying to you. 

3. Ask yourself, “What “logs” (blind spots, habits, attitudes) might I be overlooking in my own life while noticing faults in others? How would addressing my own sin change the way I relate to others?” Be honest. What is God saying to you? 

4. While we’re not supposed to “judge” people, we are called to judge/discern between good and evil things. How can we practice Jesus’ call to mercy and humility without abandoning discernment and wisdom? Share some examples of how we can “judge a tree by its fruit” (Matt. 7:16, i.e., discern good and evil), without passing judgment on the person. How can we know the difference? 

5. Think about what Jesus means by not casting pearls before swine. Jesus is saying that after honest self-examination, disciples must practice discernment — knowing when to speak and when to step back — so that holy things (e.g., the teachings of Jesus, the gospel, the wisdom of the Kingdom, etc.) are not treated with contempt or turned into occasions for harm. How have you seen this happen before? How can we take greater care in our ministry to others? 

6. LIFE ON MISSION QUESTION: Is there something practical that you can do this week to implement what Jesus has said in Matthew 7:1-6? How is the Spirit inviting you to put Jesus’ words into practice in your current situation so that friends, family, and neighbors can experience God’s love, mercy, and kindness, rather than accusation, judgment, and condemnation? Share with your group what God is asking you to do in the coming days.