Be Self-Aware (Matthew 7:1-6)
08/19/24 • 15 min
In this episode, we delve into the concept of self-awareness through a mix of personal anecdotes and biblical teachings. Rev. Matt Sapp begins by recounting a personal story involving a family member who was unaware that her car tag had been expired for three years, using this as a segue into the importance of self-awareness. This sets the stage for a deeper discussion on self-awareness, inspired by Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount that explores both sides of the self-awareness coin: recognizing our own faults and valuing the most precious parts of who we are.
Drawing from Matthew chapter 7, the he emphasizes the need to avoid hypocrisy by first addressing our own flaws before criticizing others. The episode also touches on the importance of protecting the sacred and vulnerable parts of our identity, urging listeners to nurture and honor these aspects.
He also shares a paraphrased version of the Sermon on the Mount, reimagined as a graduation speech, to illustrate the timeless relevance of these teachings. The episode concludes with reflections on living a meaningful life now, rather than waiting for some future moment of truth. Inspired by Oliver Burkeman's book, '4000 Weeks,' the host encourages listeners to embrace their flaws and sacred dreams, living fully into who they are meant to be right now.
(00:00) The Arduous Process of Car Tag Renewal in Georgia
(02:12) A Hectic Move and an Expired Car Tag
(03:38) The Importance of Self Awareness
(07:40) Reflection on Self Assessment
(11:13) Living a Provisional Life vs. Real Life
Matthew 7:1-6
"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. "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? 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? 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. "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.
Central is proud to be a place
- where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.
- where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.
- where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.
- and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.
Want to learn more about Central? Visit our website at centralbaptistnewnan.org or give us a call at 770-683-0610.
In this episode, we delve into the concept of self-awareness through a mix of personal anecdotes and biblical teachings. Rev. Matt Sapp begins by recounting a personal story involving a family member who was unaware that her car tag had been expired for three years, using this as a segue into the importance of self-awareness. This sets the stage for a deeper discussion on self-awareness, inspired by Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount that explores both sides of the self-awareness coin: recognizing our own faults and valuing the most precious parts of who we are.
Drawing from Matthew chapter 7, the he emphasizes the need to avoid hypocrisy by first addressing our own flaws before criticizing others. The episode also touches on the importance of protecting the sacred and vulnerable parts of our identity, urging listeners to nurture and honor these aspects.
He also shares a paraphrased version of the Sermon on the Mount, reimagined as a graduation speech, to illustrate the timeless relevance of these teachings. The episode concludes with reflections on living a meaningful life now, rather than waiting for some future moment of truth. Inspired by Oliver Burkeman's book, '4000 Weeks,' the host encourages listeners to embrace their flaws and sacred dreams, living fully into who they are meant to be right now.
(00:00) The Arduous Process of Car Tag Renewal in Georgia
(02:12) A Hectic Move and an Expired Car Tag
(03:38) The Importance of Self Awareness
(07:40) Reflection on Self Assessment
(11:13) Living a Provisional Life vs. Real Life
Matthew 7:1-6
"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. "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? 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? 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. "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.
Central is proud to be a place
- where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.
- where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.
- where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.
- and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.
Want to learn more about Central? Visit our website at centralbaptistnewnan.org or give us a call at 770-683-0610.
Previous Episode
Be Measured (Matthew 6 19-34)
In this episode, we delve into the teachings of Jesus from Matthew chapter 6, focusing on the themes of wealth and worry. As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, we reflect on how these two aspects are deeply ingrained in American culture. Jesus' message is clear: do not worry about material possessions and instead seek God's kingdom first. We explore the connection between wealth and worry, and how our modern anxieties are not so different from those of the people who first heard the Sermon on the Mount.
We discuss the staggering statistics of mental health issues in America, despite our unprecedented wealth, and how Jesus' teachings remain relevant today. The episode also highlights the importance of focusing on God's kingdom and righteousness, rather than material accumulation and appearance.
Join us as we explore how to transition from storing up treasures on earth to storing up treasures in heaven, and how to lessen our worries by actively participating in God's work. This episode is a reminder that true wealth lies in giving and serving others, and that by doing so, we can create a world that reflects God's kingdom.
(00:01) Introduction and Gospel Reading
(01:35) Wealth and Worry in America
(04:23) Modern Anxiety and Historical Context
(07:10) The Futility of Excess
(11:04) Seeking God's Kingdom First
(12:23) Community Missions and Impact
(17:03) The Antidote to Wealth and Worry
Matthew 6:19-24
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Lamentations 3:22-33
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust—there may yet be hope. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace. For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.
Matthew 6:25-34
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Central is proud to be a place
- where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.
- where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.
- where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.
- and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.
Want to learn more about Central? Visit our website at centralbaptistne...
Next Episode
Be Revolutionary (Matthew 7:21-29)
In this episode, we delve into the final words of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, exploring the profound teachings found in Matthew 7:21-29. We reflect on the significance of these verses, emphasizing the importance of not just hearing but also practicing Jesus' teachings to build a strong and resilient life. The episode draws parallels between the biblical message and real-life examples, such as the experiences of Olympic athletes Steven Sabino and Alex Walsh, to illustrate the consequences of actions and the importance of a solid foundation. We discuss the warnings against false disciples and the necessity of genuine faith and actions. The episode concludes with a prayer for strength, resilience, and community support in living out these teachings.
(00:00) Introduction and Context of the Sermon on the Mount
(01:49) Warnings Against False Disciples
(04:52) Building a Strong and Resilient Life
(05:53) Olympic Anecdotes and Life Lessons
(13:29) Practical Steps for Resilience
(15:07) Conclusion and Prayer
Matthew 7:21-29
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Central is proud to be a place
- where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.
- where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.
- where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.
- and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.
Want to learn more about Central? Visit our website at centralbaptistnewnan.org or give us a call at 770-683-0610.
Central Sermon Series - Be Self-Aware (Matthew 7:1-6)
Transcript
In Georgia, when our birthdays roll around, we get to renew our car tags.
It used to be a much more arduous process than it is now. The first time I had a car registered in my name in Georgia, it was registered in Fulton County in Atlanta. And getting your car tag renewed in Fulton County at least back then, I've never gone to war. I've never been in battle, but I imagine it's a similar experience
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