Announcement
Congratulations to Don and Marlene Jones on the birth of their first grandson Cole Allen Russell, weighing in at a healthy 9lbs 1oz, 21 inches, dark hair and healthy lungs.
Scripture
Matthew 5:21-26 (ESV)
"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' [22] But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire. [23] So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, [24] leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. [25] Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. [26] Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
Questions
1. When do you tend to get angry?
2. What sort of realization did Jesus say should interrupt our worship? (5:23)
3. If a person becomes aware of a relational problem, how quickly should he or she act? (5:24)
4. What should be a believer’s goal in strained or shattered relationships? (5:24)
5. Why did Jesus zero in on the emotions behind our violent actions?
6. What modern-day equivalents to “Raca” do we level at others?
7. What attitudes and emotions tend to lead to name-calling?
8. Which of our religious activities would be closely akin to “offering your gifts at the altar”?
9. According to Jesus, how do problems in our relationships with others affect our relationship with God?
10. Why is it necessary to get things right with people before we come to worship God?
