1. “Golden Behavior” Religion vs. Spirituality” – p.8 Matthew 7:1-12

3. Matthew 7:12 (NIV) So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

4. Jesus Bottom Line: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to youSo in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you

5. Two Warnings: A warning against a critical spiritA warning against a critical spirit “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Matthew 7:1-2)

6. Jesus “chiasm” in vv 3-5: Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

7. Jesus “chiasm” in vv 3-5: How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

8. Jesus “chiasm” in vv 3-5: You 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

9. Jesus “chiasm” in vv 3-5: A1 the speck of sawdust in yourA1 the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye brother’s eye B1 the plank in your own eye B1 the plank in your own eye C first, take out C first, take out B2 the plank of your own eye B2 the plank of your own eye A2 the speck from your brother’s eye.A2 the speck from your brother’s eye.

10. Jesus “chiasm” in vv 3-5: Jesus does not forbid confrontation but instead teaches us that self- examination is the first step toward healthy confrontation.Jesus does not forbid confrontation but instead teaches us that self- examination is the first step toward healthy confrontation.

11. Jesus “chiasm” in vv 3-5: Jesus says there is a price to pay for disregarding this truth: You will be judged by God in the way you are judging others.Jesus says there is a price to pay for disregarding this truth: You will be judged by God in the way you are judging others.

12. Two Warnings: A warning against overzealous evangelismA warning against overzealous evangelism “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 turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:6 (NIV) Matthew 7:6 (NIV)

13. Two Warnings: Jesus says there is a price to pay for disregarding this truth: You will be torn to pieces.Jesus says there is a price to pay for disregarding this truth: You will be torn to pieces.

14. Living this truth will require divine assistance “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

15. Living this truth will require divine assistance “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?

16. Living this truth will require divine assistance If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! – Matthew 7:7-11 (NIV)

17. Living this truth will require divine assistance (vv.7-11) In this teaching on prayer Jesus tells us to do three things; ask, seek and knockIn this teaching on prayer Jesus tells us to do three things; ask, seek and knock

18. Living this truth will require divine assistance (vv.7-11) Jesus says that because we live with certain moral laws we have expectations for how parents will treat their children.Jesus says that because we live with certain moral laws we have expectations for how parents will treat their children.

19. Living this truth will require divine assistance (vv.7-11) We expect even evil parents to provide a certain level of care for their children.We expect even evil parents to provide a certain level of care for their children. God’s care is much greater than the best human parent has ever provided.God’s care is much greater than the best human parent has ever provided.

20. Our Bottom Line: Jesus-centered people have “golden behavior”.Jesus-centered people have “golden behavior”. So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 (NIV)

21. Our Bottom Line: Jesus “Golden Rule” is active not reactive or passive.Jesus “Golden Rule” is active not reactive or passive. Jesus “Golden Rule” connects religion (doing) and spirituality (being).Jesus “Golden Rule” connects religion (doing) and spirituality (being).

22. For those just starting… Forgive anyone who claimed to be a follower of Christ and violated what the Holy Spirit is doing in your life by trying to force religion on you when you were not ready for it.Forgive anyone who claimed to be a follower of Christ and violated what the Holy Spirit is doing in your life by trying to force religion on you when you were not ready for it.

23. For those just starting… Be sensitive to the work of the Holy Spirit in your lifeBe sensitive to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life

24. For those who are following hard after God… 1.Remember your own salvation. 2.Ask God to forgive you for trying to correct and control others without even listening to them.

25. For those who are following hard after God… 3. Ask God to give you discernment for inviting others to make Him their God! 4. Live in repentance 5. Celebrate God’s faithfulness

26. For everyone Let Jesus words shape your image of GodLet Jesus words shape your image of God