I’ve seen people give away money online to others, and I wonder if I should do the same. Is that what Paul meant about a cheerful giver? I’ve lost my two sons, and now I’m afraid I may lose my daughter to drug abuse. What should I do? I’m starting to see how I can best help those who are saved but confused! I’m wanting to encourage a man who was once in prison for sexual sin, yet I’m repulsed by what he did. How can I get over that and truly minister to him?

What does “store up treasures in heaven” really mean? Yesterday looks, I got baptized in the Spirit and then they came to my house to pray over it and anoint me with oil. I’m wondering where to go from here. Why does Luke 9 say if you “look back“ you’re not fit for the kingdom?

Was the sin of Adam and Eve passed down to everyone? What can we say to Muslims who emphasize that Ishmael was born before Isaac? How do the Jews obey the Law if they are not offering sacrifices any longer? Why didn’t Jesus appear to more people after His resurrection? Plenty of people could say “Jesus is Lord” and not really have the Holy Spirit, so how does 1 Corinthians 12:3 make sense? What if we enjoy sin? Does that mean we’re not saved? Do we need to do anything to maintain our salvation? Why do some people teach there is a second blessing and that we’re not saved without the gift of tongues?

The Sermon on the Mount isn’t your typical Sunday School lesson. It’s a wake-up call that shatters any illusion of self-righteousness.

Ever tried to keep every ounce of the Law? Jesus shows us we can’t. And that’s the whole point.

He equates anger with murder and sees looking with lust as adultery. Plus, tearing out your eye and cutting off your hand weren’t just hyperbole (exaggeration). No, Jesus was setting an impossible standard to drive us to one conclusion: We need grace, not rule-keeping.

Click to watch this message and discover why Jesus’ impossible demands are the ultimate setup for His incredible gift of grace.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why does Jesus emphasize that not one command in the Law can be ignored? What does this mean for those who single out the Ten Commandments today?
2. React to this statement: Anger equals murder. Looking with lust equals adultery. Why would Jesus teach these things?
3. How do verses 23-24 further solidify that His audience is the Jews under the Law?
4. React to this statement: Tear out your eye. Cut off your hand. What would you say to those who claim that Jesus is just using hyperbole (exaggerating)? How does that argument hold up when reading the rest of the passage?
5. How can understanding the true context of this sermon help us avoid the pitfall of condemnation that some feel about having been divorced?
6. React to this statement: Always keep your word. Let people physically harm you. Give to whomever asks and let anyone borrow from you. How should we approach this passage? By watering it down or putting it in covenantal context? Why?
7. How does verse 48 sum up everything and bring despair and then relief to those who truly understand the Gospel?

How can I overcome sexual temptation and have a healthy marriage? My wife and I have had many disputes, some ending in verbal and physical abuse. We are now living separately and need counseling. I’m struggling with how to respond when she seems embittered toward me. Can you help?

My dad passed away last Fall and was not a believer. I get very depressed about where he might be. Can you help? Can a genuine believer fall into habitual sin? I grew up in a very legalistic environment, and I think that just made me want to sin more.

Why do you say there are two kinds of sanctification? Is it possible to be saved and be radically confused about the Law? Are pastors the only ones who can have the gift of healing? Are the gifts of the Spirit still around today? Why does Solomon say there’s nothing new under the sun in Ecclesiastes?

What does Deuteronomy 30 say the Law is “not too difficult”? Can you explain the two kinds of sanctification? Did Adam and Eve realize the full effects of what they had done? Is self-improvement really a sin?

I need some encouragement because of my recent failures. Can you help me? How can I get my prayer language? How can I get a second baptism by fire? I seem to get stuck in self-analysis and it distracts me from Jesus. Can you speak to that?

What can you do when you have recurring doubts about your salvation? Should I get baptized again now that I’m a believer? What should you look for in a church? Should anyone be allowed to partake of communion? How can we know Christ really even existed? How does sanctification factor in?