Message Notes
Look Back
What did you do to help someone else experience or understand the love of God this week?
Look Up
Read Matthew 7:1-5
- According to the passage from Matthew, what are followers of Jesus to do instead of judging others? How easy is this for you to apply, and what specifically helps or hinders you?
- In what ways does Jesus say we are to show God’s love to others in these verses? How is this different or similar from some of the beliefs of today’s culture?
Read Leviticus 19:1-2 and Romans 12:1-2
- According to Romans 12, how does someone “become holy” (set apart for God)? How is this different or similar to the common view of what it means to be “holy”?
Read Romans 12:1 says our actions should be done “in view of God’s mercy”. What does this mean and how does a person’s view of God have to do with a person being made “holy” and “acceptable"?
Read John 3:16-18 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-29
- What do these verses say about God’s love and judgment?
- What do they say about our need for God’s mercy and repentance?
Overall (Discovery Bible Study)
- What do these scriptures say about God?
- What do they say about people?
- How will I apply this to my life?
Look Ahead
What will you do to acknowledge God’s mercy and allow Him to make you holy and acceptable this week?
Notes
Jesus’ command for us not to judge does not mean that there is no judgment. Using the idea of God’s love to condone or justify sin is evil - God’s love cannot be an excuse for us to do whatever we want to do. In contrast, God’s love is intended to make people “holy”, or different and set apart to be used by God and lead others into a personal relationship with a holy God. In the name of love, modern culture tends to want equality for all, without the concept of holiness. Followers of Jesus are called to repentance and holy living because of God’s love for us. However, the overwhelming nature of “holiness” is impossible without first recognizing God’s mercy and personal surrender to Jesus as our Lord and Savior
