Series: Kingdom of the Beloved Part 6: The Heart of It All
Preaching Text: Matthew 5:21-37
Supplemental Text: Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 119:1-8, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Preacher: Pastor Josh Kleinfeld
Message Reflection Questions
Begin with silent prayer to center your heart.
Read Moses’ final instructions (given while on a mountain) for the people of Israel in Deuteronomy 30:15-20. How were the people of God to “choose life”?
Now read Jesus’ instructions (also given while on a mountain) in Matthew 5:21-37. What commonalities do you find between the commands?
How do Jesus’ instructions on anger compare to what the world says about anger?
What does Jesus have to say about lust, and how is that different from what the world says?
Compare what Jesus says about marriage to what the world says.
(if you’re in a group setting, consider dividing into smaller groups based on gender for the following questions and closing time in prayer)
7. In which of these areas do you need the most help? Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 19:26: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
8. Close in prayer. Ask God to change your heart, to instruct you and to give you endurance to obey.
Lenten Devotional
Our Lenten Devotional begins February 26. Sign up to have the emails sent to your inbox (insert link here)? Or you can pick up a physical copy on February 19.
Daily Readings
We’re in a 6 week series in Matthew. We’ve set up readings to get through the gospel in the 30 week days leading up to Lent. Here’s week 6!
Monday: Matthew 26:1-35
Tuesday: Matthew 26:36-75
Wednesday: Matthew 27:1-31
Thursday: Matthew 27:32-66
Friday: Matthew 28
Helpful Instructions for reading
Start with silence. Relax in God’s presence. Imagine resting with Jesus.
Thank God for something that happened in the last 24 hours.
Read the verses slowly. Ask:
a. What does this teach me about God?
b. What does this teach me about God’s kingdom?
c. What needs to adjust in me to live according to His kingdom?
4. Finish in prayer for yourself, your family, your neighbors, your co-workers, your church. Pray through the nations at www.prayercast.com/nations.html.
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