Matthew 5:43-48
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Main Idea
CHRISTIANS ARE CALLED TO A HIGHER STANDARD.
Outline
GOD IS GRACIOUS TO EVERYONE, SO WE SHOULD ALSO BE (VV43–45)
GOD IS OUR HIGHER STANDARD, SO WE SHOULD MODEL HIM (VV46–48)
Discussion Questions
GOD IS GRACIOUS TO EVERYONE,
SO WE SHOULD ALSO BE (VV43–45)
Jesus tells His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. Why is this one of His most difficult commands?
What is the difference between loving your enemies and approving of their actions?
How does God demonstrate grace to both the righteous and the unrighteous?
Why is it important to remember that God's common grace extends even to those who reject Him?
Who is the hardest person in your life to love right now? What makes loving them so difficult?
How can praying for someone who has hurt you begin to change your own heart?
What would it look like to reflect God's grace toward someone you naturally want to avoid, criticize, or resent?
GOD IS OUR HIGHER STANDARD,
SO WE SHOULD MODEL HIM (VV46–48)
Why does Jesus say there is nothing extraordinary about loving only those who love us?
What do you think Jesus means when He asks, "What more are you doing than others?"
How is the Christian life meant to look noticeably different from the world around us?
Why is God Himself, rather than culture or other Christians, our standard for holy living?
Jesus says, "You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." How should we understand that command?
How does the Gospel give us hope when we realize we fall short of God's perfect standard?
What are some practical ways you can imitate God's character in your home, workplace, neighborhood, or church this week?
Looking Forward
Jesus asks, "What more are you doing than others?" As you think about your relationships this week, what is one specific way you can show the grace, love, or forgiveness of Christ to someone who would least expect it?
Prayer Focus
Pray for…
Pray for…
A deeper appreciation of God's grace toward undeserving sinners
Hearts that are willing to love even difficult people
Freedom from bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness
Wisdom to reflect God's character in everyday relationships
Humility to recognize where we fall short of Christ's example
Strength to pursue holiness instead of settling for the world's standards
Courage to live differently from the culture around us
Compassion for those who oppose or mistreat us
The power of the Holy Spirit to make us more like Jesus
Lives that clearly display the love and grace of our heavenly Father