Gospel & Law (Matt. 5:17-20)
“How to combine faith with obedience is surely the essential task of the church as it enters the twenty-first century” Dallas Willard

1.  What has been your understanding of the relationship of Gospel and Law?

2.  How much have you heard or thought about obedience lately?

3.  It is clear that Jesus did not come to replace the Law but to fulfill it. Also, it is clear that he expects us to obey it but in a different (non-legalistic) way than the Pharisees and teachers of the law. What does he mean?

4.  Was the "righteousness" of the Pharisees and teachers of the law focused on themselves or others?

Words That Kill and Reconciliation (Matt. 5:21-26)

1. How is it possible to obey this command of Jesus in a non-legalistic way?
2. As Jesus was amongst men was he focused on himself or others?

3.  How is it possible for him to focus on others even when he was “at risk”?

4.  In Christ are we ever truly at risk? (Rom. 8:31-39)

5.  If we truly believe that in Christ we are forever safe and no longer needing to defend ourselves, then, by grace, we can compassionately focus on the other person(s) and their need and thereby fulfill the law of God.