Question

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Be Perfect

Matthew 5:31-48

Key Verse: 5:48

1. Read verses 31-32. What command of Moses do these verses address? (See Dt 24:1; Mal 2:15,16) Why does Jesus make a concession? How is Jesus' teaching different from Moses' teaching? Why is breaking faith such a serious matter? How is this teaching connected with the 7th commandment?

2. Read verses 33-37. What is usually one's purpose in swearing an oath? How is Jesus' teaching on oaths and swearing different from the Old Testament teaching? (Gen 22:15-18; 28:20) How is this prohibition against swearing related to the 9th commandment? (Ex 20:16) What is Jesus' principle? (Pr 12:22; Eph 4:15)

3. Read verses 38-42. (Ex 21:24) What does Jesus imply about vengeance? About justice? Why? (Ro 12:19-21)

4. Read verses 43-48. In what way does the Old Testament saying encourage us to live naturally? (43) How does Jesus challenge us to live by faith and overcome natural feelings? How must the Christian life be more radical than the lives of worldly people?

5. What example does God set for us? (45) What should be the goal for which we strive? (Dt 6:5; Lev 19:18; Mt 22:37,38) What is love that it can be commanded? What can we do when we find that we can't love as God commands?

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