HOME GROUPS | As It Is

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“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 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. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 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. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny."

Matthew 5:21-26

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Last week we discussed how Jesus defined his relationship with the Old Testament and the relationship of His followers to righteousness in verses 15-17. In doing so Jesus communicates that He is the one who both fulfills and completes the story of God. And that through His grace we as His followers are enabled to live out whole person discipleship. 

Discuss the text. 

How does Jesus define His relationship to the Old Testament? 

What word does He use?

In what ways does this affect how we read the Old Testament?

In your own words, how would you define biblical righteousness?

What did Jesus mean when he said our righteousness has to be greater than that of the scribes and pharisees? 

To follow Jesus is to adopt Jesus’ vision for righteousness, which transforms broken people into whole people. What does it mean to become a whole person?

What gaps do you need God to heal in you this week? 

Close in prayer. Thank God together that He is active in every part of our lives. That He graciously cares to make us complete, integrated followers of Him. Pray that He would reveal gaps and we would humbly receive His healing. 

Encourage our church-wide practices. As a church, we are invited throughout this sermon series to engage in three practices: Morning Prayer, Evening Silence, and Wednesday Fast. The practices are a way to become satisfied in God. May you abide in Jesus and access the presence of God this week. Amen.