Lifegroup Guide — Week 2: A City on a Hill

Matthew 5:13–16
Bottom Line: The kingdom life is meant to be seen.

Opening (Warm-Up)

• Where is a place you go regularly (work, gym, neighborhood, school) where you tend to just “blend in”?
• When have you seen someone’s life noticeably impact the people around them (in a positive way)?

Read Scripture Together

Read Matthew 5:13–16 out loud.

• What word or phrase stands out to you right away?
• What do you think Jesus is emphasizing most in this passage?

Movement 1 — Identity before activity

(“You are salt… You are light…”)

• What stands out to you about Jesus saying “you are” instead of “you should be”?
• How does it change things to believe your identity in Christ comes before your actions?
• Where do you find yourself slipping into “trying to prove yourself” spiritually instead of living from identity?

Dig Deeper (Optional):
Read 1 Peter 2:9–10

• What words describe your identity in this passage?
• Which one do you have the hardest time believing about yourself?

Movement 2 — Living for the sake of others

(Salt and light exist for what is outside themselves)

• Where has God placed you right now (relationships, environments, routines)?
• What might it look like to be “salt” in that space? (bringing goodness, healing, preservation)
• What might it look like to be “light” in that space? (bringing clarity, truth, hope)
• Which feels more natural for you right now—being salt or being light? Why?

Dig Deeper (Optional):
Read Genesis 12:2–3

• What does it mean that God’s people are called to be a blessing to others?

Movement 3 — Pointing to God, not ourselves

(“…that they may see… and give glory to your Father…”)

• What is the difference between living visibly for God and performing for attention?
• Have you ever seen someone live in a way that made God more visible to you? What stood out?
• What are some subtle ways we can make our lives more about our image than God’s glory?

Dig Deeper (Optional):
Read 1 Peter 2:12

• What does it look like to live “honorably” among others in everyday life?

Personal Reflection (YOU)

• Where might your “light” be hidden right now?
  • Fear?
  • Comfort?
  • Busyness?
  • Avoiding awkwardness?
• What is one small, practical way you could let your light shine this week?

(Encourage specificity—one person, one moment, one action.)

Group Challenge (WE)

As a group, talk about:

• What would it look like if our church truly lived as a “city on a hill” in our community?
• Where do you already see this happening?
• Where do we have room to grow?

Prayer Time

Break into pairs or small groups and pray:

• Thank God for the identity He has already given us in Christ
• Ask for courage to live visibly and faithfully
• Pray for specific people or places where you want to be salt and light this week

Optional Leader Close

You could end with:

“Jesus, thank You that we don’t have to strive to become something—we already are who You say we are. Help us live that out this week in real, visible ways so that people don’t just see us… but see You.”

Lifegroup Guide — Week 3

A Deeper Righteousness (Matthew 5:17–20)

Opening Connection

• When you hear the word “righteousness,” what comes to mind?
• Growing up, did you tend to think of following God more as rules to keep or a relationship to live in? Why?

Scripture Engagement

Read Matthew 5:17–20 together.

• What stands out to you in this passage?
• Why do you think Jesus felt the need to clarify that He wasn’t abolishing the Law?
• What do you think it means that Jesus fulfills the Law?

Exploring the Tension

• Jesus says our righteousness must “exceed” that of the scribes and Pharisees. What do you think He means by that?
• In what ways can outward obedience still miss the heart of what God wants?
• Where do you see the difference between external compliance and internal transformation?

Going Deeper (Heart Level)

• Why is it often easier to focus on outward behavior than inner transformation?
• Where in your life do you sense God inviting you to go deeper—not just doing the right thing, but becoming the right kind of person?
• How does knowing that Jesus fulfilled the Law change how you approach your relationship with God?

Living It Out

• What is one area this week where you can shift from “checking the box” to truly inviting God to transform your heart?
• What would it look like to let your actions flow from love and relationship rather than obligation?

Prayer

Take time to pray together:

• Ask God to reveal areas where you’ve settled for outward behavior.
• Invite the Holy Spirit to bring real, lasting transformation from the inside out.
• Thank Jesus for fulfilling the Law and making a deeper life with God possible.

Lifegroup Guide — Week 4

 “Anger and the Heart”

Text: Matthew 5:21–26
Heart formation and reconciliation.

Bottom Line
An anchored heart doesn’t react—it responds.

GROUP STUDY QUESTIONS

Anchored – Anger and the Heart
Matthew 5:21–26

1. OPEN

• Do you tend to react outwardly, hold anger in, or avoid it altogether?

