Jan 2-8

Romans 12:16-18/ Matthew 5:23-24

Jan 2-8

Overview: Throughout the teachings of Jesus Christ, we are given many examples of how we are to treat each other, as well as the importance of living in harmony with the people around us. Much of the time, people being what they are, living in peace with each other requires humility, forgiveness, patience and most of all love. The world–the lost and the found–will know that we follow Christ by how we love and get along with our brothers and sisters. Jesus told the Pharisees (Matthew 22:37-40) that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. Our hearts, as well intentioned as we may be, often allow pride and anger to guide our attitudes and actions. What we can and must do is surrender our hearts to God and allow Him to love others through us. And the rest is up to them because we have done what God has commanded us to do.

Day 1: Romans 12:16-18/ Matthew 5:23-24

What do these passages say about God?

What do they say about people?

How does God interact with/relate to people in these texts?

Day 2: Romans 12:16-18/ Matthew 5:23-24

What is one thing that struck you about these passages?

Is anything unclear or confusing to you about these passages?

How do you think the people hearing these passages in that time would have received it?

Pick a favorite verse. Write it out. Look up the definition of the major words in that verse and write how that enhances the impact of the text in your heart.

Day 3: Romans 12:16-18/ Matthew 5:23-24

(Romans 12:16-18) What essentials does Paul tell us are key for living in peace with one another?

How does this differ from what the world teaches?

(Matthew 5:23-24) Why is it critical to have a right relationship with our brothers and sisters before making any sort of offering to God?

What roles do humility and forgiveness play in either restoring or improving a relationship with our brothers and/or sisters?

Day 4: Romans 12:16-18/ Matthew 5:23-24

What sins are we being called to avoid?

What commands are we given to obey?

What promises can we claim?

What examples are there to follow?

Any other special truths that stick out to you?

Day 5: Romans 12:16-18/ Matthew 5:23-24

Reread the passage for the week and ask God to give you eyes to see His truth and how He wants it to specifically impact your life.

What do you think God was trying to teach you this week? (Review each day’s notes & mark what stood out to you the most.) And why do you think that?

Keeping in mind what God was trying to teach you this week, what is a SAM application you can make?

S – Specific – What exactly do you want to do?


A – Attainable – Can you accomplish this application in the time frame given?

M – Measurable – Is this something you can track and quantify its progress?

Who can you share with this week what God taught you? What could encourage a believer? What could encourage a nonbeliever?

Sermon Notes:

Disclaimer: “Unless otherwise noted, the overviews and questions were taken in part from smallgroup.com, a curriculum writing division of LifeWay Christian Resources.”