Preparing for Our Descent

Matthew 7:28-29

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Preparing for Our Descent -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series:  The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 7:28-29
26 November 2017

Deep Sheet:  Sermon Study Questions
1.  How has the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount been anticipated for several weeks?
2.  Discuss the outline given for the Sermon on the Mount. Which sections have been the most formative for you?
3.  What would it look like to make the Sermon on the Mount foundational for your Christian life and for our Gospel Community Group?
4.  In what ways have you been “astonished” by Jesus’ teaching? Why is astonishment not enough?
5.  Where do you see Jesus’ authority displayed in the Sermon on the Mount?
6.  How has the Sermon on the Mount increased your appreciation of Jesus and desire to follow him?

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”?

Adultery Rightly Understood

Matthew 5:27-30

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Adultery Rightly Understood -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series:  The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5:27-30
30 April 2017

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why do we have a tendency to think of adultery as merely external?  What does Jesus have to say about the heart?
2.  How do Jesus’ words bring together the 7th and 10th Commandments (Exodus 20:14, 17)?|
3.  Why should Jesus’ teaching on adultery humble us and draw us to the cross?
4.  How do the eyes both follow and inform the heart?  Discuss the examples of Job (31:1, 9) and David (2 Samuel 11:2-4).
5.  What would it look like for you to make a “covenant with your eyes” (Job 31:1)?  Discuss what it means to avoid repeating, gazing, dwelling, imagining, and pursuing.
6.  Why do these verses represent such a serious indictment of pornography in particular?  Discuss the negative effect of pornography on one’s marriage.
7.  In response to vv. 29-30, what do you need to cut off or dig out of your life in order to protect yourself from the destructive power of sexual sin?  How does Romans 8:13 encourage us to fight without relying on our own strength?

The Christ, the Law, and the Christian Life - Part 2

Matthew 5:19-20

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The Christ, the Law, and the Christian Life - Part 2 -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon series: The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5:19-20
2 April 2017

DEEP SHEET:  Sermon Study Questions
1)  Read Romans 3:20 and discuss how the Law renders a guilty verdict.
2)  How does Jesus fulfill God's Law "in his disciples"?  What do Romans 7:22 and 8:4 tell us?
3)  Why don't Christians keep the ceremonial laws associated with the sacrificial system?
4)  What are some unhealthy pitfalls when it comes to relating the Law to the Christian life?
5 )  Who were the Scribes and Pharisees?  In light of Matthew 23:1-36, what was the problem    
      with their understanding of "righteousness"?