Introduction

   - Matthew 5:27-30

The Battle with Lust

1. Guard your heart (27-28)

   - Matthew 5:27-28

   - Matthew 5:28

   - 2 Corinthians 3:6

   - James 1:13-15

   - 2 Corinthians3:6

   - James 1:13-15

   - 2 Corinthians 10:5

2. Guard your eyes (29)

   - Matthew 5:28

   - 2 Samuel 11:1

   -  2 Samuel 11:2-3

   - 2 Samuel 13:1-2

   - Matthew 5:29

   - Job 31:1

   - Genesis 39:7-10

3. Guard your Hands (30)

   - Matthew 5:30

"You must be killing sin or sin will be killing you."  - John Owens

   - Colossians 3:5-7

   - Ephesians 5:3

   - 1 Corinthians 6:18

   - 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

Application

Why Purity is Important!

1. Shows our self-control in Christ.

2. Shows our trust in Christ.

3. Leads to a correct (Biblical) understanding of sex.

4. Avoids shame and guilt.

5. Leads to a genuine walk.

   - Galatians 5:22-24

How Do I Find Victory?

1. Gratitude for Jesus (remember how much Christ has forgiven you of).

2. Humility (serve others).

3. Get off the path (gouge, cut, remove).

4. Be disciplined (Affections drive your direction).

   - Proverbs 7:8-9

   - Proverbs 7:25

   - Job 31:1

CONNECTION GROUP RESOURCES

Connection Builders

1.Share with your group which season of the year you enjoy most and why.

2.Share a character quality or attribute that you value in a friend. What makes that quality or attribute so special to you?

Sermon Questions

Read Matthew 5:27-30.

1.How does Jesus apply His Kingdom principle in verses 21-26 to the commandment about adultery?

2.In verses 29-30, Jesus used exagerated language. Since neither action would actually prevent someone from lusting, because since it is a sin of the heart, what was Jesus' point?

3.So far Jesus has talked about anger and lust. Since all of us experience something of anger and lust, what is Jesus trying to get His listeners to understand about the Law? About themselves?

4.Read Ephesians 2:1-10. This passage explains that no amount of works or sin prevention will ever earn salvation. Yet Jesus urged His listeners to fight against sin. How can believers maintain balance between God's mercy and grace with the necessity of fighting sin?

5.Greg shared four ways believers can find victory against sin. 1.) Gratitude for Jesus' forgiveness of our sins. 2.) Live humbly (serve others). 3.) Get off the path of sin (gouge, cut, remove). 4.) Be disciplined to set your affections on God and heavenly things. Which of the four challenges you the most? Explain.