January 29, 2023
COMPASS: WHAT SALT AND LIGHT LOOK LIKE
January 29, 2023
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
We all know that Jesus appeared on the scene in Nazareth as the child of Mary and (supposedly) her carpenter husband, Joseph. At thirty years of age, Jesus began His ministry by selecting twelve men to train as apostles while traveling around to cities and towns in Israel. The people soon flocked to hear this “new” doctrine, as taught by this Man who also healed. They were hungry to hear Him speak and listened closely as He told them what they needed to do, how they needed to act with each other, and how to become saved from their sin debt to have eternal life. Now, years later, we still need to know how to be all that Jesus desires us to be. Today, we continue our series “Compass” as we hear what Jesus said about being a disciple.
Focal Passage: Matthew 5:17-30
“Why I’ve Come”
· Read Matt. 5:17-19. What was available to the people of Jesus’ day that taught them how to please God? Where could they hear God’s Word? What was the Old Testament trying to accomplish?
· What kind of reputation did the Scribes and Pharisees, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, have? Read Matt. 23:13,23, and 27. What was the hope for common people?
· Read Matt. 26:55. Who was the Author of the Old Testament? How important was it to Jesus? Did He have any intention of abolishing the OT for a new set of laws? Jesus came to “fulfill” the Law and Prophets: what did He mean by fulfill? How much should we know, read, and love the OT? Can you defend your answer?
“What You Should Do”
· Read Matt. 5:20. How did the common people revere the Pharisees and Scribes? How would Jesus’ words have shocked them? Why is it dangerous to hold religious leaders in high esteem, without knowing their heart?
· What are some man-made rules or laws that people assume Christians live under, in order to go to Heaven? What is that called? Read Luke 10:25-28. What did Jesus tell this lawyer? Read 1 John 2:15-17. Why is “love God, love people” the answer?
So, Let’s Do Better
A. Get rid of anger
· Read Matt. 5:21-26. What was Jesus’ point in these verses? What are some reasons why we must not allow anger to reside in our heart? Read James 1:19-20. Why does James say anger is particularly deadly?
· Read Matt. 6:12. Why is forgiveness very necessary? Read Ephesians 4: 26-27, 30-32 and Col. 3:5-10. Why are all these passages so very relevant to our daily walk? If we let anger
continue unchecked, can it become a compulsive addiction? What are some ways you can overcome feelings of anger?
B. Get rid of Lust
· Read Matt. 5:27-30. Jesus is trying to get the common people to accept what truth when it comes to sin? Read James 1:14-15. Where does the “longing” for sin begin? What has to happen for it to become full-blown sin?
· Do you have to have the sexual act for adultery to occur? Just as in the case above of anger begetting hate in one’s heart that can be as bad as murder, does the heart have the capacity to sin as if the action was carried out?
· Read 1 Cor. 6:18-20. There is conflict among younger people who think there are ways around coitus in order to avoid the term adultery, fornication, or even sin; what would you tell them if you had the opportunity?
Application
1. The Old Testament is not an outdated collection of books which have no value to today’s reader.
2. Living in fellowship with others is far better than living in conflict. If at all possible, make things right with those you’ve wronged or with those who’ve done wrong to you.
3. Be diligent in removing tempting images from your life and avoiding people who tempt you to do any wrong. Be quick to seek the forgiveness of God when you fail.
Close
Over the past years, reading the Bible through for the new year has been a focus our church has encouraged. In hoping to cultivate a discipline for setting aside time daily in which to communicate with God, it is a way to get the members to appreciate and love God’s word, with a desire to continue to read it for themselves. Time spent each day in reading His word and praying, or listening, to Him will reap benefits that will span generations. Children will always remember—and usually respect—the parent sitting quietly, reading the Bible.
The use of the word “discipline” above is quite accurate. It seems to never truly become a habit, for it can be stopped too easily. In Genesis 3:15, part of the result of Adam and Eve’s fall was the ground would be cursed because of them, and Adam “in the sweat of his face… would eat his bread” (Gen. 3:19a). While that was to be taken literally, it is not too far-fetched to believe that it can also apply to our devotions, as Jesus refers to Himself as the Bread of Life. So many things will rush in to take up our time when we try to set aside specific time for God! Suddenly Mom or Dad must be there to fix a hundred situations. Keep trying. Keep scheduling the time. Keep praying for God to help you as you desire to chase after a heart like His!
By Sandy Day January 29, 2023