Integrity v. Self-Expression
Integrity v. Self-Expression
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be exploring the relational priorities and practices Jesus gives for his church in Matt 5.21-48. We believe that Jesus knows best – he’s the wisest teacher to have ever lived – and doing relationships as he describes them will always lead to flourishing for us and others. We believe that Jesus modeled all of these relational priorities and practices, showing us in his life how we ought to live. And we believe that Jesus has given us – in his life, death, resurrection, and gift of his Spirit – all the resources we need to live this kind of life together.
Text: Matt 5:27-30
Relationship Homework:
Media Inventory: What are the types of information and media you are taking in, and what is the basic message of each? Every media has a message. For a full week, catalogue your normal input, everything you read, watch, and listen to.
Bring it to the Lord: What do You want me to chop off ruthlessly? What and how do I eliminate my ability to get to this? Do I need to get rid of Netflix? Internet browsers, social media apps, my smartphone? Music types?
Find 1-3 gospel partners: Who is going to help you do this in the full knowledge of your sin?
Replace: In what ways are you going to fill the space and time with God’s people, His words, His work, and His prayer?
Community Discussion:
Who are your trusted 2-3 men/women that you tell everything to and trust implicitly that will help you follow Jesus?
What keeps you from confessing what you know to be sin? What beliefs do you have that make you want to hide what you do?
Scott mentioned four ways to be in Jesus’ presence: Be with His people, read His words, do His actions, and spend time praying with Him. What do you want to try more of this week? What do you need help brainstorming how to do?
April 26th, 2026