Matthew 5:13-26 | What is Righteousness | Sermon on the Mount

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Life Group Guide QUESTIONS

SERMON OUTLINE

1.        Human righteousness is ___________ by Jesus.

2.        Human righteousness is living in ___________ with God.

3.        Human righteousness is living ___________ others.

Our desire to be righteous in God’s eyes, should drive us to:

1.        Move towards ___________, and not ___________ from it.

2.        Check our heart ___________, and not just our ___________.

3.        Quickly pursue ___________, and not nurturing our ___________. 

LIFE GROUP QUESTIONS

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

1.        What is the best or nicest compliment you’ve ever received?

2.        As you have come into adulthood, what are some of the family rules that you have maintained? (What are ones that you left behind?)

QUICK REVIEW

1.        Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

2.        Pastor Adam shared that we’re to never devalue anyone, or to make someone feel worthless.  How else shall we respond to difficult events and situations that play out in the world around us? Why is that such a hard distinction to make sometimes? 

READ SCRIPTURE

Matthew 5:13-26

1.        How does this passage highlight God’s presence in our world?

2.        What does this passage say about our broken human condition?

3.        How does this passage call me to make change in my life?

DIGGING DEEPER

1.        READ Matthew 5:13-16. Jesus did not intend the Beatitudes to be followed as a checklist of outward behaviors. He calls us to an inward transformation that results in a life shaped by these qualities. Can you think of someone, past or present, who made a meaningful impact simply by how they lived or worked?

• READ Galatians 5:22-23.  Here we see the “fruit” of a life of inward transformation. Which of Paul’s words here would you use to describe yourself? Which words would least likely be used to describe you?

2.        READ Matthew 5:17-20. Just as any parent would set rules and boundaries for their children, God gave His people the Law and the Prophets. What do those instructions reveal about the kind of relationship God desires with His people?

• READ Exodus 20:1-21.  Where do you find it the easiest, or hardest, to trust that God’s commands are given out of love?

3.        READ Matthew 5:21-26. True righteousness pursues reconciliation as an act of worship. Can you share a story of reconciliation, that you’ve either heard of, or played a role in?

•   What makes reconciliation feel risky or costly to you personally?

•  READ Genesis 50:15–21.  How did Joseph come to such a place of reconciliation? Would that have been easy or hard for Joseph? How about for his brothers to receive? Why?

TAKING IT HOME

READ 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. Where have you noticed the Holy Spirit shaping your decisions, reactions, and/or priorities? In what ways may Christ’s love be compelling you to act this week, in your posture at work, who you talk to, how you spend your free time, etc.?

PERSONAL REFLECTION

READ 1 John 3:1-10. John lays it on pretty heavy, the need for Christ’s followers to turn away from all things evil and sinful.  As you read this text, listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice, which may sound a little like your conscience.  Where do you feel affected? Where are you challenged? What are some of the ways that you need to change? What is your next step?