Key Bible Passage(s):

Matt.5:17-20; Matt.22:37-40; Rom.13:8-10

Tier 1:

We often define discipleship as the process of becoming more like Jesus. But what does that actually mean? What does it look like in detail? …in specifics? One way of breaking it down is found in the 10 Commandments. This ancient summarizing of the Law of God has often been described as the expression of Christ’s character. We’ll see why as we go through this term. But as we learn to inhabit these ancient laws we learn to love God and to love our neighbour as ourselves. This is why the Christian’s desire is for the Law, and to be able to live by it as fully as possible.

Tier 2:

The ideas of ‘law’ and ‘love’ don’t naturally sit together in our minds. But ‘love’ must be defined. We are not at liberty to decide for ourselves what love looks like. The Commandments are the Law broken down into its component parts. The Law is not a restrictive thing. It doesn’t damage us nor does it rob us of our potential or our dignity to keep it. Quite the opposite. Only as the Law is written ‘on our hearts’ so that it shapes everything about us as we truly free to become all we were created to be.

Tier 3:

This is what New Creation looks like. Imagine a world where there was no jealousy or greed; no gossip or slander or lies about other people; no deceit; no theft, a world where everyone was totally trustworthy. Imagine a world where there was no unfaithfulness, no affairs, no lust or sexual exploitation; no hatred, resentment, bitterness, violence or murder; a world where children honoured their parents and where parents were honourable. Imagine a world of rest and fulfilment; where there was reverence for Jesus, and where nobody lied about Him, or were caught up in any form of idolatry or false religion. That is the world we will be part of, and it is the Church’s job to help us to get ready for it. And as we do, we discover we are changing this world too.

God is not after a people who will tie themselves up in legalistic knots, so that they merely are unable to carry out on the outside what they really are on the inside. That is not what the law of God is about.

Voddie Baucham

Group Discussion:

Read Matt.5:17-20

Matthew’s Gospel written to train disciples – spend a lot of time in it over next 3 years.

Do Christians need to keep the Law (see vv.17-19)? Why do we keep some laws (e.g. you shall not murder), but don’t keep others (e.g. Lev.14:33-45)?

What does it mean to fulfil the Law? Why does Jesus go on to abolish at least some laws (e.g. Mk.7:19)?

What does Jesus mean by calling people greatest / least on the basis of their obedience to the Law?

And if we are saved by grace, why does He say that being in the Kingdom depends on our righteousness?

and later in the session:

Read Rom.13:8-10 again:

Why does Paul style the command to love one other as a ‘debt’?

How should this affect how we see those in our Church? Is there a specific way I can demonstrate this love over the next few days?

Why does Paul say elsewhere: if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law (Gal.5:18)? Is he contradicting Jesus? ...is he contradicting himself?

and if there is time, pose these questions for group discussion:

How important do you think ‘obedience’ is in the Christian life? Does it matter if we follow the teaching and example of Jesus? Why / why not?

How does knowing, understanding and living by God’s Law work out in your life?

Homework:

Over this half-term we have been working to memorise Matthew 5:17-20. You will have to keep refreshing Matt.5:1-16, Matt.6:5-15 and Matt.7:7-12 whilst you do this.

(we’ll memorise the whole of the Sermon on the Mount over the 3 years of DTP)

To Be A Christian: Read Introduction to Pt. IV:  Becoming like Christ (p.89-90), and Q&A 256-267, noting the Biblical passages the answers are built from.

Read Matt.5:21-30.  Map out the same ‘internalizing’ process with the first 5 commandments.