The Grace Message

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a spiritual performance trap? You’re not alone. In this “EPIC” series message, we dive into Matthew 6:1-18 and uncover some shocking truths that might just set you free. Jesus tells us to hide our giving, praying, and fasting. So why do we hear such a different message in church today? And what about the whole “forgive to be forgiven” idea – is that really how God’s forgiveness works? You may be surprised by what we uncover. If you’re done chasing religious perfection and ready to discover the true meaning of Jesus’ words, click to watch now. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this! Discussion Questions: 1. Read Matthew 6:1-4. Why does Jesus tell them to hide their giving to the poor? 2. Read Matthew 6:5-8. Why does Jesus say to hide their praying? How have we today engaged in “meaningless repetition” with prayer? 3. Read Matthew 6:9-11. How do you think the Jews interpreted “kingdom” and “daily bread” when they heard it? How might we view this passage differently today? 4. Read Matthew 6:12. Why would Jesus offer them a prayer that asks God to forgive them to the same degree they’ve forgiven others? 5. Read Matthew 6:14-15. How is the conditional nature of this forgiveness highlighted even more in these verses? Is this the forgiveness we have from God today? Explain. 6. Read Matthew 6:16-18. Why does Jesus tell them to hide their fasting? Have you noticed how fasting is often announced and publicly agreed upon today? What are your thoughts? 7. “Hide your giving. Hide your praying. Hide your fasting. Stop all your worrying. Forgive others to be forgiven by God.” What is the typical Bible teaching on this sermon? How does it fall short of letting the sermon do its work as Jesus intended?

What should you do when you don’t feel God is pleased with you? How could people cast out demons and heal in Matthew 7 if they weren’t even saved? Does Hebrews 6 suggest you can lose your salvation? What does it mean to be “glorified” in Romans 8:30? Are we giving too much power to Satan? Can a Christian receive a hex or a curse? How do we reconcile the advice to marry if you burn with lust with the idea that we have been given a spirit of self control?

Should you stop praying after given something to Jesus or continue praying about it? Are we currently in the season of the return of Christ? Can you offer comfort regarding where our deceased loved ones are now, based on John 14? What did Jesus mean by, “You’ve heard it said, but I say”?

Can we disappoint God? How should I respond to a pastor who says not all Christians will get into Heaven? I’m concerned about my brother’s salvation after his divorce and joining the Masons—what should I do?

Does Proverbs 1 say God will stop leading us if we don’t listen to Him? What is the difference between Adam being created in God’s image in Genesis 1 and Seth being born in Adam’s image in Genesis 3? I have witnessed the love that Muslims have for reach other. Doesn’t God see this and regard it as good? What is the significance of water baptism in a believer’s life? What does Jesus mean by "Depart from me; I never knew you"?

What does it mean to have died with Jesus in Romans 6? Why is the church still struggling with racism and prejudice today? How should I pray for my cousin who has an addiction? Isn’t faith itself an action or a work that we do? If so, then doesn’t God need to “supply the faith” or cause us to believe in order to avoid a works righteousness?

Are the Ten Commandments still in effect for believers? Does Revelation 3 contain warnings to Christians, or unbelievers, or both? Should I consider reconstruction after a double mastectomy, or is that vanity? Is it biblical to resist globalization and a one-world economy or government?

The Sermon on the Mount isn’t your typical Sunday School lesson. It’s a wake-up call that shatters any illusion of self-righteousness. Ever tried to keep every ounce of the Law? Jesus shows us we can’t. And that’s the whole point. He equates anger with murder and sees looking with lust as adultery. Plus, tearing out your eye and cutting off your hand weren’t just hyperbole (exaggeration). No, Jesus was setting an impossible standard to drive us to one conclusion: We need grace, not rule-keeping. Click to watch this message and discover why Jesus’ impossible demands are the ultimate setup for His incredible gift of grace. Discussion Questions: 1. Why does Jesus emphasize that not one command in the Law can be ignored? What does this mean for those who single out the Ten Commandments today? 2. React to this statement: Anger equals murder. Looking with lust equals adultery. Why would Jesus teach these things? 3. How do verses 23-24 further solidify that His audience is the Jews under the Law? 4. React to this statement: Tear out your eye. Cut off your hand. What would you say to those who claim that Jesus is just using hyperbole (exaggerating)? How does that argument hold up when reading the rest of the passage? 5. How can understanding the true context of this sermon help us avoid the pitfall of condemnation that some feel about having been divorced? 6. React to this statement: Always keep your word. Let people physically harm you. Give to whomever asks and let anyone borrow from you. How should we approach this passage? By watering it down or putting it in covenantal context? Why? 7. How does verse 48 sum up everything and bring despair and then relief to those who truly understand the Gospel?

Was the sin of Adam and Eve passed down to everyone? What can we say to Muslims who emphasize that Ishmael was born before Isaac? How do the Jews obey the Law if they are not offering sacrifices any longer? Why didn’t Jesus appear to more people after His resurrection? Plenty of people could say “Jesus is Lord” and not really have the Holy Spirit, so how does 1 Corinthians 12:3 make sense? What if we enjoy sin? Does that mean we’re not saved? Do we need to do anything to maintain our salvation? Why do some people teach there is a second blessing and that we’re not saved without the gift of tongues?

Why is my church teaching that it’s wrong to play musical instruments during the service? Where do they see that in the Bible? Why does Jesus reject people in Matthew 7 for their “lawlessness” if we are not under the Law? Is there a gift of wisdom and knowledge? If so, what does that look like? And what about tongues and the interpretation of tongues?