Rules for Relationships

Savior and Teacher: A Study of Matthew PART 19
Dr. Timothy Keller
17 June 2012

Matthew 7:1-11
1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

3Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of you eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?  5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

6"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.  If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

9"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?  11If you, then, though you are evil, know how good to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

RELATIONSHIPS WE NEED
--Romans 14:10 - Why judge people and why look down on them?
--Judge humbly; respectfully criticize others instead of trying to make them feel bad.
--We need help from others to deal with our sins.
--My own sins should feel greater than those around me.
--Surround yourself with people that can speak the truth with love.
--People who discern, but don't condemn.

WHERE IS THE HEART TO DO THIS?
--Don't think about how to use God.
--Think about how I can lose myself to find God.
--Everyone has their own story and pace with God.

Sometimes, you will be trampled by people who are angered by the Truth.
Jesus experienced the ultimate "trampling".