Matthew 6: 5-19

Prayer

Suggested reading: James 5: 13-17

Before discussing this section of Matthew, explore the relationship of God as our Father. 

-How should we approach Him? 

-Would it be irreverent to talk to God as if you were speaking to your earthly father?

-Could you talk to Him about anything? Does it have to be that you only bring your needs and concerns to His attention?

1. How would you describe your praying style?

-Do you feel comfortable praying out loud?

-Is there a particular way in which you pray, (i.e kneeling, with your eyes closed, etc.?)

-What is the difference between praying out loud and the way Jesus warns against in verse 5? 

2. Review v6

-Why would Jesus ask you to pray in this manner? 

-Is Jesus saying that our Father wouldn't answer prayers unless it is done in this context?

3. Review v7

-Have you witnessed this behavior? 

-Have you prayed in this manner?

 

4. Review v8

-Discuss the importance of prayer. 

-If our Father knows our needs before we ask, why should we pray?

***

Jesus provides an example of prayer for us. Let's review it together.

1. Review v9 

-What does "hallowed" mean?

-Why should we approach God with this reverence?

2. Verse 10 explores that God's Will is Sovereign.

-What does this mean?

-Why should we respect God's Will in regard to our prayers?

3. In verse 11, Jesus asks our Father to give us our daily bread.

-Is He talking about solid food in this request?

-Why not ask for tomorrow's bread? 

4.  Verses 12, 14, and 15 all explore the importance of forgiveness

-Discuss these verses in your group and explore how we are to forgive those that sin against us.

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Fasting

Discuss the concept of fasting in your group.

-What is the difference between fasting and just not eating?

-What is the goal of this "act of righteousness?"

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Matthew 6: 5-19

Community Mental Health Forum

Community Mental Health Forum

Story County Community Services is hosting a public forum and provider fair to increase awareness of mental health treatment.

This forum will provide information about services that are available in the community and the opportunity to ask questions of mental health service providers.

Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm 

Location: Ames City Hall

                  Council Chambers

                  515 Clark Ave

                  Ames, IA

If you have any questions, please contact Story County Community Services at 515-382-7290

or Monty Woodward at 515-382-7288.

Habitat for Humanity Golf Tournament

Second Annual Golf Tournament: Habitat for Humanity

The Story County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity of Central Iowa will be holding their 2nd Annual Golf Tournament on May 9th. The cost is $75 per person. This amount will include the green fee for the 4 man-best shot tournament, dinner and entry into a silent auction that will benefit Habitat projects.

* If you are not a golfer, you can still come to the dinner and silent auction for $10 per person.

Please contact Habitat for Humanity at the contact number or email below, as the deadline is quickly approaching!

Location: Cold Water Golf Links

Date: May 9, 2008

Time: 12-7 pm

Contact Adriana Harle

Habitat for Humanity

515-232-8815

email: info@hfhci.org or vista@hfhci.org

website: www.hfhci.org

Matthew 6: 1-5

Giving to the Needy.

1. What is an "act of righteousness?"

-Who would do this act? Why?

-Why would people do it before men?

2. Discuss why people announce their giving.

-How would the needy respond to people that announce their giving? Would they care where the money came from?

-When people announce their giving, does it push you to give more?

3. Jesus mentions in verse 2 that when people announce their giving to be honored by men, they have received their reward in full.

-What reward?

-If Jesus does not support this behavior, why should the giver be "rewarded?"

4. Review verse 3. It's obvious that you would not be able to hide an act that your left hand does from your right hand.

-That said, what is Jesus asking us to do?

5. Verse 4 discusses a reward for those that give in secret.

-What reward would God give you?

-Should this be the motivation for your giving?

Teacher: Tom Nesbitt

Matthew 6: 1-5

 

Matthew 5: 43-48

Love for Enemies

1. Jesus notes that is has been said to "Love your neighbor, but hate your enemy."

Define what an "enemy" is.

-Is there a difference between an enemy and someone that you just don't get along with?

-If someone's idiosyncrasies get under your skin, does that make him or her your enemy?

-Do you think YOU are someone's enemy?

2. Jesus calls us to pray for those that persecute you.

-What is our natural reaction to those that persecute us? (Review Matthew 5: 38-42)

-How is prayer effective during times of persecution?

*

Some say that we are to love our enemies, but that doesn't mean that we need to like them.

-Is this is a Biblically supported view?

3. Jesus notes that God "causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

-In your opinion, is this fair?

-What does this consistency towards His created beings, say about God's Character?

-If you were God, how would you respond to your enemies? 

4. Read v 47

-Do you find that you greet only your brothers and ignore others?

-Why does Jesus compare this behavior to pagans?

5. Jesus sets the expectation to "Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

-What is your first reaction to this statement? What does this even looks like?

-Why does Jesus set the standard so high?

-Would it have been easier for you to swallow if Christ had said instead: "At the very least, be friendly, as your heavenly Father is friendly...." or "I know everything I am saying is tough, just do the best that you can."

Further discussion topic:

* Even while on the cross, Jesus prayed for those that persecuted Him. Discuss this example. 

Teacher: Paul Sabino

Matthew 5: 43-48

Matthew 5: 38-43

An Eye for an Eye

Suggested reading: Exodus 21: 23-26

                                   Romans 12: 17 to the end of the chapter. 

                                   Romans 13: 1-8

1. What was the context in which God passed the laws noted in the Exodus section listed above?

-How did the Pharisees distort this passage?

2. Christ says in verse 39 of Matthew 5: "Do not resist an evil person."

-What is your definition of an "evil person." Does it have to be an unbeliever? Could the "evil person" be a loved one?

-Imagine you were in the audience when Jesus asks you to not resist an evil person. What would be your first reaction?

3. He continues with: "If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." 

-Why is it difficult to resist striking back when someone hurts you?

-Why do we first seek retaliation versus reconciliation?

-How would the aggressor respond to you turning the other cheek?

3. In verse 40, Jesus discusses someone that is trying to sue you. It is likely that they feel wronged by you in some way.

-What should our response be when we have wronged someone? (Review Matthew 5:24-26)

-How would this response reflect Christ?

4. Verse 42 addresses your heart in regards to generosity. 

-Why is it hard to be generous to someone that has wronged you?

Further discussion points:

Read the suggested sections in Romans.

1. Verse 18 of Chapter 12 asks us to live at peace with everyone, as far as it depends on you.

-What does this look like?

-Is it easy to accept that God will judge the wrong-doer?

2. Chapter 13 advises that God has established the governing authorities and that we should submit to them.

-What role should they play when someone strikes you?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 5: 38-43