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Becoming the Disciple Jesus Has Called Me to Be

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven! MATTHEW 5:17-20 NLT

JESUS TEACHES THAT THE BIBLE IS ESSENTIAL TO MY CHRISTIAN FAITH

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. MATTHEW 5:17-18 NLT 

God’s word is eternal

The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” ISAIAH 40:8 NLT

God’s word is powerful

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. HEBREWS 4:12 NLT 

God’s word is His voice

Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God. 2 PETER 1:20-21 NLT

JESUS TEACHES THAT GOD’S WORD IS MEANT TO BE OBEYED

So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. MATTHEW 5:19 NLT

God’s word corrects me

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16 NLT

Focus on obeying what you do understand.

Ask God for wisdom for what you don’t understand.

God’s word directs me

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. PSALM 119:105 NLT

JESUS TEACHES THAT GOD’S WORD CANNOT SAVE ME

“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven! MATTHEW 5:20 NLT

“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life. JOHN 5:39-40 NLT

…And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith… HEBREWS 12:1-2 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place to reflect with God. Set aside any distractions as you take a few deep breaths and invite God to guide your time together. Think about how Scripture has shaped your life. Ask God to reveal His purposes in giving you His word and the ways He wants it to transform you. Consider your Bible reading habits. What’s going well? In what ways could you be more intentional? God’s word is eternal and powerful, able to direct and correct your life. As you think about that description, reflect on how you experience the power of God’s word. Is there anything in your life you’re not allowing God’s word to direct and correct? What is a truth from Scripture you want to apply to your life? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you obey what you do understand and give you wisdom for what you don’t. In Matthew 5:17-20 (NLT), Jesus makes it clear that knowing Scripture doesn’t save you; only Jesus can make you right with God. How has Jesus revealed Himself to you through His word? How does that affect your desire to read the Bible moving forward? End your time by thanking God for eternal life through Jesus. Ask God to help you be in His word everyday so that you can more fully experience the life He has for you.

Discussion Questions

For our Matthew series, we’re offering two options for discussing the sermon and Scripture. Choose option A or B to guide your group’s discussion time.

(A) The R.E.A.L. Bible Study Method:

1. Read the Passage. Start by reading Matthew 5:17-20 (NLT) out loud.

2. Explore the Theme. What is the main point or theme of the passage? What does this passage reveal about God and/or humanity?

3. Ask God. How do we apply this passage to our lives today? How might God be encouraging or challenging you?

4. Live It Out. What prayerful and specific action will you take based on this passage?

(B) Choose a couple of questions from each section below to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: What are some opinions about the Bible you've heard?
  2. START HERE: In what ways has your relationship with God grown and changed in recent years?
  3. START HERE: How important would you say learning Scripture is to you? Why?
  4. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 5:17-20 (NLT). What misunderstandings or misconceptions have you had about Jesus?
  5. KEEP GOING: Read Hebrews 4:12 (NLT). How have you experienced the power of God’s word at work in your life?
  6. KEEP GOING: How has or how could learning Scripture help you better discern God’s voice?
  7. KEEP GOING: Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT). In what areas do you struggle to receive healthy correction? What would help you become more open to it?
  8. KEEP GOING: Where in your life are you most in need of God’s wisdom or direction?
  9. KEEP GOING: Read John 5:39-40 (NLT). What is the purpose of Scripture? How does eternal life become ours? (See also John 1:12-13.)
  10. LIVE IT OUT: What’s one question you’ve had about the Bible, but never asked?
  11. LIVE IT OUT: What’s one practice you could adopt to grow in learning Scripture?