Potential Side Effects of Kingdom Living
- pastortrevord
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 20 minutes ago
OUTLINE:
Main Point: Jesus desires his disciples to love others wisely and unselfishly.
I. Perfection That Breeds Judgement 1-5
A. Don’t Have a Critical Spirit 1-2
B. Don’t Lack Self-criticism 3-5
II. Love that Lacks Discernment 6
III. Independence that Dismisses God 7-11
IV. Moral Intent that is Selfish. 12
Beyond the Walls (Grace and Growth)
Weekly Reading:
Day 1 – The Subtle Drift Toward a Critical Spirit
Scriptures: Matthew 7:1–2; John 7:24
Where do you notice a temptation to judge others in order to feel better about yourself?
How would your tone or approach change if you remembered that God will judge you by the same standard you use on others?
What helps you differentiate between judging to build up and judging to tear down?
What might it look like today to see someone not through irritation but through the compassion God has shown you?
Day 2 – The Blindness That Comes From Ignoring My Own Heart
Scriptures: Matthew 7:3–5; Psalm 139:23–24
In what areas do you tend to see the faults of others more clearly than your own?
What “logs” do you suspect may be clouding your vision right now?
Why is it easier to talk about the world’s problems than the condition of our own hearts?
How might intentional self-examination transform the way you approach someone who needs correction?
Day 3 – Love Requires Discernment
Scriptures: Matthew 7:6; Proverbs 9:8
How do you understand the difference between loving someone faithfully and enabling someone who wants nothing to do with Christ?
Are there situations where continued effort only leads to hostility or abuse? What wisdom is Jesus offering in such moments?
When have you seen God redirect your witness toward someone more receptive?
What helps you hold together both grace and discernment without drifting into cynicism or harshness?
Day 4 – Dependence, Not Self-Reliance
Scriptures: Matthew 7:7–11; Luke 11:13
Where do you sense yourself trying to grow spiritually on your own strength?
How does the invitation to “keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking” reshape the way you view spiritual progress?
What specific needs should you be bringing to your Father today — not material wants, but the wisdom and grace to live faithfully?
What does the generosity of your heavenly Father teach you about the kind of childlike dependence Jesus desires?
Day 5 – A Life That Turns Outward in Selfless Love
Scriptures: Matthew 7:12; Matthew 5:17
How does Jesus’s “Golden Rule” challenge the way you treat people in the daily, ordinary routines of life?
Where might you be tempted to treat others well only when it benefits you?
How does remembering God’s kindness toward you lead you to pursue the good of others without demanding anything in return?
What relationship in your life most needs this kind of self-giving action today?