FIRST PREZ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION Questions

FOR THE WEEK OF may 19, 2024

TOGETHER SERMON SERIES: “Responding to Abuse” by Tim Fearer

SCRIPTURE TO READ: Matthew 5:38-42
 

HEAD (KNOWLEDGE)

1. What is packed into the ancient saying in v. 38 that teaches how to respond to a wrong? Also, it sounds gruesome, but what is it trying to contain?

2. In one sentence, how would you sum up Jesus’ new lifestyle principle that he is trying to communicate in vv. 38-41? (Ignore v. 42 for now. There he shifts to the topic of generosity.)

3. When Jesus says “do not resist an evil doer,” is he saying let evil run rampant? See the examples he gives. What historical custom does each relate to?

  • Striking one’s cheek

  • Taking one’s coat

  • Being forced to go one mile

Recall the sermon and describe what Jesus is not saying by these examples and what he, instead, is saying.

4. Describe all the possible effects of the responses Jesus commands. (Recall what Bonhoeffer said. You mean you didn’t take notes?) What is Jesus’ goal(s)?

5. Hitting a different note, what do you think is the unqualified demand/command in v. 42 all about? What is the point?

HEART (TRANSFORMATION)

1. What is your experience with being on either end of an over-reaction in response to a genuine wrong committed (e.g., “a broken bone in response to an insult”)?

2. What is your experience with being on either end of someone responding not-in-kind to a genuine wrong committed (e.g., “a gift in response to an insult”)?

3. What is the possible effect of generous cooperation and kindness in response to the abusive act that gets the exchange started?  

4. Is there an opportunity for you currently to offer generous cooperation and kindness in the face of some kind of abusive behavior that you are facing? Family, work, school, church? Talk about it with the group.*

5. Is v. 42 grabbing anyone of us and speaking to us right now?

  

HANDS (SPIRITUAL STEPS OF THE WEEK)

Ask God to:

1. Remind you of this message this week when you are offended or being taken advantage of.

2. Give you a word or action of generosity and grace in response.

3. Then act on it. Do it.