Getting To Know You 1. How would you define integrity? Does character matter? Explain. 2. What is your understanding of what the Bible says about divorce? 3. George Faller said, “The issue with porn is not what it shows, it is what it doesn’t show”. Thoughts? Agree? Disagree? 4. Russell Brand speaking on his porn addiction said, ''I was exposed to such a lot of it from such a young age, it's affected my ability to relate to women and maintain a relationship''. Thoughts? Agree? Disagree? 5. Billy Graham said, “Integrity is the glue that holds our way of life together. We must constantly strive to keep our integrity intact. When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost”. Thoughts? Agree? Disagree? 6. Thomas Macauley said, “The measure of a person’s real character is what he/she would do if he/she would never be found out.” Thoughts? Agree? Disagree? 7. Looking back at your notes from this week’s sermon, was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused you? Digging Deeper 1. What is lust? What are some ways that as humans we lust? Where is the first example of lust in the Bible? What are some other examples of lust on display in scripture? What is God’s view on adultery? Where does it originate? How does Jesus elevate the standard? What is Jesus addressing? Is sin external actions or internal thoughts? Explain. What standard were the Pharisees using? How was there understanding incomplete? What does Jesus mean in Matthew 5:29-30? Should we actually pluck out our eye and cut off our hand? Explain. According to Jesus, how far should we go to avoid sin? Do you take sin seriously? What does sin produce? Why is it so dangerous? Have you ever committed adultery according to Jesus’ standard? What are some boundaries and guardrails that we need to establish in our life? 2. What does Jesus say about divorce? What was the rabbinic teaching on divorce? How had they developed a man centered approach that distorted the law? Why did God allow divorce? How was it designed for protection under the civil law? What are the biblical grounds for divorce? What does Jesus say in Matthew 19 about divorce? How is He counteracting the rabbinic teaching? How does Jesus address this in John 8 with the woman caught in adultery? Where was the guy? Why did they only bring the woman? How does Jesus address this topic with the women at the well in John 4? Does Jesus ever condone adultery? How does He deal with those that have committed it? How is grace on display? Why is marriage so important? What does it symbolize and reflect? How is marriage the basic building block of community and civilization? What happens when marriage is distorted or messed with? How is marriage a reflection of our relationship with God? Explain. How often do you go on dates with your spouse? How much do you invest in your marriage? Is there any other relationship that God says the two are one? What does that signify? What does it take to have a healthy marriage? Explain. 3. What does Jesus say about oaths? What is happening culturally that Jesus is addressing? What were the Jews using to take oaths? Do we get to make an oath on behalf of God? Who establishes covenants? Does man have the ability to establish a covenant for God? Explain. How was this being used? What does Numbers 30:1-2 say? Is Jesus changing this? Explain. What are some biblical examples of oaths or vows? What are some ways that our culture tries to ensure that commitments are met? What civil laws have we established? Is Jesus saying these are wrong? Explain. How important is your word to God? What is God’s view on being honest, having character and integrity? What is Jesus’ expectation of us? Is there ever a situation that our yes should be no or our no be yes? 4. What is Jesus communicating to the crowd about sin, the law, and their need for God? How does this display sin in all our lives? Does any of us meet Jesus’ standard? When dealing with others people’s sin, do you operate out of grace or judgement/condemnation? Explain. What does Jesus do? What does Matthew 7:2 say? Why do we all need to experience the grace of God? What does Jesus say in Matthew 5:48? How is this achieved? How have you experienced the grace and mercy of God? Growing Closer 1. Who is someone you shared the gospel with this week? 2. What have you been reading in your quiet times? 3. What has God been teaching you?
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