Live It Out — Part 2
God cares just as much about what is going on inside of you, if not more than what everyone sees on [the outside].
The world likes to talk about what they see on the outside, but God cares about [the internal].
The Pharisees were teaching people that if you wanted to have a right relationship with God, what really mattered was [the outside].
- Where in your life are you more concerned about how things appear on the outside than what's happening in your heart? What would it look like to let God work on the internal issues first?
- The Pharisees focused on rules and outward appearances. In what ways do you find yourself doing the same—trying to look good rather than being transformed from the inside out?
You have heard it said, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.[an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth]
True justice requires that a punishment fit [the crime].
The Pharisees had taken this command and they were taking it out of the context of courts and judges and they're placing it into the realm of [personal relationships].
Do you trust that I as your heavenly Father can [make it right]?
- When someone wrongs you, what is your natural response? How does Jesus call you to respond differently?
- Is there a situation where you've been trying to "make it right" on your own instead of trusting God to bring justice? What would it look like to release that to Him?
But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him [the other also].
Don't respond with wrong to their wrong. Cut [the cycle].
If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him [two miles].
This is a [supernatural] response.
- Think about a recent conflict. How could you "go the second mile" in love for that person instead of retaliating or withdrawing?
- Jesus calls us to a supernatural response—one we can't do in our own strength. Where do you need the Holy Spirit's power to love someone who has hurt you?
Our calling as Christians is to love and forgive and to pray for that person you had in your mind that has [hurt you] the most.
- Who came to mind earlier in the sermon when you were asked, "Who is your enemy?" How is God calling you to love and pray for that person this week?
- Love is not just a feeling—it's action. What is one tangible way you can show love to someone who has wronged you or who you struggle to love?
There was a day when I died. Utterly died to George Mueller. Utterly died to George Mueller's opinions, my preferences, taste, and even my [will].
I'm going to die and by doing so, by dying to myself, I'm going to live by the [Holy Spirit] of God.
When Jesus went to the cross and died the most excruciating death possible, when you were a sinner, when you were totally undeserving of that act, why would Jesus do that? [Love].
God is not asking something of you that he has not already [done] for you.
- George Mueller said he died to his own will, preferences, and approval of others. What do you need to "die to" today so that the Holy Spirit can enable you to love the way Jesus calls you to?
- Reflect on the cross: Jesus loved you when you were His enemy. How does His undeserved love for you change how you can love others who have hurt you?