The Big Three: Murder, Adultery, Divorce - Message Study Questions
Message Summary
Since moral and ethical relativism has become mainstream, people now filter Jesus’ teaching through their own lens, disregarding what doesn’t align with their lifestyle. However, Scripture asserts that we adjust our lives to Jesus’ teachings rather than twist his teachings to fit our lifestyle. Jesus speaks in black and white terms about real-life issues. His Sermon on the Mount was clear, direct, and meant to be applied to our lives.
Sin is conceived in the mind, cultivated in the heart, and carried out through the hands. Murderous thoughts begin with the mind. Everyone struggles with anger, but anger is only justified when God’s honor is at stake or when others are being wronged. Anger is wrong when expressed in retaliation for personal wounds or selfish reasons. When we wrong others, Jesus wants us to seek reconciliation. Adultery also begins in the mind, is cultivated in the heart, and carried out through the hands. Therefore, Jesus brings the battle to our minds and hearts, where we must purify our thoughts, “… and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5b). The same thing applies to marriage. Jesus is serious about the marriage vows and the intended spiritual unity. “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matthew 19:6).
Believers are covered with God’s grace and forgiveness. We can start over, but disobedience will still generate negative consequences in our lives. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7).
What do you think is the root cause of anger?
What do you think Jesus meant by “lust” in Matthew 5:28? Why do you think it is wrong?
Consider This
God’s commandments are for our good (Deut. 10:13). If we really believed that consistently, we would live differently. But we doubt and justify ourselves. Ask God for more faith and the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to enable you to follow Jesus’ teachings and you will reap a supernatural reward and avoid the pain disobedience ultimately brings.
When did you become convinced that sin is extremely destructive to you and those around you? If not, what would it take to convince you?
How do you normally handle your anger? How did you learn to deal with anger that way?
What does your anger reveal and clarify about your relationship with God at that moment?
How should you deal with your anger?
What should you do if you have harmed someone according to Matthew 5:25-26? What is God’s goal for you when it comes to personal relationships?
Why do you suppose society does not see adultery as a real problem, even encouraging lust? What is the result of that thinking?
Read Job 31:1-12. What do you think Job’s view and plan was to deal with lust?
Why is pornography wrong? How can you defend yourself against it?
Do you think lust is the foremost factor that leads to divorce? Why or why not?
Moving Forward – Application
What would happen if you only guarded one entrance to your heart and not the others? That may mean setting up only half of a plan, leaving big holes in it, or not thinking through all the potential problems and security holes. What we do or do not do in the present will echo throughout eternity and determine our place in the future with rewards or condemnation!
An act of sin begins in the heart with inner feelings. What are some inner feelings with which you struggle? Answer this question publicly, or privately, to someone you trust who can hold you accountable.
What drastic action should you take to get rid of whatever may be tempting you to sin?
If you are divorced or divorced and remarried, it doesn’t mean that you are still sinning. We all fall short of the glory of God. If you have a past, that’s OK. Start living in alignment with God now.