Study Questions: Sermon on the Mount #5
Real Righteousness – Pt. 2
Sermon on the Mount (CGS#5) – Matt. 5:31-42
INTRODUCTION: Here at Christ Community, we have six questions that we call “life questions.” These life questions are meant to help us reflect and analyze how we are doing in our following of Jesus in a life-defining way. Sometimes the idea of needing to measure how well we are doing in following Jesus can feel opposite to the grace of the gospel. What we need to remember is that it is only opposite to the grace of the gospel when we think that the gift of salvation or the security of salvation is dependent on our works. Two weeks ago, I shared a quote from Dallas Willard, who said, “The kingdom is not opposed to effort. The kingdom is opposed to earning.” We cannot earn our salvation, and our works do not keep our salvation secure. It is a gift of grace from God through faith. That does not mean our obedience won’t take effort. It does and will. It also doesn’t mean that we won’t need a “how are you doing” check-in from time to time. We absolutely do and will. The thing about Christianity is that since our salvation is rooted in grace when we ask God’s Spirit to help us understand how we are doing as followers (disciples), we do not have to be discouraged from opportunities or areas that need growth. Instead, we can respond knowing that our Heavenly Father loves us and expresses that love through grace and conviction. So, when we examine the commands and convictions of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, they serve as a mirror to assist in Spirit-led examination. We should be prompted to ask, “How am I doing in this area?” Or “Do I share God’s perspective and convictions on this matter?” Jesus not only lays out the normal values and virtues of the kingdom, but he also applies them to real-life situations. One of the key things Jesus does in this larger section (5:21-7:14) is to close the loopholes of our disobedience. We like to negotiate with God, and Jesus tells us that disciples are to hunger and thirst after righteousness, not negotiate to the lowest standard of obedience. This week, we’ll look at three more of those real-life situations in which we are to hunger and thirst for righteousness – divorce, oaths, and retaliation.
Divorce – The question of divorce was as significant then as it is today. Sure, there were different social implications then, but it is still as serious of a matter today. The key to understanding Jesus’ teaching here is the Greek word porneia. Scholars agree that it implies more than just sexual infidelity and includes neglect, abuse, and all sorts of awful actions. The simple truth in this section is not that Jesus commands us to stay in abusive marriages but that God’s commands and boundaries are not designed to minimize our freedom. They are designed so that we might live in the fullness of freedom.
Oaths – The simple truth here is not to make lofty oaths with many words. Instead, just do it because it is the right thing to do. And do not commit to it if you can’t see it through. Jesus wants his people to be purposefully responsive with the resources God has given them (time, talents, and treasure).
Retaliation – This is another tough statement from Jesus. It almost sounds like we are just lay down all our rights and suffer injustices without reaction or response. But, we know from the Scriptures that God detests sin and injustice, so why would Jesus ask us to seemingly not? That isn’t what Jesus is doing here. Instead, he is driving home the principle of radical generosity. He is radically generous to the point of bearing our sin on the cross. As his people, we are to be radically generous because of the generosity we experienced from him.
In all of this, we must remember that our obedience is rooted in love that we have already experienced. And that our obedience demonstrates the life-defining hope that we have in Christ.
GETTING STARTED – As a group, take time to answer this question. When it comes to obedience, what motivates you more, carrot (incentives & blessings) or stick (avoidance of consequences)? Or a combo of both?
IN THE WORD – Let’s dig back into the passage(s). It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.
First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)
Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.
Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?
Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?
Note: Another way to approach your time together is to talk through the following questions.
- What did you hear God’s Spirit say to you through the passage this week? How does it encourage you? How does it sharpen you?
- How have you seen God at work in your life this week? Have you enjoyed him? Have you heard his voice and the leading of his Spirit? Big ways or small ways.
- What about Jesus’ words in this passage stand out to you? How do they challenge you? How do they encourage you?
- In this larger section (5:21-7:14), Jesus is closing loopholes that can enable a perception of obedience while fostering disobedience. We all have areas where we try to find loopholes. How do Jesus’ words clarify righteous obedience for you? How does love received from God change your motivation for obedience?
- When you think about the impact of your obedience, how does it impact your life personally? And how does it impact those around you?