An Eye For An Eye

Posted by Karah

Read Matthew 5:38-42 below. Then, dig deeper into what the words and phrases really mean.

“You have heard that it was said,
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to the one who asks you, and don’t turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”

—Matthew 5:38–42

 

One of the oldest laws in the world, this principle was supposed to be used to help courts determine appropriate punishments that fit the crime.

A slap on the right cheek was usually a backhanded slap which was considered a high insult. In commanding His followers to turn the other cheek, Jesus was instructing us not to seek vengeance even when facing the worst offense possible.

In Jesus’ day, the outer garment called the coat was an essential garment since it protected people from the cold and doubled as a blanket for the poor. In Old Testament law, people could sue for others’ shirt (inner garment), but taking their coat was not permitted because it was too severe. Jesus’ instructed His followers to go beyond what the law said to reconcile with others.

Roman soldiers could legally force civilians to carry their gear for up to a mile. Jesus instructed His followers to carry it one more mile as an act of service and love.

 

The Point
If you’re a follower of Christ, you’re called to a radical way of life that won’t make sense in the world’s eyes. Are you living that way?

 

Take Action
How will you live radically different. Below, list three ways you’ll put today’s Scripture passage into practice in your life this week.


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Keep Your Word

Posted by Karah

When actor Gary Sinise gave his word to Marine Cpl. J.B. Kerns, he intended to keep it. So, he did.

In March, Sinise and his band, the Lt. Dan Band, were set to perform at a benefit concert to raise money for Kerns, a Virginia Marine who lost part of his right arm and both legs below the knee in Afghanistan last year. Sinise had to cancel that appearance because of a car accident, but rescheduled it for May 24, 2012.

Sinise didn’t say why he chose to keep his word to Cpl. Kerns, but Christians do have a reason to keep their word. Read Matthew 5:33-37 in your Bible. Pay close attention to verse 37.

Oath—noun
• a solemn usually formal calling upon God or a god to witness to the truth of what one says, or to witness that one sincerely intends to do what one says
• a solemn attestation of the truth or inviolability of one’s words • something (as a promise) corroborated by an oath

Behind the Story
In Jesus’ day, oaths to God were considered binding. Therefore, Jews would avoid using God’s name in their oaths and sub in other things (like heaven, earth, Jerusalem, or their own heads). In this passage, Jesus condemns that sort of flippant, careless type of speech. Your yes should be yes. Your no should be no. You should keep your word.

 

Take Action
Take some time to evaluate yourself. How well do you keep your word . . .
to your parents?
to your friends?
to your teachers?
to coaches/teammates?
to your counselors/cabinmates?
to your church?
to God?


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Excuses

Posted by Karah

“I forgot.” or “It’s not my fault!”

Think about times in the past when you let someone down. What excuses did you give for your behavior?
It’s human nature to try to excuse or justify our bad behavior. But as Christians, we simply can’t rationalize our sin, even when society accepts it.

Read Matthew 5:27-32 to learn more. After you’ve read through the verses several times, ask yourself some tough questions:

Addicts tend to rationalize their behavior. As sin addicts, so do we. How do you rationalize the sin in your life?

If you could sit with Jesus, like a friend, and talk through your reasoning, what do you believe He would say?

Check out verses 29-30. What is God’s attitude toward sin? How would you write these verses using modern-day examples?


The Point

Sin is sin. We can rationalize it and make excuses for our sin, but that doesn’t make it OK. True disciples of Christ don’t excuse their sin; they put a stop to thoughts and behaviors that lead to sin.


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Harmony

Posted by Karah

Harmony–noun: the combination of simultaneously sounded musical notes to produce chords and chord progressions having a pleasing effect
• the quality of forming a pleasing and consistent whole • agreement or concord

In music, it’s when different notes are played or sung together in order to make the music sound best. In relationships, it’s when our relationships are in good order and healthy, when we live in agreement and peace rather than contention and disagreement.

Read Matthew 5:23-26 in your Bible. Answer these questions In the comment field below:

According to these verses, what effect does holding a grudge or not forgiving someone have on your worship? Why?

