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

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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?

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 Christian Impact

Matthew 5:13-16

The Christian Impact --  Lonnie Bell
Sermon series: The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5:13-16
19 March 2017

DEEP SHEET:  Sermon Study Questions
1)  What is the assessment of the world that is implied in vv 13-16?  Would you say that you have an accurate view of the world and its value system(s)?
2)  What is the primary function of salt noted in the sermon, and how does this serve as a metaphor for Christians in society?
3)  What are some of the effects of light?
4)  How can we become either contaminated or concealed?  What role can persecution or private spirituality play in the latter?
5)  What is the ultimate purpose of our being salt and list in the world?  Do we want people to see our good works?