Lesson 2

Developing A Heart Of Faith

The Fulfillment of the Law  (Matthew 5:17-20)

    ¹⁷"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. ¹⁸I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. ¹⁹Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ²⁰For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

This week we will discuss Righteousness and the standard for entering Heaven. Please think about these questions.
1.  How would you feel about God if he set an unreachable prerequisite for entering Heaven>
2.  What did Jesus mean in the scripture when he said the "Law or the Prophets?"  How did he fulfill them?
3.  Is it possible for us to have righteousness greater than the religious superstars of Jesus day?
4.  Do we ever get focused on religious teachings and doctrines rather than following Jesus and loving others?
5.  When God looks at our church and at us, does he see hearts that are hard or hearts that are tender toward God and others?

Try to read Matthew chapters 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount) again this week.

Have a great week.
Mike