Message Notes
Look Back
What did you do this week to show others the influence God has in your life?
Look Up
Read Matthew 5:16-18
- Jesus shifted the focus of his message to himself in verse 17 - why do you think Jesus did this, and how do you think his listeners responded?
- What do you think it means to “abolish” the law? Why would someone think that Jesus came to do this, and what do you think they were really looking for?
- What do you think it means to “fulfill” the law? How does verse 18 relate to this statement and help explain Jesus’ identity and purpose?
Read Matthew 5:19-30 Jesus shifts the focus of his message back to us in verse 1
- What are the common themes and concepts that Jesus covers in these verses? Why do you think he focuses on these?
- How important is a person’s “intent” to you? How important do you think it is to God?
- Why do you think Jesus repeatedly says, “But I tell you” after he says, “You have heard it said”? What point is he trying to make, and how does this apply to people today?
Read Psalms 139:23-24
- What 2 things does the author ask God to “do” in verse 23? What 2 things does the author want God to “know”? Have you ever personally asked God for this? What was the result?
- Put verse 24 in your own words - how easy is it for you to accept your shortcomings and allow Jesus to change you and lead you in a different direction?
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
In what ways are you allowing God to search your heart and lead you in a different direction?
Notes
Are you doing the “right” things to be seen as a Christian, or are you a Christian because you do the right things? Unless we understand the “heart” posture that Jesus is talking about and seek to understand the “heart” of Jesus, we will continue to try to do the “right” things to please God rather than allow Jesus to lead us and transform us from the inside out.
