I Introduction
Matthew 7:1-6 emphasised the fact that we must learn to treat each other as brothers and sisters in God’s church and not as competitors. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have all been given the rights of sonship, we have the privilege of calling God Father and knowing that he cares for us day by day. Though we have done nothing to deserve his love, he has graciously chosen us and set his love upon us. He has called us and adopted us, according to the pleasure of his will.
Now, as part of this new family, we must let go of our hypocritical tendencies, we must let go of any thoughts that we must earn God’s favour because they will drive us and others from Christ. If we think God’s love is a reward for our obedience, we will inevitably do what we can to make our light shine brighter than others. Our focus will be on ourselves, our honour, our performance, with the result that instead of gentleness and compassion, God’s church will become a place of harsh words and critical attitudes, of behaviour that is not fitting of kingdom citizens, of behaviour that will drive brothers and sisters from the church, casting pearls before swine.
Today, in the additional verses we have read, Jesus will continue to speak to us on the topic of judgment. He will continue to prepare us for life as a church community.
II The importance of context
A Explain: Why is it surprising to think that Matthew 7:7-12 has to do with judgment?
B Explain: How are Jesus’ words regarding prayer often abused/misinterpreted?
C Explain: How are Jesus’ words concerning the Golden rule often abused/misinterpreted?
D Explain: Why is context important? What kind of questions should we ask when reading and interpreting a passage of Scripture?
E Explain: What does the context of Matthew 7:1-6 suggest about how we ought to interpret Matthew 7:7-12?
III Prayer and the Golden Rule
A Explain: What will the Father do for believers who ask, seek and knock?
B Explain/Apply: What has God not promised to give in response to prayer?
C Explain: What is the first and foremost application of the Golden Rule?
D Explain/Apply: Give examples of what the Golden Rule might look like in different church contexts where we are prone to criticise and look down on fellow believers.
E Explain: What do God’s standards reveal about our sinfulness? Why do we want to pray and love?
F Explain: What has Jesus done for us? Why do we want to get rid of a critical spirit? Who has the Father promised to send to help us in our obedience?
IV Concluding prayer
Heavenly Father,
We praise you for your goodness, that you hear our prayers and are eager to help us for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ. Thank you that he came to make us your children, that he lived the perfect life in our place and died the death we deserve so that we can call you Father and know your favour.
Please help us to love our fellow believers. Give us the wisdom and strength we need to respond with gentleness in those times where we see the sins of others, or treat people as we would want to be treated ourselves. Be at work in us by your Spirit to change our thoughts and attitudes.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.