Have you ever heard someone explain a scripture and wonder to yourself, “Is that really what that scripture means?”
Talking Points:
- Matthew 7:1 “Don’t judge others and then you won’t be judged.” The real message is that in making judgments, we should not be hypocrites. We should not call out others without examining ourselves and being open to changing ourselves Matthew 7:5, 1 Corinthians 5:11
- James 1:2 “Consider it pure joy when you face many trials.” Trials are hard, but with God’s perspective in mind, they will ultimately lead us to be more faithful, committed, mature followers of Jesus. James 1:2-4, Romans 8:28
- Matthew 18:20 “Where two or three are gathered in my name.” While there is nothing wrong with desiring the prayers of other believers, we must be cautious that we do not begin believing that God will be more moved to act because we are with more people. Jesus answers all prayer in one way or another, and the most important thing is that we submit our prayers to his will. Matthew 18:15-20, 1 John 5:14-15
- Romans 4:17 “Speak about things that are as though they are not.” This is not offering us a magic formula by which we can get God to give us whatever we want. It is saying that God has the power to speak things into existence, and the point is highlighting that Abraham had enough faith to believe this about God and so should we.
- Isaiah 53:5 “By his stripes we are healed.” The context of the passage indicates that the healing here is a reference to spiritual healing we receive in Christ when we are forgiven of our sins thanks to how he suffered for us on the cross. This is not a catch-all phrase guaranteeing Christians perfect health. 1 Peter 2:24
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Have your words ever been taken out of context? What was the result of that mistake?
- Read Matthew 7:1 and 1 Corinthians 5:11. Evaluate what both verses are saying. Define hypocrite in your own words. Why do we need to be careful when we call out others for their sins?
- Read James 1:2-4 and Romans 8:28. Share about a hard season in your life. Looking back, how did you see God work through it all? How did you grow from it?
- Read Matthew 18:20 and 1 John 5:14-15. Why might it be helpful to bring witnesses to a hard conversation? Why do we need to be careful to not take these verses too far? Why should we pray for God’s will, not ours?
- Read Romans 4:17. Why is it important for us to remember that God is on the throne, not us? What dangers do we face when we assume our way is better? How have you tried to force God to do things your way in the past and what happened?
- Read Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24. How does Jesus heal us? How have you seen Christians take verses like these out of context?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
This topic is adapted from the THE BEAT by Allen Parr YouTube channel.
