October 5 - The Teachings of Jesus

Righteousness

​Icebreaker
What’s a show, podcast, or documentary you’ve watched that revealed “the inside story” about someone or something—and what surprised you most about it?

Study Questions

1. Read Matthew 5:17–20. Why do you think people in Jesus’ day accused Him of “abolishing” the law? How does Jesus’ response correct that misunderstanding?
2. Pastor Jim talked about three categories of Old Testament law—moral, civil, and ceremonial. The moral law is eternal, while the other two are no longer binding because the civil law was tied to the theocratic biblical nation of Israel (which is no longer in existence), and the ceremonial law was tied to temple worship and the sacrificial system (which was fulfilled in Jesus). How does understanding these categories help us read the Old Testament more faithfully today?
3. In verse 20, Jesus says our righteousness must “surpass” that of the Pharisees. How did Pastor Jim explain the meaning of the Greek word perisseuō (“overflow”)? What difference does that make for how we think about righteousness?
4. Which of the modern examples stood out most to you—the driver, the friend, or the employer? What truth about “inside-out” righteousness did it illustrate?

Application Questions

1. The Pharisees focused on outward compliance. Where are you most tempted to settle for external “rule-keeping” instead of allowing God to transform your heart?
2. Jesus fulfills the Law by embodying God’s character. What would it look like for that same character—justice, mercy, and love—to “overflow” from your life this week?
3. Pastor Jim listed several practical tips to allow yourself to see your own "inside story" as we learn the teachings of Jesus—reflection, openness, noticing reactions, and receiving grace. Which of these could help you most in uncovering what’s going on in your own heart right now?
4. Think of a recent reaction—anger, defensiveness, avoidance—that revealed something deeper in you. What might Jesus want to heal or change underneath that reaction?
5. How might your relationships or workplace look different if your righteousness flowed “from the inside out” rather than being motivated by rules, pressure, or reputation?

Prayer Prompt
Close by praying Psalm 139:23–24 together:
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Then invite each person to silently ask God to reveal one area of their “inside story” that He wants to transform this week and pray for each others' prayer requests.