Righteousness Rightly Understood

Matthew 7:12

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Righteousness Rightly Understood -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series:  The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 7:12
22 October 2017

Deep Sheet Questions:  Sermon Study Questions
1.  How does this verse relate to previous instruction in the Sermon on the Mount? How does it simplify the Christian life? (Matthew 5:17-20)
2.  How does Jesus’ statement taken in its immediate context mirror the two great commandments in Matthew 22:37-40? (Matthew 7:7-11)
3.  Why are regeneration, adoption, and prayer essential for living out the “Golden Rule”? (Galatians 5:22; Matthew 7:7-11)
4.  How does the Sermon on the Mount push us both towards self and away from self at the same time?
5.  What does it look like to live for the interests of others? (Philippians 2:3-4)
6.  What does it mean that Jesus’ teaching here is positive rather than negative? Why is this way of life more demanding? (Galatians 6:10)

Before Whose Eyes

Matthew 6:2-6, 16-18

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Before Whose Eyes -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series:  The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 6:2-6, 16-18
11 June 2017

Deep Sheet:  Sermon Study Questions
1.   In the words of Martyn Lloyd-Jones, why is this passage so “painful” or “uncomfortable”? How does it drive us to Christ?
2.  What are some of the reasons for fasting in the Old Testament? How should Christians think about this practice?
3.  Discuss the examples of showiness and secrecy given by Jesus. How can we be more “secretive” in our religious practice?
4.  Why does the concern for the approval of others when doing good deeds essentially constitute a lie? What is the alternative?
5.  Why does the discussion of rewards ultimately boil down to faith? How is practicing our righteousness before others to be seen by them an act of unbelief?

Righteous Religion

Matthew 6:1

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Righteous Religion -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 6:1
4 June 2017

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What do people typically mean when they accept “spirituality” but reject “religion”? What can be problematic about this distinction?
2.   Consider the fact that Jesus presupposes certain practices of righteousness. What role do “disciplines” play in your understanding of the Christian life?
3.   Discuss practices that we can put in place for helping others, relating to God, and mortifying our flesh.
4.   Why does Jesus use the language of caution in this verse? In what ways can practicing our righteousness be dangerous?
5.   How is the behavior described in 5:16 different from what we find in 6:1 as it pertains to doing our deeds before others?|
6.   What is the reward replacement that happens when our practices are “before other people in order to be seen by them”?

Loving Like Father

Matthew 5:43-48

(NOTE: Allow 30-60 seconds after clicking the START-arrow for recording to begin.)

Loving Like Father -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5:43-48
28 May 2017

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.  Which of the six examples/illustrations that Jesus gives in vv. 21-48 have most impacted you? In what ways is this final passage (vv. 43-48) climactic?
2.  How did the misinterpretations of the scribes and Pharisees give them a license to hate? Read Romans 1:28-32 and 3:9-20 and discuss the propensity of fallen humanity to hate.
3.  Are there instances in your life where you’ve found it particularly challenging to “love your enemies” (v. 44)? Consider praying for current “enemies” during group prayer time.
4.  Why does praying for our enemies grow our love for them?
5.  What is the purpose that Jesus gives for loving our enemies? In what ways do we see God loving his enemies?
6.  What is the contrast that Jesus makes between the earthly and the heavenly as it pertains to love?
7.  What does it practically look like to pursue perfection (v. 48), and how does this pursuit protect us from both sloth and pride?