The Gospel of Matthew [Part 7]

Pastor Daniel Cormier preaches week 7 of our current series, The Gospel of Matthew.

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Sermon Notes

Reflection & Discussion

Warm-up. When have you felt most loved and why?

Read Matthew 5:27-30 Ask God to bless your study.

1. Why does Jesus say, “You have heard that it was said...?” What is the “new” standard from Jesus regarding adultery? Is it higher or lower than what the keepers of the law understood?

2. What does Matthew 5:27-28 tell us about the importance of our mind’s eye? The world may say what goes on in your own mind can’t hurt anyone. How would you respond to this? Why does lust dehumanize another person?

3. Discuss some of the results of David’s lustful look. Consider the consequences for Joseph, Potiphar, his wife, Egypt and the nation of Israel, had Joseph given in to temptation. How did Joseph overcome temptation? How can you apply it to your life?

4. If Jesus didn’t mean for us to literally sever body parts, what is the significance/strategy he’s teaching us when he speaks of the removal of an ‘eye’ or ‘hand’ in verses 29-30? What are some steps you can take to remove sources of temptation?

5. What is the solution to an impure heart? (Deut. 30:6; Jer. 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:26-27; Psalm 51:7-12; Matthew 5:8).

6. How is continually delighting in the Lover of your soul (Jesus!) the best thing you can do to resist temptation and love others properly? How have you found that Paul’s words in Philippians 4:4-9 compliment this strategy of focusing on Christ?

EXTRA: The 5th century church father John Chrysostom said, “I cannot keep a bird from flying over my head, but I can certainly keep it from nesting in my hair or from biting off my nose.” What did he mean by this? Do you find this metaphor helpful?