When is it easy for you to forgive? When is it more difficult? Why?

Journal
Do you actively forgive? Is there someone who you need to call, text, or email today? Pour out your heart to God in your journal, asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to reveal to you who you might need to forgive. Then, act on it.


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It’s Not About Rules

Posted by Karah

New Heights

Few people have reached the heights Sergey Bubka did. The Ukranian Olympian broke the world record for men’s pole vaulting 35 times in his career.

As a 19-year-old, Bubka was already a notable athlete after an upset victory at the World Championship of Athletics.

The Ukranian pole vaulter would go on to win six consecutive world championships from 1983-1999. He became an Olympic gold medalist in 1988. And in 1991, Bubka became the first person to clear 20 feet—a height that has not been matched since. To this day he remains the current world record holder.

His athletic career is one of unprecedented heights, earning him nicknames like “The Tsar” and being called the “Hero of Ukraine” by the Ukrainian president. He even has a stadium named after him in his home country.

Bubka reached higher levels than anyone ever expected. As a believer, Jesus calls you to the same thing.  

 

Read Matthew 5:20-22. Consider these questions:

– How would you summarize this passage in your
own words?
– What higher standard did Jesus call His followers to?
– What impact do these verses have on the way you live your daily life? Explain.


The Point

Clearly, to Jesus, living obediently isn’t just about following all the rules. It’s about the condition of your heart. If your heart is pure, then your actions will be, too. And Jesus values purity.

“[To have Faith in Christ] means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get to heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven is already inside you.”

—C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity


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The Authority

Posted by Karah

Think about the last few days. What are some laws or codes of conduct you’ve chosen to obey? List as many as you can think of in your journal, or in the comment field below.

 
When you choose to obey a law, rule, or a person, you give them authority in your life. You allow them to determine how you will live. As believers, Scripture is supposed to have authority in our lives. Did it make your list?

authority—noun
• The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience • [often with infinitive ] the right to act in a specified way, delegated from one person or organization to another

Fulfill—verb
• To meet the requirements of (a business order) • bring to completion or reality; achieve or realize (something desired, promised, or predicted)

 

Read Matthew 5:17-19 in your Bible.

What do you think it means that Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets?
What do these verses teach you about the authority Scripture should have in your life?
Does Scripture have authority in your life? Why or why not?

 

Behind the Story

In today’s passage, “the Law” refers to the first five books of the Old Testament and “the Prophets” is a reference to the Old Testament history books and those by the major and minor prophets. Jesus knew that His audience made the Law into a checklist of do’s and don’ts. He wanted to free them from the burden of being tied to the checklist, but He didn’t come to get rid of the Law. Jesus came to fulfill it and to make right what we couldn’t do on our own. But until it’s all said and done, the words of the Bible are ours to live by.
Take Action

Scripture is full of promises from God. But it’s also full of expectations for your Christian life. These expectations aren’t rules for the sake of rules, but rules that bring joy because of how Christ has transformed you. In your journal, list three verses from Scripture that challenge the way you live. How will you live in obedience to them this week?


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Let It Go

Posted by Karah

1 Let’s Recap

Verse 12 starts out with the word, “Therefore.” That lets you know you should probably back up a bit for better understanding. Writing from prison, Paul was explaining to the Colossian believers that in Christ, life should be different (Col. 3:1-4). They needed to put aside all ungodly behaviors, things like sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, greed, anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language, and lies. If all that kind of stuff had been going on among them, then don’t you think they were probably holding onto some grudges against each other?

Read Colossians 3:12-14 below. Underline all the things Christians are told to do in these verses.

“Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all, put on love—the perfect bond of unity.” —Colossians 3:12–14

2 Ask yourself:

Why do you think Paul used the phrase “put on” in reference to the qualities he mentioned in these verses?

How well are these qualities displayed in your life? Explain.

Do your thoughts about forgiveness line up with those presented in this passage? Why or why not?

3 The Point

Because we all have a sin nature, we fall short sometimes. What that means is that we all need forgiveness. That’s where Colossians 3:12-14 comes in. The short version is this: God forgave you; you need to forgive others.

