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Covenant Group Questions (2/26-3/5)

2/22/2017

During our current sermon series focused on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, we will publish weekly a set of small group questions for your Covenant to make use of should you desire to use them. Here are the questions for this week:

Read Mathew 5:33-37.
What is the original intent of the Mosaic law in verse 38 (Ex. 21:22-24, Lv. 24:13-23, Dt. 19:15-21) and in verse 43 (Lv. 19:17-18,33-34)?
Jesus commands that we are not to seek revenge even when faced with an injustice against ourselves. He teaches that true justice is not retaliatory. What practical implications does this have for our personal lives? For the way we deal with our “justice system?”
How can a follower of the Sermon on the Mount deal with payback and retaliation as governments practice these actions? Can a Christian serve in roles where retaliation of some form is expected (police or military)? Give arguments for your choice.
In what practical ways do you love your friends? How about acquaintances? How about people who don't appeal to you so much? How about enemies?
In the movie, The Mission, Jesuit missionaries are bringing the Gospel to indigenous people in Brazil back in the 18th century. But the Portuguese colonial government wants these people sold as slaves and sends soldiers. The missionaries face two alternatives to the coming violence. The character played by Robert DeNiro rallies some of the villagers to fight back. But the priest played by Jeremy Irons chooses instead to celebrate a worship service. Both are killed. Which response has the most appeal to you as a follower of Christ? What does this say about choices we face in the 21st century?
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Covenant Group Questions (2/19-2/25)

2/22/2017

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Read Mathew 5:33-37.
What was “vow taking” like in Jesus’ day? What lies behind Jesus forbidding the making of vows? How did this apply to the day in which he spoke?
Should Christians today stay away from oaths completely (i.e. taking the stand in a trial, being sworn in for government office). Why or why not?
How important is truth to Christian faith? If someone asked if truth was more important than love how would you answer?
As we interact with children at home, church, or classroom, how do we help them see the long term value of truth telling over the short time "advantage" of lying? Make the case for those who follow Jesus and for those who do not. What differences do you find in the two approaches?
The tendency to fudge when telling the truth is universal. Today, perhaps more than before in the modern era, politicians make up truth that fits their needs. What standard should we hold for our governmental leaders regarding telling the truth?
What are other implications of this teaching of Jesus for our day and age?

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Covenant Group Questions (2/5-2/11)

2/4/2017

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Read Matthew 5:21-26.
Many of our legal codes recognize some forms of justifiable manslaughter or homicide. Jesus seems to be going in a different direction. How should today’s followers of Jesus deal with this distinction?
What do you think about the fairly new legal proscription of “hate crimes?” What do you say to someone who points out the difficulty of prosecuting a hate crime. God knows heart.
If someone came to you claiming their anger was justified because it was about right and wrong and God cares about right and wrong—what would you say? How might you counsel them?
When Jesus says one should leave off making an offering and rush to reconcile, is he engaging in dramatic overstatement or is he giving serious instruction? Would you ever leave a worship service to try to reach someone who had a grudge against you? Why or why not?
Raca is an insult. But scholars, although they know it is an Aramaic swear word of sorts don’t know exactly what it means. It is Untranslatable. Maybe on purpose we have to fill in the blank. A driver ahead cuts me off, “You blankity, blank blank blank! Have you blanked anyone recently? What should you do about it?
Can you share an example of a reconciliation that went well? Leaving out names if that is helpful describe the thoughts and feelings before, during and after the talk.

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Covenant Group Questions (2/26-3/5)

Covenant Group Questions (2/19-2/25)

Covenant Group Questions (2/5-2/11)

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