Sermon Response Guide
PRIMARY SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 5:21-26, 38-42 ESV
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
Key Points
- Jesus came into the world and changed our story.
- Jesus still comes into our lives and changes our story.
- Jesus continues to send us out to change stories.
- What we define as an action, Jesus defines as an attitude.
- Remember what the end game is in our relationships: all of life is summed up in loving God and loving others.
- Our relationship with God is tied to our relationships with others.
- Too often we refuse to offer the grace we have received.
- God is at the center of every interaction in our lives.
Memory Verse
Ask God to write this word on your heart this week:
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
-1 Corinthians 13:7 ESV
Questions for Reflection
Take time to reflect and respond to these questions on your own in the presence of the Holy Spirit, or with trusted friends or family members:
1: How did Jesus ultimately change your story?
2: How has Jesus recently come in and changed your story?
3: What does it mean to you to be sent out by Christ to change stories?
4: If Jesus defines actions as attitudes, what does that reveal to you about following Jesus as Lord?
For example, how does that affect your understanding of:
· Reading your Bible?
· Sharing your faith?
· Praying?
· Going to church?
· Serving others?
· Sabbath rest?
5: How have you felt a connection between your relationship with God and your relationships with others (both with believers and not-yet-believers)?
6: Compare and contrast 2 different memorable interactions you had with others this past week. Then, ask God to show you how he was at the center of both of those interactions.
7: How will believing God is at the center of every interaction of our lives change the way you live?
Pray
Lord, thank you for coming and changing our story. Thank you for giving us grace to change the stories around us, too. We want to have an attitude of worship in all we do. Help us to actively look for you in the center of every interaction we have each day.
