Gateway Church of Visalia
The Way
Pastor Lance Ainsworth March 27th & March 30th, 2025 The Golden Rule.
Locations & Times
GateWay Church
1100 S Sowell St, Visalia, CA 93277, USA
Thursday 6:45 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM
Sunday 11:30 AM
Sunday 8:30 PM
Introduction:
Matthew 7:1-12 NASB
1 “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. 2 For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
1 “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. 2 For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
A lack of humility skews our vision.
A humble heart can help heal a friend.
6 “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
Dogs and pigs represent those who resist the message and messengers of the kingdom of God. (2 Pet. 2:22)
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
In prayer, ask persistently.
9 Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
In prayer, ask expectantly.
12 “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Therefore, as recipients of good gifts from God, we give good gifts to others.
The Way
Pastor Lance Ainsworth, Matthew 7:1-12
March 27th & 30th, 2025
The Golden Rule.
Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: Who can you trust in your life to be honest with you? Why do you trust them?
Read Aloud: Matt. 7:1-12
1. v.5 “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” How does our sin skew our vision to help others? What are some reasons for us being quick to judge others?
2. v.6 “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” Have you experienced someone averse to the gospel? Why is Jesus directing us to be discerning with our gospel efforts?
3. v.7-8 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be
opened.” Why does God want us to be persistent in prayer? What could you begin praying for this week that God would change in your life?
4. v. 9-11 “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”
Do you expect an answer when you pray? What’s the
difference between a casual prayer and an expectant prayer? When you pray, do you see God as reluctant or willing to answer?
Pastor Lance Ainsworth, Matthew 7:1-12
March 27th & 30th, 2025
The Golden Rule.
Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: Who can you trust in your life to be honest with you? Why do you trust them?
Read Aloud: Matt. 7:1-12
1. v.5 “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” How does our sin skew our vision to help others? What are some reasons for us being quick to judge others?
2. v.6 “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” Have you experienced someone averse to the gospel? Why is Jesus directing us to be discerning with our gospel efforts?
3. v.7-8 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be
opened.” Why does God want us to be persistent in prayer? What could you begin praying for this week that God would change in your life?
4. v. 9-11 “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”
Do you expect an answer when you pray? What’s the
difference between a casual prayer and an expectant prayer? When you pray, do you see God as reluctant or willing to answer?