Toxic Christianity –Judgmentalism – September 17, 2023

Welcome, Introduction, and Opening Prayer

SHARE – Icebreaker – In this sermon series, we are exploring some of the toxic behaviors that we experience in the church. This Sunday we are looking at judgmentalism and Jesus’ Golden Rule. What was a rule in your house when you were growing up?

STUDY - Text: Matthew 7:1-12 (NRSV)

“Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. 2 For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. 3 Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye. 6 “Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you. 7 “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? 10 Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! 12 “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.”

When have you felt misjudged by someone? When have you misjudged someone else?

What are some ways that being judgmental can be harmful to yourself and others?

Christians are often regarded as being hypocritical, exclusive, and judgmental. What are some ways that we can change how people perceive Christians? How might the Golden Rule help us with that?

Jesus invites us to ask, seek, and knock – trusting that God only gives good things to those who ask. How does this invitation change your understanding and practice of prayer?

SUPPORT - Blessings and Burdens: What has been life-giving for you this week? What has been life-draining for you?

Closing Prayer