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Study 3: Living Inside-Out
Of the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:2-17), four relate to our relationship with God, five with the way we relate to each other and one about our relationship with material possessions. Ultimately, these are all areas of our lives that can be impacted by the way we see God and how we believe He sees us. We can sometimes feel the burden of our inadequacies and failures from our poor decisions but the Word of God cuts through guilt, shame, and avoidance bringing us closer to the Father.
By deepening our awareness of the inadequacy of behaviourally ‘ticking boxes’, we can better understand our need for Him and our need to be made whole with the renewal of our hearts by the filling of His Holy Spirit. Jesus isn’t invalidating the law given by Moses – He came to fulfil it with the example of His life, His death on the cross, and His resurrection.
Jesus goes on to share a series of teachings on different areas where our relationships can reflect our fractured state:
• Anger & Murder (Matthew 5:21-26)
• Adultery (Matthew 5:27-30)
• Divorce (Matthew 5:31-32)
• Vows (Matthew 5:33-37)
• Revenge (Matthew 5:38-42)
• Warnings against worry (Matthew 6:25-34) • Judging others (Matthew 7:1-6)
• Money & Possessions (Matthew 6:19-34)
But there is an alternative. Jesus goes on to share teachings to show us how we can better love God – with our heart, mind, and strength; and how we can better love each other as His kingdom-people (Matthew 22:35-40). This is Jesus saying how we can live ‘inside-out’ as disciples, ‘on earth as it is in Heaven’.
EXPLORE TOGETHER
The principles of inside-out discipleship:
Discuss & Share
Considering the ‘inside-out’ teachings above – what are some practical choices and actions you can take to deepen your love for Jesus – and for others?
Who will you speak to – maybe get support from – as you seek to apply Jesus’ wisdom and teaching to your life? (NB for connect group leader – this question may lead to the need for you to connect a group member to a pastor in your campus or call an ‘on-call’ Hillsong Pastor – 1300 53 53 53)
Prayer
Lord Jesus – we have heard You call us, and we let You enter our lives. We come before You with thankfulness. We have heard your call to learn from You and live as ‘inside-out’ disciples. Help us continue to learn from Your Word – and live out your example here ‘on earth, as it is in Heaven’. Help us to serve You lovingly and generously with Your Holy Spirit and love – Amen.
Prepare
Read the following passage Matthew 5:13-16 in the coming week to prepare for next week’s study, ‘BRIGHT & FLAVOURFUL’’.