Small Group Discussion

Icebreaker Question:

• When you think of a “good person,” what qualities or behaviors come to mind? Do you think being good is mostly about following rules, having the right heart, or both?

Key Takeaways:

• Jesus did not come to erase God’s commands, but to fulfill them and reveal their deeper purpose.
• Religion focuses on outward behavior and asks, “Where is the line?” Jesus focuses on the heart and asks who we are becoming.
• Jesus cares not only about avoiding harmful actions, but also confronting the anger, contempt, and desires that lead to them.
• Purity is not about seeing how close we can get to sin. It means taking temptation seriously and choosing what leads us closer to God.
• Loyalty to Jesus produces integrity—our words and actions should be trustworthy without excuses, loopholes, or exaggerated promises.

Discussion Questions:

Part 1: Jesus Wants the Heart

1. The pastor said, “Religion wants the line. Jesus wants the heart.” What is the difference between simply following a rule and allowing Jesus to change your heart? Why do you think Jesus cares about both our actions and what is happening inside us?
2. In Matthew 5:21–24, Jesus connects unresolved anger and contempt with the command against murder. How can anger begin shaping the way we see and treat someone, even if we never physically harm them? Is there a relationship where God may be asking you to pursue peace or reconciliation?

Part 2: Jesus Wants Purity

1. The pastor contrasted asking for permission with pursuing purity. Where are people tempted to ask, “How far can I go without technically doing something wrong?” How would our choices change if we instead asked, “Will this help me become more like Jesus?”
2. In Matthew 5:27–30, Jesus uses severe language to show how seriously we should take the things that lead us toward sin. What influences, habits, or environments tend to weaken your judgment or pull your heart away from God? What practical boundary could help you respond before temptation grows?

Part 3: Jesus Wants Loyalty

1. Jesus teaches that our “yes” or “no” should be enough (Matthew 5:37). Why is honesty about more than simply avoiding a direct lie? What does the way we keep promises reveal about our character and our loyalty to Jesus?
2. Psalm 15 describes someone who keeps their word “even when it hurts.” When is it most difficult for you to follow through on what you said you would do? What is one area where greater consistency between your words, heart, and actions would help others see Jesus more clearly in you?