DISTINCT LIVING ABOVE THE NORM LESSON 1: DISTINCT IN MY CHARACTER MATTHEW 5:1-12 What was the happiest time in your life? Background Scripture Psalms 1:1-6 NKJV: Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish. Matthew 5:1-6 1 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Discussion Question #1 What is your understanding of what it means to be blessed? Matthew 5:7-9 7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
Discussion Question #2 Have you ever felt the cost of choosing to show mercy, be pure, or make peace? Matthew 5:10-12 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Discussion Question #3-4 What are some ways Christians experience persecutions in today's world? How do we help one another choose joy when others mistreat us because of our faith? Live It Out What steps will you take this week to seek out blessings rather than mere happiness? Allow God's Word to bless you. Memorize Matthew 5:3-6 and pray through Jesus' words every day. Bless someone else by serving them. Choose one relationship this week in which you want to model what it means to be blessed. Serve that person in a tangible way. Allow someone else to bless you. Share with someone you trust about a tough situation you are going through. Ask him or her to help you choose to be glad and rejoice in the middle of that situation. Christians are different; they are distinct. They display that distinction in their dependence on God, their actions toward others, and the way they respond to difficulties. So are you ready to find something bigger than happiness?
DISTINCT LIVING ABOVE THE NORM LESSON 2: DISTINCT IN MY INFLUENCE MATTHEW 5:13-20 What flavoring or spice could you not live without? Background Scripture I Thessalonians 1:2-7 NKJV: We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. Matthew 5:13 13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. Discussion Question #1 Salt adds flavor and preserves. How do Christians both preserve and improve culture? Matthew 5:14-16 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Discussion Question #2 How do we shine our light in a way that brings glory to God and not to ourselves?
Matthew 5:17-20 17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 "For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Discussion Question #3-4 When has the Bible sparked your ability to live as salt and light? Take a step this week to live as salt and light in your community? Live It Out How will you live as salt and light in your world this week? Pray for the darkness. Christians often complain about the darkness in our world but that accomplishes nothing. Instead, commit to praying each day when you encounter elements of society that need to experience the salt and light of Christ. Don't go it alone. Identify a believer in Christ whom you respect; someone who uses his or her influence in a positive way. Ask to meet with that person to help you follow Jesus more closely. Speak up. Look for a chance this week to, speak directly about the gospel at a place outside your church or bible study group. We're all mixed together in this world; which means everyone has the chance to influence everyone else. The question is how we'll use the opportunities we've been given. Choose to be salt and light.
DISTINCT LIVING ABOVE THE NORM LESSON 3: DISTINCT IN MY APPROACH TO CONFLICT MATTHEW 5:21-26 When have you regretted settling for a quick fix? Background Scripture James 3:1-6 NKJV: My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. Matthew 5:21-22 21 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' 22 "But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire. Discussion Question #1 What's your initial reaction to these verses? Matthew 5:23-24 23 "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 "leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be
reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Discussion Question #2-3 Reconciliation requires honesty, humility and security. Which of these do you find challenging? What are some concrete principals Jesus established in this passage? Matthew 5:25-26 25 "Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 "Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny. Discussion Question #4 What are the consequences of allowing a conflict to fester? Live It Out Anger is an issue of the heart. Consider the following suggestions as you work to bring your anger under the rule of Jesus in the days to come: Take control of your anger. You know what situations are likely to make you angry this week. Prepare your heart and mind to respond appropriately before you ever step into the situation. Say you're sorry. Look for a chance to say "I'm sorry" this week without qualification. Humble yourself before Christ and the other person, and say those two words that can bring healing. Seek reconciliation. Examine your relationships, past and present. Is there someone you still need to reconcile with? If so, don't wait any longer. Seek to honor Christ through the process of reconciliation. Anger is a big deal in today's world, which is why I pray you'll let the words of Jesus sink into
your heart. Don't put a Band-Aid on internal hemorrhaging. Look deeper to find the real source of your anger, and then reset the fracture so that you can heal. DISTINCT LIVING ABOVE THE NORM LESSON 4: DISTINCT IN MY RELATIONSHIPS MATTHEW 5:27-32 When was the last time you couldn't hear yourself think? Background Scripture II Samuel 11:1-6 NKJV: It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house. And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, I am with child. Then David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David. Matthew 5:27-30 27 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 "If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 "And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. Discussion Question #1-2 What are the dividing lines between "pure" and "impure" in today's world?
