The Golden Rule Matthew 7 1 12 The

The Golden Rule ¨ Matthew 7: 1 -12

The Golden Rule ¨ Leadership is an awesome responsibility. ¨ Dependence on God is essential. ¨ People may decide about God from what they see in YOU and ME! ¨ Calling of Christians=exemplify Christ ¨ Increased authority=increased responsibility ¨ Accountability groups=submission to one another out of reverence for Christ

The Golden Rule ¨ Sometimes we must make judgments and confront one another. ¨ Sometimes we’re not 100% right and must apologize. ¨ We don’t need to be 100% right to hold one another accountable. ¨ Mutual Accountability is our calling, our charge, our duty.

The Golden Rule ¨ Do we judge each other: ¨ -too often? ¨ -too harshly? ¨ -condemning? ¨ -assume worse/worst motives? ¨ -repeatedly? ¨ -like we want to be judged?

The Golden Rule ¨ “Censorious” disposition? ¨ “Addicted to censure; apt to blame or condemn; ready to pass severe remarks on a person’s conduct…” ¨ “Implying or expressing censure…” ¨ Isn’t censure sometimes needed? ¨ Shouldn’t we be tolerant?

The Golden Rule ¨ Does “tolerance” mean no judging others? ¨ Jesus is NOT suggesting moral indifference! ¨ “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. ” ¨ These were “unclean” animals, not part of God’s expressed will, not believing or following God. We must use discretion.

The Golden Rule ¨ Tolerance isn’t bad, but there is a limit. ¨ This is about dealing with each others: ¨ -weaknesses ¨ -errors ¨ -sins ¨ These may be. or LARGE, specks or planks ¨ They’re usually obvious to others… not us!

The Golden Rule “Do to others as you would have them do to you. ” ¨ HOW do we deal with others when we see their specks or planks? ¨ Jesus gives us incentive to judge gently and lovingly ¨ Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5: 22 -23) should mark our relationships ¨ Paraphrase “Always treat others the way you want to be treated!”

The Golden Rule “Do to others as you would have them do to you. ” ¨ Or “Judge as you would like to be judged. ” ¨ Jesus said “This sums up the Law and the Prophets” It is clearly His will! ¨ Gently speaking the truth… in love ¨ It is only possible with God’s power… ¨ and Love