Jim Gallagher

Matthew 7:5
“Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Often, when we know of a Christian friend who is stumbling in their walk with Jesus, we are not sure what to do. They may have gotten involved in an ungodly activity or into a bad relationship, or simply stopped investing into their relationship with Christ. We want to help, but at the same time we fear that saying something will be construed as “judging them.” Jesus gives us, in this passage, a keen insight into how to deal with one another in the body. When you see something amiss in my relationship with Christ, the first place you should look is inward. Is there anything out of place in your relationship with Christ? What you find must be removed. The Biblical way of dealing with personal sin is found in 1John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive . . . and to cleanse…” Once you have “removed the plank,” it is time to look outward to see how you can help me “remove the speck.”

Too often, we neglect helping one another out of fear of judging them. It is important to remember, the Bible exhorts us to do all we can to help one another make it to the end of the race, where we will be welcomed by the loving arms of Jesus.

Galatians 6:1
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”

Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Hebrews 12:12
“Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, . . .”
Let’s go out today seeking to do all we can to help one another reach the end of our faith and the salvation of our souls.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Chapter 7

1. What does Jesus tell us to do with the plank in our eye?
2. How will that help us help others?
3. Is there anything in your life that needs to come out? Take some time right now to confess it to God and ask His help to remove it.
4. “Ask, seek knock” Jesus is teaching the need for persistence in prayer. Is there anyone who you have given up praying for? Start again today and be consistent, heaven is filled with people who made decisions for Christ in their final years, days even hours.
5. To understand the “Narrow Way,” look up John 14:6 and John 1:12.
6. Who does Jesus warn us against?
7. In the final verses of chapter 7, what does the rock represent?
8. How can you build your life on the rock?

Old Testament:
Genesis 13- Moving Forward
Genesis 14- Meeting Melchizedek