Week 7 Discussion Questions and Bible Study
Giving to the Needy
Study Passage Matthew 6:1-5 & 16
1. Discuss Jesus’ use of the word “when” in verses 2, 5 and 16. Discuss the degree to which giving, praying and fasting are embraced in your life and in the life of your church. Are they ‘whens’ or ‘ifs’ or ‘not at alls’? Why do you think this is so?
2. What is a hypocrite? Discuss Jesus’ use of the word in these verses. How should one deal with hypocrisy in the church?
3. Compare Matthew 5:16 with 6:1 and discuss what you understand Jesus’ teaching to be.
4. In the talk mention was made of acts of mercy and acts of piety. Define each without using examples.
5. Have a brainstorming session and using newsprint (if possible) make a list of various examples under each heading.
6. Discuss the importance of balance in our personal lives between acts of mercy and acts of piety and the danger of emphasizing one over the other.
7. Read Matthew 25:31-46 and identify six acts of mercy. Discuss practical ways doing these things today.
8. Respond to the person who is listening to all this discussion and thinking: “We are saved by doing good works.”
Or
Discuss the statement: “A relationship with God is central to salvation, and good works are necessary to sustain it.” (From Covenant Discipleship by David Lowes Watson)
9. How would you feel about being part of a group of people who hold each other accountable in the area of “doing” acts of righteousness? Discuss the potential strengths and weaknesses of such a group.
10. Mission pillars
Go back to the list from question 4 and divide the acts of piety into those which are private and those which are public (you can add to the lists if new ideas come up). Likewise divide your acts of mercy into acts of compassion and acts of justice. Now discuss how or where each act fits into our four pillars:
Spirituality
Evangelism & Church growth
Justice & Service
Development & Economic Empowerment
© 2006 JohnWesleyProject.com