2. THE TEXT

Read Matthew 5:21–26.

• What stands out to you?
• What does Jesus reveal about anger and the heart?

3. ANGER

• What’s the difference between feeling anger and sinning in anger? (Ephesians 4:26–27; James 1:19–20)
• Where have you seen anger lead to something unhealthy?

4. HEART CHECK

• Do you struggle more with outward anger or inward bitterness?
• What tends to trigger your anger most?

5. UNFORGIVENESS

• Why do we think holding onto anger or unforgiveness protects us?
• How can it actually keep us stuck?

6. HUMILITY + SURRENDER

• What does it look like to choose relationship over reaction?
• Where is God asking you to surrender your response right now?

7. APPLICATION

• Is there someone you need to forgive or a conversation you need to have?
• What is one step you can take this week to deal with anger quickly?

8. CLOSE

What would it look like for you to be more anchored in Christ the next time anger rises?

Week 5 — Faithful Love in a Disposable World

Matthew 5:27–30 (31–32 referenced)

In a culture that often treats people as disposable, Jesus calls His followers to a deeper kind of love—one rooted in integrity, faithfulness, and honor. Moving beyond external behavior, Jesus addresses the condition of the heart and reveals that true righteousness is formed from the inside out. Kingdom love does not consume people for personal gratification; it honors others as image-bearers created in the likeness of God.

As Jesus speaks about lust, desire, and surrender, He invites us into a life of transformation rather than shame. Through His grace, we are formed into people capable of faithful love in every relationship.

Bottom Line

Kingdom love is faithful, not transactional.

Lifegroup Questions

Matthew 5:27–30

Opening Question

What is one relationship in your life that has shaped you through consistent faithfulness?

Read Together

Matthew 5:27–30

Observation & Reflection

1. Jesus moves from outward behavior to the deeper condition of the heart. Why do you think Jesus focuses so strongly on inward formation instead of external rule-keeping alone?
2. The sermon described lust as “a failure to see people rightly.” What stood out to you about that idea?
3. How does our culture encourage people to become transactional or consumptive in relationships?
4. What is the difference between “using people” and “honoring people” in everyday life?

Deeper Discussion

1. Jesus says that what happens internally matters deeply to God. Why do you think inward thoughts, desires, and imagination are so important in spiritual formation?
2. The message emphasized that “formation is always happening.” What habits, voices, media, or environments are currently shaping your heart and desires?
3. Why do you think Jesus uses such strong language about removing things that lead us toward sin? What does that teach us about discipleship and surrender?
4. What might it practically look like to pursue faithful love—in marriage, friendship, parenting, singleness, church life, or community?

Personal Application

1. Where do you sense God inviting you toward greater integrity, faithfulness, or surrender right now?
2. Is there a habit, mindset, relationship pattern, or source of influence that may be shaping your heart in unhealthy ways?
3. What would it look like this week to intentionally honor people as image-bearers created by God?

Closing Prayer Prompt

Spend time praying for:

• marriages and families
• healing from relational wounds
• purity and integrity of heart
• wisdom in relationships
• the ability to love faithfully in a disposable world
• those carrying grief or difficulty on Mother’s Day

Lifegroup Guide — Week 06

Wholehearted Truth in a World of Half-Truths

Matthew 5:33–37

Bottom Line

Kingdom people don’t manipulate truth—they embody it.

Opening Prayer

Begin your time together by asking the Holy Spirit to create honesty, humility, and safety within your group. Pray that God would help each person grow into wholehearted integrity.

Icebreaker

What’s the funniest exaggerated story you’ve ever heard—or told?

(Leader Note: Keep this light and fun. This connects naturally to the sermon opener and helps people relax before moving deeper.)

Read the Passage Together

📖 Matthew 5:33–37

Optional Supporting Passages:

• Psalm 15:1–2
• Psalm 12:2
• Ephesians 4:25
• James 5:12

Sermon Reflection

1. What stood out most to you from Sunday’s message?
2. Why do you think people are often tempted to exaggerate, curate, or manage perception?
3. The message talked about “living divided lives.” What do you think that means?
4. Jesus says, “Let your yes be yes and your no be no.”
   What do you think Jesus is really getting at beneath the surface?
5. Why do you think integrity and honesty are so important in a culture filled with distrust?

Digging Deeper

Movement 1 — We Have Learned to Live in Half-Truths

Psalm 12:2

“Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.”

1. What are some subtle ways people live in “half-truths” today?
2. Which is harder for you personally:

• telling the truth,
• admitting weakness,
• apologizing,
• or being emotionally honest?

