Check-In (Highs & Lows) 15 min
A great, quick way to catch the highlights of what is happening in the lives of the people in your group is to take turns quickly sharing the “highs & lows” of your week. High: What was your biggest highlight since we last met? Low: What was the low point during this time?
Settle-In (Ice-Breaker) 10 min
What do you think of when you hear the word love? What images come to mind? What is a time when someone really made you feel loved and appreciated?
Dig-In (Scripture) 35 min
1. Read Matthew 5:21-26. Discuss how Jesus challenges conventional understanding of morality regarding anger and reconciliation.
2. Jesus speaks in leaving the sacrifice on the altar and reconciliation in haste. Discuss the importance of that command. What significance did it have then, and what significance does it have now?
3. How does Jesus emphasize the importance of purity of heart in Matthew 5:27-30?
4. Read Matthew 5:31-32. What does Jesus teach about divorce, and how does it relate to his overall message in the Sermon on the Mount?
5. How does Jesus instruct his followers regarding oaths and integrity in Matthew 5:33-37?
6. What do you believe Jesus means when he says, “Let your yes be yes and your no be no” in Matthew 5:37? How does it reflect the principle of honesty and integrity?
7. Reflect on Matthew 22:37-40. Discuss how Jesus summarizes the essence of his teachings in the law of love.
Gear-Up (Application) 15 min
1. How can we practically apply Jesus’ teachings on anger and reconciliation in our relationships today?
2. What steps can we take to cultivate purity of heart in a world saturated with lustful temptations?
3. How can we honor the sanctity of marriage and promote healthy relationships in our communities?
4. What changes can we make in our speech and commitments to uphold integrity and honesty in our interactions with others?
5. How can we overcome the temptation to act based solely on our feelings and emotions but instead live according to the discipline of following Jesus’ teachings?
Step-Up (Homework)
Spend time in prayer reflecting on areas in your life where you need to align your actions with the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, specifically regarding anger, purity, relationships, and integrity. Write down practical steps you can take to live out these principles.