Matthew 5:33-48

Jesus and Revenge – Monday 1^st to Sunday 7^th November, 2010

Introduction

If you had to describe the characteristics of a Christian using only three adjectives, what would those adjectives be? Share your answer with the rest of the group. How different/similar were your answers?

Studying the passage - Read Matthew 5:33-48

1) An oath is essentially a promise to do something. Give some examples of when people make oaths.

2) According to verses 33-37, are all types of oaths forbidden? If not, what type of oaths are forbidden by these verses? On what grounds are they forbidden? Should Christians make oaths at all? Discuss.

3) Share with the group a time where you that have suffered for being a Christian. How did you respond? How do you feel towards the person/people who persecuted you?

4) Summarise how Christians should respond to persecution based on verses 38-48? How difficult do you find this? Discuss.

5) How does this type of response make us “sons of your Father in heaven?” How does this make us like Christ? (See also Romans 5:6-11).

6) Does this mean Christians should never go to war or be involved in law enforcement? What about going to court? Explain your answer. (See also Romans 13:1-5).

Response

Would you change your answer to the introduction question (i.e. the three adjectives to describe Christians) now that you have completed this study? If so, how? Do those three adjectives describe you? If not, which ones do you need to work on?

Read Matthew 5:10-12, then spend some time thanking God that He cares about what happens to us. Next, pray for those who have been persecuting you.