Sermon On The Mount Discussion Guide
Key Text
Matthew 5:17-20
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
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Summary
Matthew 5:17-20 shows that Jesus was a trustworthy interpreter of Scripture. There are many pitfalls when it comes to authority both in relation to culture and how we approach spiritual authority in the bible. Often harm done by heavy wielding of supposed biblical authority is nothing more than human traditions. In other words human interpretations that are imperfect and often miss the point on the original revelation in the bible. Starting with a redemptive ethic, starting with a posture of submission to Jesus is THE reliable way to live faithfully with an ancient text as we learn to grow as disciples in lives of self giving love. Entering the kingdom of heaven requires a response today. It’s not something that happens accidentally. The invitation is to submit to Jesus, trusting he is the only way to be right with God and live right before God.
Connect
What is the first encounter with scripture which you remember?
Contemplate
Matthew 28:18-20
Matthew 5:17-20
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
Are you a biblical hedgehog or a rhino? What’s it like being on the other side of you?
Consider
- How would you answer a spiritual seeker who asks; How do you make sense of what bits of the bible to obey and what bits to ignore?
- What is your understanding of the place of Tradition/Reason/Experience/Scripture when it comes to the idea of authority, trusting he heals with his authority not hurts?live
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.