Some things to remember when people make you mad, disappoint, or hurt you:

God forgave you.

Each of us struggles against our sinful nature.

Sometimes when someone else struggles with their sinful nature, you have to deal with some of the fallout.

Only two things in life really matter—loving God and loving people.

Christians must cultivate a lifestyle of forgiveness (Col. 3:13).

4 Take Action

Think about your life. Are you holding on to past hurts or grudges in any area of your life? Is there someone you need to forgive? Turn it over to God today.

Saying and doing are two different things. How will you choose to live out your forgiveness today?

There are a lot of myths about forgiveness.


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Shine

Posted by Karah

There are many ways that people shine. Maybe you . . .

  • are a stand-out on the tennis court.
  • make people laugh a lot.
  • are really good-looking.
  • are a Little Chief or a Belle
  • get good grades.
  • can sing.
  • get tons of “likes” and comments on Facebook
  • are really nice to everyone.
  • are a leader in your youth group.

Name one thing that makes you stand out. Jot it down below, along with why you think God made you that way.

 

Now, read Matthew 5:13-16 below. Underline the reason Jesus said we should live committed lives. (Hint: it’s in verse 16!)

13“‘You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men.

14‘You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.’”

—Matthew 5:13–16

Ask Yourself

What does Jesus’ reason teach you about the purpose of your life? Explain.

How well are you living up to that purpose? Explain your answer.

The Point

There’s the earthly point of the Christian life. When you live to please God, your life will help people in this dark world see God’s glory and give Him praise. Whatever you do—however you stand out—it should be for one purpose: to point people to Jesus.
Take Action

What are three specific things you will do to let your light shine for Jesus this week? Comment below, or in your Journal…


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It Sounds Good.

Posted by Sharon

Read Galatians 3:1-3.

Commercials do it all the time. The description sounds so good, so plausible, yet when you dig a little deeper (and buy the product), you discover there’s little truth to the claims. They sounded good, but the claims were far from the truth.

That’s the idea behind today’s key verse. Paul wrote those words to the members of the church in Galatia. He had preached the gospel to them, and they had accepted Jesus as their Savior. But now it seemed they had been lured away by a message that sounded good and had elements of truth, but flew in the face of the gospel. They knew that salvation wasn’t anything they could earn through good works or behavior, yet they’d fallen back into that idea. They were making the new believers try to live according to all the Jewish rules and regulations. They were trying to earn grace by doing good things.

The problem with earning salvation is that we have already blown it. By the time we decide to be perfect, we have already sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. That’s why Paul reminded the Galatians where their salvation came from. They had received grace through faith, not because of the good things they had done.

In today’s world, there are many voices sounding off about God, faith, religion, and salvation. Some of those messages sound good, but have little depth or truth to them. Don’t fall victim to them! As we walk together through Galatians 3 this week, cling to the solid truth of the gospel and don’t let go!


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whatever it takes.

Posted by Phil

Ask yourself: are you willing to do whatever it takes to see people come to Christ?

Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. Think about verse 19.

What did Paul mean when he said he made himself a slave to everyone?

What’s difficult about that idea?

How do verses 20-22 apply to your life today? How have you become like others in order to show them Christ’s love?

When have you NOT followed these instructions? What happened?

How do Paul’s instructions relate to how Jesus lived His life? Explain.

Is there anything you should NOT do or say in order to share Christ with others? Why or why not?

This was a difficult passage for me when I was in high school. I was taught that I was to be different from others to demonstrate God’s work in my life. Yet these verses seemed to say I should act like others.

Yes, relationships with unbelievers are necessary in order to share God’s love, but not at the expense of living a life that’s pleasing to God.

So how do we balance? Jesus showed us how. He was in constant relationship with God. Jesus’ inner circle was a group of men who yearned to love God more. But Jesus also spent time with so-called sinners. He ate with them; He talked with them. He was their friend.

Do you have a group of believers who help encourage you and hold you accountable? Do you develop relationships with non-believers? How can you share the hope of Christ with someone this week?


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