Sermon Guide

December 14: Matthew 18

Question: How do you overcome the hurt brought on by someone you should be able to trust?

Key Takeaway:

1. Offense is serious because it damages our ability to trust both people and God
2. Forgiveness is a process that requires intentional steps: accounting, confrontation, compassion, and release
3. Forgiveness is obedience, not based on feelings or the other person's response
4. We cannot forgive alone—we need community and the power of Christ
5. The debt we owed God is infinitely greater than any debt owed to us

Discussion Questions:

1. Offense is an action that damages a person's ability to trust. How does this definition differ from how we typically use the word "offense" in Christian culture?
2. Read Matthew 18:6-9. Why does Jesus respond so severely to those who cause offenses? What does this tell us about God's heart toward those who've been hurt?
3. When trust breaks horizontally, it doesn't just stay horizontal—it starts bleeding vertically. Can you share (without naming names) an example of how broken trust with people has affected your trust in God?
4. Jesus outlines a pattern through the king's example:

• Do the accounting (know what you're forgiving)
• Do the confrontation (address it directly)
• Have compassion (see them as God sees them)
• Forgive the debt (release them from owing you)

        Which of these steps feels most difficult for you personally? Why?

5. Forgiveness is about obedience, not outcomes. How does this change the way you approach forgiving someone who may never acknowledge what they did?
6. Forgiveness doesn't mean "forgive and forget." What's the difference between forgiving someone and trusting them again? How do we navigate that tension wisely?
7. Be honest: When you heard the question "How many of you know God likes you?" how did you respond internally? What does your answer reveal about unhealed hurt in your life?
8. Read the parable in Matthew 18:23-35 again. Bob was forgiven $98.5 million but wouldn't forgive $100. What "debt" are you holding onto that pales in comparison to what Christ has forgiven you?
9. Time heals no wounds by itself. Healing requires prescribed activity. What's one specific step you need to take this week toward forgiveness—whether that's doing the math, having the conversation, or seeking help from a mature believer?

Practical Applications:

1. Write down the name of someone you need to forgive. Do the accounting—what specifically did they do or not do? How has it affected your life? If you're not ready to confront yet, write a letter (you don't have to send it) working through the forgiveness process.
2. Share with one trusted person in this group (or a mentor) about a hurt you're carrying. Ask them to pray with you and check in on your progress.
3. Ask God to help you see the person who hurt you the way He sees them—not minimizing their sin, but recognizing their humanity and need for grace.
4. Read through Matthew 18 daily this week, asking God to reveal any unforgiveness in your heart. Consider meeting with a pastor, counselor, or spiritual mentor if you're dealing with deep trauma or abuse
5. Memorize Matthew 18:21-22: "Then Peter approached him and asked, 'Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? As many as seven times?' 'I tell you, not as many as seven,' Jesus replied, 'but seventy times seven.'"
6. How does Jesus' forgiveness of you on the cross motivate you toward forgiving others? What would change in your life if you truly released the debt you're holding against someone?

 Sermon Guide

December 28: Deuteronomy 6:4-9

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why? 

Key Takeaway:

1. Shema is listening in a way that changes how you live. It's not just hearing—it's responding with obedience Biblical love is a decision and commitment, not just a feeling
2. There is only one true God—not competing gods or "choose your own adventure" spirituality. False gods always promise something but end up hurting people and destroying communities. Worshiping the one true God leads to life.
3. God's Word in All Times and Places: The merism (sitting, walking, lying down, rising up) means everywhere, all the time. God's Word isn't just for church—it should shape mornings, evenings, car rides, dinner tables, and daily decisions.
4. We need intentional practices to remember what matters most.

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9 together. What do you think it meant for the original audience (the children of those who wandered in the wilderness) to hear these words? How might their parents' failure have motivated them?
2. Discuss the concept of "Shema." Can you share an example from your own life where you heard something but didn't respond? What was the result? Now share a time when you heard and obeyed—what difference did it make?
3. Why do you think Moses emphasized "The Lord our God is one"? What competing "gods" do we face today that promise fulfillment but lead to destruction?
4. Moses says to love God "with all your heart, soul, and strength." On a scale of 1-10, how would you honestly rate your current devotion to God? What areas (heart, soul, strength) feel strongest? Which feel weakest?
5. We regularly forget important things. What strategies do you currently use to remember what matters most? How might you apply those same strategies to remembering God's Word?
6. The Jewish tradition of phylacteries and mezuzahs shows extreme intentionality. What physical or visual reminders could you put in place to keep God's Word central in your daily life?
7. "Talk about them when you sit in your house, walk along the road, lie down, and get up." When and where do you currently engage with God's Word? What times or places are missing from your rhythm?
8. The Every Word challenge invites us to read one chapter of the New Testament daily (about 3 minutes). What obstacles do you anticipate facing in maintaining this practice? How can this group help you overcome them?
9. For parents/guardians: How are you currently "repeating" God's words to your children? What's one specific way you could integrate Scripture into your daily routines with your kids this week?
10. Moses knew the Israelites would "drift, forget, and get distracted." When you look at your life, where have you drifted from God's Word? What would it look like to take steps back toward making it central? 
11. Since the goal is practice, not perfection, how does that perspective change your approach to Bible reading? What grace do you need to extend to yourself (or receive from God) regarding your spiritual disciplines?

Practical Applications:

1. Start the Every Word reading plan (begins January 5th, but you can prepare now).
2. Create a physical reminder of God's Word in your home (sticky note with a verse, screensaver, doorway reminder).
3. Have a conversation with your child (or a younger believer) about what you're both learning from Scripture.
4. Identify your "drift zones"—times/places where you consistently forget about God—and set a reminder to pray or read Scripture during one of those times.
5. Be creative about how you can talk to people about what you are reading. Is there someone that comes to mind to invite to join you?

