Matters of the Heart, Matthew 5:21-30

Matters of the Heart, Matthew 5:21-30

Imagine a life completely committed to Jesus.

  • What do you imagine when you imagine a life completely committed to Jesus?
  • What is one thing that needs to change in your life to move towards “completely committed to Jesus?”

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 5:21-30

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’

22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.

23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,

24 leave your gift there before the altar and go.  First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the gaurd, and you be put in prison.

26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.”

 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’

28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 

30 And if your right handcauses you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.” 

  • What stands out to you from the text?
  • What questions or comments do you have about it?

OBSERVATIONS

1. Righteousness starts in the heart.

2. Anger hinders worship.

3. Don’t settle in sexual sin. 

When we study God’s Word, it should lead us to both rejoicing and repenting. 

  • In what ways did you find yourself encouraged and/or rejoicing when you heard the message?
  • In what ways were you challenged to repent or change when you heard the message?
  • How did the teacher connect this passage to Christ? What other connections do you see between this message and the redemptive work of Christ?

CONCLUSION

  • What is one thing that you want to remember from this sermon?  
  • Why is that important to you?