Sermon On The Mount Discussion Guide
Key Text
Matthew 5:27-30
27 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
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Summary
Jesus applies his interpretation of the law to the area of lust. Adultery doesn’t just happen. It comes from a heart of lust. One way of defining lust could be as, ‘looking for the right things in the wrong places’. Jesus calls for decisive action. Action driven by faith in God’s power and both guards and helps the heart to heal. There is hope in Jesus to overcome harmful ways as they are brought into the light of his love.
Connect
How would you define lust?
Contemplate
Matthew 28:18-20
Matthew 5:27-30
1. Which words or phrases stand out to you?
2. How does understanding the context of these passages help us understand its meaning?
Check-In
How would you describe the gap between where dominant culture is at on sexual ethics and where Jesus’ teaching is?
Consider
What is the difference between decisive action driven by fear and action driven by faith?
Create
Scripture Reading: Here is a 90 day reading plan through all four Gospels. Download the YouVersion app and select to do this plan “with friends.” Once you invite members from your community to join you, you can all track together with the plan and save notes, questions, and comments on passages – why not take turns in adding a short commentary each day?
Cover
If you’re not there already, break into small groups and pray for what the Holy Spirit is putting on your heart. Don’t rush, but enjoy being in His presence together. Pray encouragement and blessing on one another, as you ponder what God is saying.