TODAY:

Sermon on the Mount: Part 4 - Love Beyond Limits

BIG IDEA:

Jesus isn’t asking for bare minimum behavior, He wants our hearts to reflect the Father in every relationship and circumstance

SCRIPTURES:

Matthew 5:33-48, Romans 12:17-21, Luke 23:34, Romans 5:6-8

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Q: Do you ever search for loopholes in your faith/scripture? Why is this?

Q: How do the Scriptures/concepts from this week help you grow as a disciple who loves God, loves people & serves the world (lives on incarnational mission) in everyday life?

Q: Based on these Scriptures, how can you move from unbelief to belief, from just knowing to actually doing in your life?

Be With Jesus / Love God (UP)...

Q: What are the defining characteristics of God’s love? How do you see that in God’s Word and your life?

Q: How does God’s love enable Christians to live differently?

Become Like Jesus / Love People (IN)...

Q: What is your natural response when you are hurt or offended by someone? Is this response aligned with how God treats you when you offend him (sin)?

Q: If you’re being honest, are their people or groups you feel more inclined to love than others? What is at the root of this?

Do What Jesus Did / Serve the World (OUT)...

Q: Practically, what does it look like to reflect the heart of the Father to the world?

Q: How does praying for your enemies change your heart towards them? Is there someone you should be praying for?

NOTES & QUOTES:

“Never is the disciple more like the Savior than when he responds to harm graciously and without retaliation.” Chuck Quarles

“Do what the law requires and then go even further. When you do this, God becomes your defense and provider, and the world will be amazed by your radically unselfish attitude.” Christ-Centered Exposition

ACTION STEPS

1) When hurt or offended, give up the need to defend yourself or get even

2) Identify one person that frustrates you. Pray for and show an act of love to them this week (go the extra mile!)