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)

Operating Under an Offense

Matthew 5:38-42

(NOTE:  Allow 30-60 seconds after clicking the Start arrow for recording to begin. Also microphone difficulty causes some choppiness during the first two minutes)

Operating Under an Offense -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series:  The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5:38-42
21 May 2017

DEEP SHEET:  Sermon Study Questions
1.  What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”? Read and discuss Exodus 21:23-25, Leviticus 24:19-20, and Deuteronomy 19:21.
2.  In what ways is this law of retaliation just?
3.  How were the religious leaders and teachers of Jesus’ day reworking / perverting / twisting this Old Testament law?
4.  Why is it so difficult not to retaliate or seek revenge when we are insulted or offended in some way?
5.  Why should this passage not be interpreted as standing against Christians serving in the police and military? Discuss Romans 13:2-4.
6.  In what ways do vv. 39-42 call us to non-retaliation, to relinquish our rights, to die to self, and to prioritize the good of others? How might Jesus’ words be applied in your situation? How does Romans 12:19-21 also encourage us?
7.  How does 1 Peter 2:23-24 give us the supreme example of and reason for this way of life? Why is hoping in God so essential?

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"?