Today’s passage: Matthew 5:27-30
Helpful thoughts:
- This passage shares another example of our outward sin originating in the heart. What we are inside, in the heart will come out. We do what we do because we want what we want. Sin starts in the heart, not after we commit the act.
- We want what we want because we think how we think…
- We think how we think because of the content of our influences.
- The idea of plucking out our eyes and cutting off our hand is often referred to as “radical amputation.”
- The Greek word translates as “causes you” to sin is like a trap that is set. The idea is when you know a trap is set for you to sin, do whatever it takes to remove it.
- If you are willingly continuing in sin and not taking any steps or making any effort to repent, you shouldn’t be so sure that you are a Christian. (Romans 6:12-14, 1 John 1:6)
Questions to consider:
- If you are struggling with a great deal of temptation (In any area!), why would it make sense to evaluate your reading/entertainment and even friend choices? How might all of these things be influencing your thinking?
- Is there a trap that you know is set in your life that you need to amputate? What have you done to overcome the sin?
- Why does it make sense that Christians fight to conquer sin in their lives? What would a person not understand if they think they can keep on sinning that grace may abound…?