In this week’s message, Pastor Mark focuses on Jesus’s teachings about adultery, lust, and sexuality in Matthew 5. Pastor Mark uses the metaphor of a basket filled with items we need to keep, throw away, or add to represent our understanding of these topics. He establishes that God created a “kingdom sexual ethic” where sex is designed for marriage as a reflection of our relationship with God, emphasizing dignity, respect, and seeing others as image-bearers rather than objects of gratification. Jesus expands on “do not commit adultery” by addressing the heart, teaching that lustful intent is equivalent to adultery. Pastor Mark critiques the harmful aspects of purity culture while emphasizing two key responses to Jesus’s teaching: surrendering our desires to God and being willing to sacrifice anything (metaphorically “cutting off a hand”) that leads to sin. He concludes by connecting this to the church’s mission of trusting Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and doing as Jesus did, encouraging listeners to seek support if needed.
Reflection Questions
- What stuck out in today’s message? What did you find challenging and encouraging? Did you learn anything new?
- What are you bringing in your basket, in other words, how are you entering this conversation? What emotions or thoughts are coming up as we look at Jesus’s words about lust, desire, and sex?
- Read Matthew 5:27-30. How is passage similar to the section before (verses 21-26)? How is it different?
- Why does Jesus use such extreme language?
- How is Jesus calling the original audience to a higher standard of living that they have known before this?
- How do these verses (like all of the topics Jesus discusses in v.21-48) relate to not seeing others as an image of God?
- Take time in the next week to spend time in personal reflection and prayer. Ask God to reveal to you the ways in which lust has worked its way into your heart.
- In what areas are you not trusting Jesus with his Kingdom sexual ethic? Why is it difficult to trust him in that area?
- Jesus uses extreme language about removing sin in our lives. What are some next steps Jesus is revealing to you about cutting out the sin in your life?
- One of the biggest lies Satan tries to tell us is that we have to overcome our sexual addiction or brokenness on our own. The beauty of God’s Kingdom is that this could not be more far from the truth. There is also great power in revealing what was hidden in secret and bringing it to light. Find a trusted friend and confess the ways in which lust has prevailed in your heart. Spend time in prayer and ask God to let the healing begin.
