SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Week of 9/15/2024

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The Sermon on the Mount

Lust, Divorce, & Desire

Matthew 5:27-32

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Matthew 5:20 says, “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” This would have been a shocking statement to the Jewish people. The Pharisees and “teachers of the law” were upheld as those closest to God. Jesus is telling them (and us) that keeping the rules does not necessarily make you righteous, instead it’s the Christ-likeness inside that does.

For this week’s example: It’s one thing not to commit adultery, but what about the out of control desires in our hearts?

Read Matthew 5:27-30.

• What is the difference between lust and attraction?
• How can you keep your heart right and pure before God?

Read Matthew 5:31-32. Jesus was speaking to those that thought it was okay to divorce on any basis. He’s stating the importance and holiness of marriage.

• How is our culture’s view of divorce different from that of Jesus?

Read 2 Timothy 2:22 NASB2000.

• In what ways can we run from sinful desires and run towards Jesus?

Prayer Focus: Read Romans 6:6-7, 11-12. Ask the Lord to help you live a ‘crucified’ life. A life dead to sin, but alive to God.