Discussion Questions: Luke 6:37-42

For the message, The Most Misunderstood Verse in the Bible given by Pastor John at New City Church on September 29, 2013

These discussion questions are designed to help you reflect upon and apply the message from the Scriptures. You can use these by yourself for reflection, or you could use these with your family or small group for discussion.

Introduction: What do you think about the question, Who are you to judge me? When is it usually used in our culture? What is it meant to do? Do you think its possible to go through this life without making any sort of moral evaluations? Questions: 1. Read both the context (Luke 6:27-36) and the text (Luke 6:27-36). How does the context shed light on how we should be reading the text? In other words, who does Jesus want us to imitate? 2. Verse 37 is usually taken out of context and infused with the meaning our culture wants. See, the Bible says, Do not judge, so you shouldnt under any circumstances judge someone else. What clues from the text itself lets us know that this is not what Jesus meant. 3. Pastor John made the point that what Jesus is calling us to be is magnanimous. That word is defined as having or showing a generous spirit; one who is generous in forgiving an insult or injury; free from petty resentment or vindictiveness. How is this a different way of being human than what our world teaches us? 4. What is point of what Jesus saying in verses 39-40? How is Jesus distinguishing himself from the religious leaders of his day?

5. What is the main point that Jesus is teaching us when he refers to the log & speck? How does this inform us about the way that Jesus wants us to be able to judge? Cf. John 7:24. 6. In the application, Pastor John made reference to one of Jonathan Edwards resolutions: Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. What are your initial thoughts here? What is Edwards trying to do in making this resolution? Can you give some practical examples of how we might be able to use this as a rule of thumb in our lives?

7. Pastor John concluded with the thought, Be grateful for grace. Why did he say that? What is it about Christianity that gives us hope that we can hold out for grace? Conclusion: What is the one thing you want to take away from this study to remember or to make a change in your life? How does this text challenge you to follow Jesus?

Renewing your mind: Luke 6:42, Why do you see the speck that is in your brothers eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?