SERMON QUESTIONS

It is our deep conviction that the Bible is not just to be listened to (Deut. 6:4), but studied (2 Tim. 2:15), meditated upon (Ps 1:2), memorized (Ps. 119:11), and, ultimately, applied to our lives (James 1:22). Because of this, our Bible studies revolve around the study, meditation, memorization, and application of God’s inspired Word to our lives. Below are sermon questions that correspond to our Sunday morning teaching, so that we slow down and really take in what God is trying to tell us as a church Ohana. These questions will be discussed at our weekly Bible Studies.

For all answers, use Scripture to support your answer as best as possible.

  1. Read Matthew 5:43–48

  2. What ministers to or convicts you in this passage?

  3. Where does Scripture ever say to hate your enemy? What is Jesus correcting here? What does Scripture actually teach us to do about our enemy?

  4. What is love?

  5. Why does God call us to love our enemies? (See Matt 5:44–45)

  6. In what ways do we see God love those who are wicked? (see v. 45).

  7. Does God require us to be perfect? What does it mean to be perfect? What does it look like to have perfect love?

  8. How could we ever been seen as perfect in God’s eyes when we are sinners? How does this passage imply the gospel?

  9. How, in Christ, can we show love to those we’d rather not show love to? Who should you show love to this week?

    Practice

Consider how you will intentionally love those whom you’d normally not show love to this week.

Meditation/Memory Verse(s)

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”.

—Matthew 1:44–45