July 28th- August 2nd Life Group Notes

July 25th, 2025
by Nancy Wiltshire

Being Changed By Jesus' Words- "Don't Judge Others!"

Matthew 7:1-12

LEADERS - Take attendance in the TLC app. Read group guidlines.

Open in Prayer

Welcome/Introductions/Cast Vision - Remind the Life Group of the Guidelines- See bottom of page.

Doing the Mission: Did anyone share Jesus or last week's passage?

Does anyone have a God story? An undeniable encounter or experience with God that creates an impact or breakthrough in your day-to-day life. These moments can be extraordinary or very humble, but always personally powerful.

Opening Question: Have you ever judged someone for something and then found you were wrong?
Share background for the passage: This passage is more from the sermon on the mount. Jesus is teaching us not to judge others, because that can come right back on us, and He is also teaching us to ask for what we need.
Thought/Focus: Jesus makes it plain that we are not to judge each other. He also says to ask for what you need.
Have someone read or tell this week's passage/story: Matthew 7:1-12

Discuss these questions: Go deeper as led. Remember Head, Heart, Hands.

What does it mean in verse 1 when Jesus says “if you judge others, you will be judged with the same measure that you use”?
Look at verses 3-5. Explain in your own words what you think the “speck” and the “beam” is all about.
If Jesus saw you face to face and called you a “hypocrite”, how would you feel? What would you do about it?
Have you ever had a “plank” in your own eye that you can remember? What did you learn?
What do you think Jesus meant by “Don’t give dogs what is sacred” and “Don’t throw pearls under pigs feet”?
If we do give these animals the precious things, Jesus said they may “turn and tear you to pieces”. What do you think this means?
Read verses 7 and 8. If we ask, then why do we need to seek? What does that look like in real life?
Jesus says in verse 12, “This sums up the law and the prophets”. Can you explain this?

Next week's passage/story: TBD
Select someone to tell next week's story
Dismiss in Prayer

Life Group Guidelines

This needs to be a place where people feel comfortable opening up and sharing with one another. Below are some group guidelines that will help create a safe environment.

CONFIDENTIALITY: What is said in the group stays in the group.

LISTEN: Let's value one another during the discussions by really listening to what is being shared. Try to avoid thinking about how you are going to respond or what you are going to say next.

PAUSE: Allow a pause in conversation after someone shares. Give the person sharing a chance to finish and the group the opportunity to consider what was just shared before responding.

NO "CROSS TALK": Be considerate of others as they are sharing- no side conversations.

NO FIXING: We are not here to fix each other. Jesus does that part. Speak truth is love, give
encouragement, empathize, point to Jesus. You may share solutions God has led you through. The other person should never feel shame or failure, but rather connection & hope.

NO HIJACKING of shared stories.

NO RESCUING: When people are sharing something deeply personal, there can be a tendency to try to make them feel better about themselves or the situation by providing immediate condolences. This will often cause them to stop sharing. Resist the temptation to rescue people.

SHARING: Be sensitive about the amount of time you share.

SILENCE: It is important to allow silence in the group as it provides an opportunity for someone else to share and for members in the group to process the topic or question being considered.

BE SELF-AWARE: Be self-aware of how you are personally affecting the environment through your words, actions, and non-verbal communication.

"I"STATEMENTS: It's easy to talk about the issues of others, but for our purposes, we want you to put yourself on the table. Try to use "I" statements rather than "them', "they", "you", "the church", "us", "we", etc.

FIGHT FOR RELATIONSHIP: We will commit to resolve conflict biblically. When conflict or sin issues arise between group members, we want to make sure that we are honoring God and each other in the way we deal with these issues. We will fight for relationship. I will discuss the struggle with the person I am in conflict with first, & if not resolved, seek wise advice. The following are a few key Scriptures in this regard (there are many others.)