How can we be ruthless in resisting impurity without being judgmental and condemning? Matthew 5:31-32 31 "Furthermore it has been said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' 32 "But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery. Discussion Question #3-4 Whom do you look to as a model of faithfulness? How do we love God and love others in a culture of divorce? Live It Out Holding on to purity isn't always easy, but it's always valuable. Consider the following suggestions for seeking purity this week: Replace. What is one way you are spending your time that is not contributing to your personal purity? Look for something to replace it this week. Serve. Consider a practical way you can serve your spouse this week. For example, intentionally do the one thing around the house your spouse doesn't enjoy doing. Talk. Begin the process of accountability by letting your guard down with someone you trust. Initiate a conversation with that person and share one way in which you are struggling to hold on to purity at all cost. You don't have to settle for the world's standard of purity and faithfulness. God has something more. Go after it.
DISTINCT LIVING ABOVE THE NORM LESSON 5: DISTINCT IN MY REACTIONS MATTHEW 5:33-42 Have you ever felt like you were totally organized and on top of things? Background Scripture II Peter 1:5-9 NKJV: But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Matthew 5:33-37 33 "Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.' 34 "But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35 "nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 "Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. Discussion Question #1 What motivates us to say "I promise"? Matthew 5:38-39
38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 39 "But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. Discussion Question #2-3 What are some practical ways to turn the other cheek in today's culture? When do we cross the line between turning the other cheek and living as a victim? Matthew 5:40-42 40 "If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 "And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 "Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. Discussion Question #4 How do we prepare ourselves now to respond well when others make demands on us? Live It Out You're going to be caught off guard this week, how will you respond? Keep your word. Recommit yourself to keeping your word even though it's going to hurt. Pray. Is one relationship particularly difficult for you right now? Pray and ask God to bless that person this week. Even better, write a note and let that person know you've been praying for him or her. Go the extra mile. Have you missed any opportunities to do good for someone, an occasion when you chose to do the minimum? Go back and do something extra for that person this week. Life is about reactions. Things will happen this week that you have absolutely no control over, no matter how well you plan. The question is what happens next? Will you practice grace and integrity when others make demands of you? Or will you hold tightly to your rights and privileges?
DISTINCT LIVING ABOVE THE NORM LESSON 6: DISTINCT IN MY LOVE MATTHEW 5:43-48 When is it appropriate to use the word "love"? Background Scripture I Corinthians 13:4-13 NKJV: Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. Matthew 5:43-45 43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Discussion Question #1-2 What are some practical ways to love those we don't like? When has prayer changed your attitude and actions toward someone difficult to love?
Matthew 5:46-47 46 "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 "And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Discussion Question #3 What do we risk when we embrace Jesus' definition of love? Matthew 5:48 48 "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. Discussion Question #4 What are some of the opportunities we have to express unconditional love? Live It Out Showing love the way God loves is what makes us truly distinct. Let's look for opportunities to stand apart from the rest of the world. Pray. Commit to pray every day for one person in your life who is difficult to love. Pray that God would bless that person. Think. Have you ever been difficult to love. Think of someone who loved you during a time when you were hard to love. Sacrifice. Jesus love us sacrificially. What is one practical way you can sacrificially love someone else this week. It's OK to love ice cream. And puppies. And college football. But don't confuse all that love with God's love, the love Jesus calls us to walk in. God loves you, go and do likewise.