May 31 – June 6

Weekly Reading for May 31 – June 6

Preparing for Next Week’s Message

Sermon Series: Take it up a Notch
Sermon Title: You Can Commit Adultery with Your Clothes On

This reading plan will get your heart and mind set for the next message on June 7, 2015:

• SUNDAY: Mathew 5, Mathew 5,
• MONDAY: Matthew 6, Matthew 6,
• TUESDAY: Matthew 7, Matthew 7,
• WEDNESDAY: Judges 13-16 , Judges 13-16 ,
• THURSDAY: 2 Samuel 11-12, 2 Samuel 11-12,
• FRIDAY: 1 Kings 3-4, 1 Kings 11:13, 1 Kings 3-4, 1 Kings 11:13,
• SATURDAY: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Hebrews 13:1-6, Proverbs 5, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Hebrews 13:1-6, Proverbs 5,

Reflecting on the Most Recent Sermon

Sermon Series: Take it Up a Notch
Sermon Title: Murder is More than Killing Someone!
Delivered On: May 31, 2015

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Memorize and Reflect

"But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell." (Matthew 5:22)

Prayer Direction

Ask God to show you where you are holding bitterness, anger, and judgment in your heart. Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal sinful poison and help you repent. Pray for self-control to hold your tongue and bridal your words so that you do not hurt others with what you say…and confess where your words have been destructive.

“Live It!” Challenge

I Am Sorry! Take time in the coming 48 hours to call, text, e-mail, or communicate in some with a person you have hurt with a bitter heart, silence, or sharp words. Tell them, I am sorry. I was wrong. And Ask them to forgive you.

Small Group Discussion

1. Tell about a time that a bitter attitude or the harsh words of someone you know (please don’t use their name or indicate who they are) hurt you. Why are these moments so painful?

2. Read: Matthew 5:21-22
   It is clear that Jesus stands against actual murder. But, he goes even deeper…He takes it up a notch! Why do you think holding and harboring anger and bitterness in our hearts is so dangerous? How can this anger nurturing behavior lead to hurt of ourselves and others?

3. What are some of the ways that Christians can let contempt grow in their hearts, show on their faces, come out in their words, and even guide their lives?

4. How can pride and contempt grow in our lives in some of the following areas? What does it look like?
   Intellectual pride and contempt…
   Economic pride and contempt…
   Spiritual and religious pride and contempt…
   Other pride and contempt…

5. Read: Matthew 5:23-24
   Why is Jesus so serious about us seeking healing and reconciliation in our relationships? How can brokenness in our relationships build a wall between us and God?

6. Without using a name, what is one situation where you need to make things right with someone in your life? What will you do and how can others keep you accountable and pray for you as you seek healing in this relationship?

7. Read: Matthew 5:25-26
   What are some of the things that get in the way of us seeking restoration in broken relationships? What are some of the rationalizations we give ourselves and others to explain why it is OK for us to harbor bitterness and not seek healing in relationships?

8. What can we do to speak the truth to ourselves and others and move into a pattern of seeking healing in broken relationships instead of justifying sinful harboring of bitterness and anger?

9. Tell about a time that a bitter attitude or the harsh words of someone you know (please don’t use their name or indicate who they are) hurt you. Why are these moments so painful?

10. Read: Matthew 5:21-22
    It is clear that Jesus stands against actual murder. But, he goes even deeper…He takes it up a notch! Why do you think holding and harboring anger and bitterness in our hearts is so dangerous? How can this anger nurturing behavior lead to hurt of ourselves and others?

11. What are some of the ways that Christians can let contempt grow in their hearts, show on their faces, come out in their words, and even guide their lives?

12. How can pride and contempt grow in our lives in some of the following areas? What does it look like?
    Intellectual pride and contempt…
    Economic pride and contempt…
    Spiritual and religious pride and contempt…
    Other pride and contempt…

13. Read: Matthew 5:23-24
    Why is Jesus so serious about us seeking healing and reconciliation in our relationships? How can brokenness in our relationships build a wall between us and God?

14. Without using a name, what is one situation where you need to make things right with someone in your life? What will you do and how can others keep you accountable and pray for you as you seek healing in this relationship?

15. Read: Matthew 5:25-26
    What are some of the things that get in the way of us seeking restoration in broken relationships? What are some of the rationalizations we give ourselves and others to explain why it is OK for us to harbor bitterness and not seek healing in relationships?

16. What can we do to speak the truth to ourselves and others and move into a pattern of seeking healing in broken relationships instead of justifying sinful harboring of bitterness and anger?