Message Notes
Look Back
In what ways are you reordering your life to allow Jesus to strengthen your foundation?
Look Up
Read Matthew 5:22-24 and 5:27
- How do you think that Jesus’ listeners reacted to these statements? How do these statements make you feel?
- What reaction does the word “sin” stir in you? What kinds of things are typically associated with “sin” and why?
- In your opinion, what is the difference between “sinning” and “making a mistake?” What criteria do most people use to separate the two?
- Based on these verses, how does a person know if they have sinned?
Read Romans 3:23-24
- What kind of reaction do you think Paul’s readers had to this statement? Why do you think he uses such strong language?
- How do most people define what it means to be “justified”? What do you think Paul means when he says that “all are justified freely”?
- Paul also mentions “grace” and “redemption” in this verse? What do these words mean to you and what do they have to do with being justified?
Overall (Discovery Bible Study)
- What do these scriptures say about God?
- What do they say about people?
- How will I apply this to my life?
Look Ahead
Do you tend to see yourself as a “mistaker” who is trying to manage your destiny, or a “sinner” willing to let Jesus manage your destiny? What are the implications of this?
Notes
Most people want to be seen as a “good” person. However, we often look to create ways that we can be seen as good and feel good about ourselves. Jesus’ teaching about being “good” challenges us to examine our motives and intent, not our actions. Thankfully, Jesus also promises that while we all fall short of the glory of God, we are justified freely by His grace.
