Lean In // 5 minutes
What are some headlines that have captured your attention?
Sample answers may include…
- OJ Simpson
- North Korea and the release of The Interview.
- Justin Beber and Salena Gomez are back together.
- Dallas Cowboys’ Dez Bryant’s “no catch” call.
- Fire pit removal of Newport Beach.
Leader note: There are lot of headlines that provide controversy. This week we are going to look at some words from Jesus that would have instigated controversy in the ears of the hearers.
Look Down // 10 minutes
Leader note: Give your group the Look Down question before reading the passage.
What do you learn about the law?
Sample answers may include…
- Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law but to fulfill it.
- Every part of the law matters to Jesus.
- If you set aside, minimize or trivialize the law, then you are considered least in the kingdom.
- Scribes and Pharisees were thought of as righteous followers of the law.
Commentary: The Law and the Prophets encompassed the biblical texts of Jesus day. By fulfilling every part down to the smallest part, Jesus is placing the highest value on all of Scripture. The “righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees” represents the religious leaders’ attempt to make the law manageable and serve their own purposes, which looks like legalism. Jesus is challenging their attempts to earn their way to God’s blessing. Therefore, a righteousness that surpasses that of the Scribes and Pharisees is a different kind of righteousness – one that God always intended. It is a righteousness that captures every part of the law including the spirit of the law because it is empowered by God’s Spirit. This kind of righteousness is available to all, not just the spiritual elite (Scribes and Pharisees), and comes through God’s love offered to us through Jesus.
Look Out // 10 minutes
Where do people pick and choose the rules they follow?
Sample answers could include…
- Dieting
- Jaywalking
- Media piracy
- Texting and driving
- “Where is the line?” (about anything)
Where do people pick and choose with God?
Sample answers could include…
- “White lies”
- Generosity
- Living in community
- “How far is too far”
- Sabbath
- Serving others
Leader note: Divorce may come up in this question. This topic will be handled directly in two weeks. It may serve the group to delay discussion around divorce until then to give the topic adequate space to unpack.
Look In // 15 minutes
What do you do on the outside while hoping for change on the inside?
Sample answers could include…
- I feel bad, so I serve others to feel better about myself.
- I give money because I want to be a good person.
- I do the right thing so I don’t feel guilty on the inside.
When you follow the rules, what are your expectations?
Sample answers could include…
Following the rules means:
- I won’t be disappointed, or hurt.
- Things will always work out.
- God will only bless me if I follow the rules.
- If I take care of myself and have good health, I won’t get cancer.
Leader note: It will be helpful to review the syllogism below Kenton used in the message as you discuss the following Look In questions.
Legalism/Contract: I obey God >> God sees my obedience >> God accepts me and blesses me
Grace/Covenant: God loves, accepts and blesses >> I see God’s love >> I obey God
That we obey is as important as why we obey. The why reveals our attitude behind what we do. If we expect God to love and bless us because we obey, we miss the grace covenant. God loves us, period. And it is His love that empowers us to obey (Phil. 2:13).
Live It Out // 5 minutes
What would it look like to follow Jesus because you are loved?
Leader Note: The question makes the assumption that sometimes we do what is right hoping God will love us in return. The reality is he already loves us deeply and blesses us. This reality gives us the motivation to pursue Him and be a blessing to others.
Key Verse(s): For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20 (NIV)
Key Thought: We are loved beyond comprehension not because we pursue God, but so we can pursue Him. This is true happiness.
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Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.