 Sermon Guide

January 4: Matthew 7:24-29

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why? 

Key Takeaway:

1. Hearing vs. Doing - The difference between admiring Scripture and obeying it is the foundation of spiritual maturity.
2. Biblical Listening (Shema) - True listening means hearing God's Word and allowing it to change our behavior.
3. Obedience Flows from Love - Jesus doesn't expect perfection; He desires affection that naturally leads to obedience.
4. The Danger of Familiarity - The greatest risk isn't failing to read the Bible, but reading it without being transformed by it.

Discussion Questions:

1. We love the Bible "like inspirational quotes" - short, encouraging, and easy. Why do you think we struggle when Scripture challenges how we live, speak, spend money, or treat others?
2. Read Matthew 7:24-29 together. What's the difference between the wise builder and the foolish builder? What does Jesus emphasize as the key distinction?
3. In Matthew 7, we see that both builders heard Jesus' words. Why is hearing alone not enough? What does this reveal about the nature of true faith?
4. Which of Jesus' commands from the Sermon on the Mount do you find most challenging?
• Love your enemies
• Keep your word
• Don't worry
• Forgive those who wrong you
• See all people as image bearers
5. The pastor described our internal "lawyer" that makes excuses when we hear God's Word. What excuses do you find yourself making most often when Scripture convicts you?
6. Think about the four questions we're encouraged to ask when reading Scripture. Which question do you think will be easiest for you? Which will be most challenging?
   
• What does this reveal about God?
• What does this show about people/me?
• Where's the good news of Jesus?
• What should I do with this today?
7. How would you explain the difference between legalism (earning salvation through rule-keeping) and obedience that flows from grace to someone new to faith?
8. Jesus' expectation isn't perfection but affection. How does understanding this change your approach to obedience? How does it change how you respond when you fail? How does the example of teaching a child to ride a bike help you understand God's heart toward you as you learn to obey Him?
   

Practical Applications:

1. Commit to the Every Word Reading Plan: Read one chapter of the New Testament each weekday (Monday-Friday) and use the four questions after each reading. You can download resources and sign up for daily text reminders at utown.org/everyword
2. Partner Up: Find people to check in with throughout the week about your reading.
3. Share One Thing: At the end of each day, text your partner one thing God showed you or one way you applied what you read.
4. Identify Your "Bike": What's one specific area where Jesus is calling you to obedience that feels scary or uncomfortable? Share it with your group and ask for prayer.
5. Family Application: Parents, identify one way you can walk through Scripture with your children this week using the resources at utown.org/everyword.

 Sermon Guide

January 11: Matthew 5:1-12

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why? 

Key Takeaway:

1. Spiritual bankruptcy is the entry point to God's kingdom - We bring nothing to the table that earns us acceptance with God.
2. Mourning over sin leads to comfort - When we grieve our brokenness and the brokenness of the world, God meets us there.
3. Meekness is strength under control - Humility means using our gifts and abilities to serve others, following Jesus' example.
4. Hunger and thirst for righteousness - Our craving for God should be as desperate and undeniable as our need for food and water.

Discussion Questions:

1. In Matthew 5:3, what does it mean to be "poor in spirit"? How is this different from just having a bad week or feeling discouraged?
2. "Real blessing isn't when you have more. Real blessing is when you finally admit you have nothing." Why is this so difficult for us to accept?
3. Think about the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14). Which character do you naturally relate to more? Why? In what areas of your life are you still trying to hand God your resume instead of admitting your need for Him?
4. In Matthew 5:4, how is the mourning Jesus describes different from typical grief over loss?
5. Mourning over sin should produce spiritual compassion, not spiritual pride. What's the difference? When was the last time you genuinely mourned over your own sin? What about mourning over the brokenness you see in the world?
6. How can mourning over sin actually prepare us to engage with broken people rather than withdraw from them?
7. Read Matthew 5:5 and Philippians 2:3-8. How does Jesus redefine the way our culture typically views meekness?
8. Jesus is described as the ultimate example of meekness - having all power but using it to serve. What would it look like for you to practice "strength under control" this week?
9. Where in your life are you tempted to use your strength, abilities, or influence for your own benefit rather than for serving others?
10. In Matthew 5:6, Jesus uses hunger and thirst - basic, urgent, demanding needs - to describe how we should pursue righteousness. Is your pursuit of God that desperate? Why or why not?
11. What typically distracts you from hungering and thirsting for God? (Success, comfort, entertainment, busyness, etc.) "If you crave him like that, he's going to feed you." Have you experienced this? Share a time when desperately seeking God led to being filled by Him.

Practical Applications:

1. Write down all the things you typically use to feel "good enough" for God (church attendance, good deeds, moral behavior, etc.) Spend time in prayer, symbolically handing this "resume" to God and confessing your spiritual poverty. Journal about what it feels like to come to God with empty hands.
2. Set aside 15 minutes to pray through Psalm 51. Ask God to show you areas of sin you've been minimizing or ignoring and then confess specifically and receive His comfort and forgiveness.
3. Identify one way you can use your strength, skills, or resources to serve someone else this week. Do this act of service without telling anyone about it (except perhaps your accountability partner).
4. Evaluate your daily schedule: What gets the most urgent attention? Create a plan to prioritize time with God that reflects the urgency of physical hunger. Consider a short fast (food, social media, entertainment) to cultivate spiritual hunger.