Series: Sermon on the Mount
Title: A Deeper Righteousness
Text: Matthew 5:17-48
Gather the family, find a quiet place alone, or get with a friend, spouse, or your LifeGroup and think about the following:
Read Matthew 5:17-20
As we discussed in the message from this week, Jesus teaches that he did not come to abolish the Old Testament teachings but he came to fulfill them. Jesus fulfilled them by obeying them perfectly, revealing the deeper righteousness at the heart of these commands, and by becoming the sacrifice needed to bring salvation from our sins against God’s Law.
Jesus teaches that while we are not saved or made right with God by obeying the Law, it’s important to know that our obedience to God’s commands are part of living for God in His Kingdom. It’s our inward passion + outward action that brings the righteousness that Jesus desires for us.
- Why do you think Jesus made the point of talking about this during the Sermon on the Mount?
- What do you think were the reactions from the different people in the crowd to what He was teaching?
Jesus then gives six different examples of what it means to live with this deeper righteousness.
Read Matthew 5:21-48. Notice how Jesus pointed to not just the “letter of the Law” or the outward actions, but also to inward attitude and motivations.
- Why is it so important to not just focus on our outward actions but also on our heart and attitudes?
- What is harder, just doing the right things or having the right attitude? Why?
- How does out attitude and motives ultimately affect our actions?
- How serious does Jesus want us to view sin in our lives?
As you wrap up your time, stop and pray. Pray for God to not only lead your outward actions, but to change your inward heart and attitudes.