Preparing for Sunday - Matthew 5:43-48

October 18, 2012 by Bret Capranica Preparing for Sunday

Read Matthew 5:43-48. Sum up the main idea in one short sentence.
What is 5:43 referring to? Where was this taught?
If Jesus did not come to do away with the law, how does his statement of 5:44 fit with what was taught in 5:43?
What reasons does Jesus give for praying for your enemies and persecutors (5:45)? What does He mean by these illustrations?
Who does Jesus liken us to if we only love those who love us or only greet “your brothers”? What is he saying about us if this is true about us?
Why does Jesus make perfection the standard (v 48)? How could anyone attain this? What hope is there for anyone?

What constitutes who your enemies are? What persecution are you facing and by whom?
What makes prayer for your enemies and persecutors so difficult? What kind of prayer for these enemies is Jesus is suggesting we offer?
What is Jesus saying about the nature of love in 5:46? What does love look like? Who, outside of “your friends” are you demonstrating this sort of love to?
Who have you greeted that would not fit the category of “your brothers?” Why does Jesus emphasize a “greeting” here? What is so significant about greeting those who are not “your brothers?”

As a result of this passage, create a list of people you know you need to be praying for – those who are most difficult for you to get along with; perhaps those who seem to be opposed to you.
Write down ways you can positively engage those who would not be in your immediate circle of friends. How can you be more intentional in reaching out to people beyond your peers?
Confess any issues of pride, anger, and unloving attitudes you have had with anyone. Do you need to seek their forgiveness? Ask God to help you establish better relationships for the sake of the gospel.
Pray for those who will be leading the service this Sunday morning: Dawson Bryant, music; Sam Karl, Elder’s Prayer and Scripture Reading; Bret Capranica, teaching. Pray that all who are assisting with the service, that they will edify the body and assist in our having a focused time of worship.
Meditate on the lyrics of the songs we will be singing on Sunday, listening to them through the weekend to prepare yourself to sing with the church.