John Fenalson • August 22, 2020
Read Matthew 7:1-6
The principle of Matthew 7:1 is often used (and misused) in the world today. People say, “Don’t judge me.” This phrase can be misused when we don’t want any accountability and desire to create our own standards. Taken to this extreme, we come to the conclusion that there are no absolutes and we are free to do whatever we choose.
While that is not the principle that Jesus is stating (see verses 5b-6), there are some important lessons we must learn. As an individual we are not to take God’s place as judge. We are also not to play the role of superior. Galatians 6 tells us to gently restore someone who errs, knowing we can falter too. We are also not to be a hypocrite. It is easy to put expectations on others while we take no responsibility for our own actions.
A judgmental attitude is based in self-righteousness. I will handle any situation much better when I focus first on my own life (the log) before I strive to work in the lives of others (the speck).
Family Discussion:
Discuss what lessons we can learn from Matthew 7:1-6
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By John Fenlson
•
September 2, 2020
Read Matthew 7:13-27 We make choices every day. Some choices have little significance, while others are life (or eternity) changing. Jesus closes the Sermon on the Mount with a set of contrasts that are based upon choices. He speaks of two paths, two houses and two fruits. We make the choices that lead to contrasting results. Our ultimate choice is that of accepting or rejecting salvation available through Jesus Christ. Our eternal destiny is based upon our decision to trust Him as our Lord and Savior. Jesus speaks of two paths – which are we going to choose? For those of us who have made the choice to follow Christ, our daily decisions will affect our relationship with Him. Make wise choices and glorify God in our lives. One of the great choices that we can make is to regularly spend time reading the Bible. Yesterday we began a new Bible reading through the Psalms in 91 days (September – November). Consider joining us in reading through the Psalms over the next three months. Family Discussion: Share stories of choices that you made and the results of those choices Talk through how to make a good choice
By John Fenlason
•
August 28, 2020
As we continue our journey through the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7:7-12 gives us hope and two challenges. Hope comes from the recognition that God cares about us and answers our prayers. The first challenge we are given is to ask, seek, and knock. The second challenge is to treat others as we want to be treated. We commonly call the second challenge, given in verse 12, the “Golden Rule.” This command is not based upon others’ actions toward us and therefore is not natural to us. We can only follow this command with God’s help. When we live this out, we will demonstrate the Christlike love that Jesus calls us to throughout the sermon. This challenge, just like the other challenges in the Sermon on the Mount, is countercultural. When we live the “Golden Rule” we will stand out as followers of Christ. Family Discussion: Discuss what it means to live out the “Golden Rule.” Share some examples to help your children understand what it looks like.
By John Fenlason
•
August 12, 2020
Read Matthew 6:25-34 Anxiety is high. Fear of covid, social unrest, mask or no mask, upcoming elections, an uncertain future … We are living in anxious times and worry is off the charts. It is easy to be overwhelmed. In Matthew 6 Jesus gives us an answer to worry. We are to look to God in order to relieve our fear. Our faith needs to be in His supply. We can recognize that He, as our Father, cares about us. He takes care of the birds (v. 26) and the flowers (v. 30). We can be confident that He will take care of us. Our response must be to seek Him first (v. 33). When we trust God for our current situation as well as our future, we can release our anxiety and rejoice in His faithfulness. He won’t let us down. Join us Sunday as we unpack this amazing promise of God.
By John Fenlson
•
July 23, 2020
Motives focus upon the purpose of our actions. They go beyond “what” to ask “why”. As we continue in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges us examine our motives. We must ask ourselves, “Who am I attempting to impress?” The religious leaders had a goal of impressing others. We need to have a goal of honoring God with our actions. When our goal is to impress others, their applause is our reward. When we have the goal of honoring God, He will reward us. The question is, “Do you want to be rewarded from men or from God? Family Discussion: Share examples of attempting to impress men and examples of attempting to honor God
By John Fenlason
•
June 17, 2020
Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (NKJV) One of the greatest dangers we face in any battle is underestimating the enemy. In Ephesians 6, Paul reminds us that we are in a battle and we must be prepared. As followers of Jesus Christ we are in a battle against spiritual forces. Satan’s desire is to defeat us. In our own strength we have no hope – we must “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (v. 10). We must also recognize the importance of the battle. We can let our guard down when we don’t consider the magnitude of the fight. We can float along in life and fail to recognize that it is the most important battle we face. This Sunday we are going to look at these verses as we celebrate Father’s Day. Hope to see you there.
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