Tuesday Devo
Scripture:
Matthew 7:3-5
3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.
3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.
Commentary:
7:3–5 Jesus may have drawn on his background as a carpenter (13:55; Mark 6:3) for his metaphor of a log in your own eye, which of course was hyperbole (intentional overstatement; cf. Matt. 5:29–30). then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Jesus does not forbid all evaluation or even judgment of others, for ultimately the one who feels grieved and humbled over his own sin can help remove the “speck” from others. What Jesus does rule out is pride that views oneself as better than others (cf. Gal. 6:1).
Questions:
- People that are affirming of homosexuality and gender fluidity in our culture today will sometimes talk about "their Jesus" and how He is loving and accepting and would NEVER judge anyone for their sexuality. He loved people and didn't condemn anyone. They must get this idea from Scripture, right? On the contrary! Yes, Jesus was loving, and He spent time with people that were the most sinful, but the gospels are FULL of examples of Jesus calling people out for their sin and calling them into a different kind of life living for a different kind of Kingdom. A great example is John 8 when Jesus defended the sinful woman but still told her to "go and sin no more." This happens over and over again, Jesus telling people to leave their sin, repent and turn to God. In fact, He tells us HOW to judge those within thee church in Matthew 7, and in Matthew 25 He tells us that He is going to return one day to do just that... to sit on a throne and judge us all. Have you been guilty of adopting culture's soft, affirming view of Jesus? What are the dangers of this?
- What Jesus is forbidding is unnecessary, prideful criticism of others and also judging anyone that is outside the Church. But we are supposed to hold our brothers and sisters in Christ accountable. That is part of healthy community and discipleship. But we must do it in the right spirit; one of humility and grace. Have you ever had someone confront you about your sin with grace, truth and humility? Is there someone in your life that you need to confront about their choices? How might God be leading you to approach this situation?
Pray:
- That you would have an accurate view of Jesus and His character.
- That you would listen for the Holy Spirit's leading when confronting others.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
4. Can a person be good enough to go to heaven? No. Because Jesus rose from the dead proving He is God, I believe a person is saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
(John 1:12, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 4:1-25, 5:1-2, 6-11, 6:23, 10:1-4, 10:9; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 3:4-7)
(John 1:12, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 4:1-25, 5:1-2, 6-11, 6:23, 10:1-4, 10:9; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 3:4-7)
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