2.16.20 - The Unexpected Path to Being Perfect (Kenny Camacho)
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:13-48
After describing the unexpected blessings of a humble life in the Beatitudes, Jesus goes on to challenge his listeners’ trust in the legalism of the Temple system. He says that it is true God requires perfection from his people...but that the kind of perfection God has in mind is a matter of growth and maturity rather than a self-righteous commitment to purity alone. God’s plan for us is deeper than just rule-following! In a series of six discussions of the Jewish Law, Jesus draws our attention to what the Law points to as an ideal not only for our behavior, but for the desires of our hearts and minds as well. In the end, Jesus reminds us that our growth is meant to serve a purpose in our world.
REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
When have you experienced a strictly or intensely “legalistic” system in your life? How did that experience help you to learn or mature and/or frustrate your growth?
Where in your life do you tend to be most “legalistic”? What do you think the rules you put in place for yourself/others are meant to point towards, in terms of your ideals?
How do you feel when you read Matthew 5:48? Discuss this together as a group.
On Sunday, Kenny said there were 2 ways to “learn perfection.” The first was to look back at the examples described in the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:1-12). Read these out loud: where do you see areas for growth in your own life as you seek to mature?
The second approach Kenny described has to do with building a real relationship with Jesus. He emphasized that we are really meant to know and talk to and put our trust in him. Is that something you are doing? If so, what is that experience like? Is it something you have considered doing? If you are comfortable, share your story with the group.