3. How does social media, workplace culture, or even church culture tempt people toward performance instead of honesty?

Movement 2 — Jesus Forms People of Integrity from the Inside Out

Psalm 15:1–2

“He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart.”

1. What does it mean to “speak truth in your heart”?
2. Why is Jesus more concerned with inner transformation than outward rule-keeping?
3. Have you ever experienced freedom through honesty or confession? What happened?
4. What’s the difference between being truthful and being performative?

Movement 3 — Truthfulness Becomes Witness

James 5:12

“Let your yes be yes and your no be no…”

1. Why do you think trustworthy people stand out so much today?
2. How can honesty create safety and healing in relationships?
3. In what ways can integrity become a witness to Jesus in everyday life?
4. Who has modeled genuine integrity in your life? What made their life trustworthy?

Personal Reflection

Take a quiet minute before discussing:

Where am I tempted to manage perception instead of living honestly?

Then discuss:

• Is there an area of your life where your inner world and outer world feel disconnected?
• What would wholehearted integrity look like in that area?
• What would it mean to live with less performance and more honesty?

Practical Application

Choose one this week:

• Practice honest confession with a trusted friend, spouse, or mentor.
• Apologize for something you’ve minimized or avoided.
• Say “I don’t know” instead of pretending.
• Resist exaggeration or image management in conversation.
• Spend time in prayer asking God to make your life integrated and wholehearted.

Closing Prayer

Pray together:

“Jesus, make us wholehearted people.
Teach us to live with integrity when no one is watching.
Help our words and our lives reflect Your truth.
Free us from performance, fear, and image management.
May our yes be yes, our no be no, and our lives become trustworthy reflections of You. Amen.”

LifeGroup Guide — Week 07

The Way of Enemy Love

Matthew 5:38–48

Opening Prayer

Begin your time together by asking God to soften your hearts, deepen your understanding of His love, and help you reflect the heart of Jesus even in difficult relationships.

Icebreaker

Describe a time when you overreacted to something small and later realized there was something deeper going on in your heart.

OR

What is one act of kindness someone showed you that you still remember years later?

Read the Passage Together

Matthew 5:38–48

Take a moment after reading to sit quietly and reflect on what stands out most.

Sermon Recap

Jesus calls His followers into one of the most radical ways of the Kingdom: loving our enemies. This is not passive weakness or pretending evil does not matter. It is active, courageous, transforming love that reflects the heart of the Father.

Bottom Line

We reflect God most clearly when we love those who don’t love us back.

Discussion Questions

Movement 1 — The Kingdom Refuses Revenge

Matthew 5:38–42

1. Why do you think retaliation feels so natural to us?
2. What is the difference between seeking justice and seeking revenge?
3. Have you ever noticed how anger or bitterness can quietly shape your attitude over time?
4. Romans 12:17–19 tells us not to repay evil for evil. What makes that difficult in real life?
5. What does it look like to trust God with justice instead of trying to control it ourselves?

Movement 2 — The Kingdom Loves Beyond the Line

Matthew 5:43–47

1. Jesus says to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Why is prayer such an important starting point?
2. Who are the “difficult people” in your life right now?
   (Without gossiping or oversharing.)
3. Why is it easier to love people who think like us, vote like us, or agree with us?
4. What are some ways our culture encourages division and outrage?
5. What would it practically look like to “cross enemy lines” with grace this week?

Movement 3 — The Kingdom Reflects the Father

Matthew 5:45–48

1. Jesus connects enemy love with reflecting the Father. What stands out to you about that?
2. Romans 5:10 says we were once enemies reconciled to God. How should that shape the way we treat others?
3. Why is the cross the ultimate picture of enemy love?
4. In what ways can bitterness distort our spiritual formation?
5. What kind of witness does radical love provide in today’s world?

Personal Reflection

Take a quiet moment and reflect honestly:

• Is there someone I have emotionally pushed away?
• Where am I tempted toward resentment or contempt?
• What would it look like to release my right to revenge?
• Is there someone I need to begin praying for consistently?

Practical Challenge This Week

Choose one intentional act of Kingdom love this week:

• Pray daily for someone difficult
• Refuse to speak negatively about someone who hurt you
• Reach out with kindness or encouragement
• Step away from outrage-driven media or online conflict
• Ask God daily to soften your heart

Closing Prayer

Father,
thank You for loving us even when we were far from You.

Teach us to reflect the heart of Jesus in the way we respond to difficult people.

Free us from bitterness, resentment, and the need to retaliate.

Give us courage to pray for our enemies, extend grace, and become people formed by Your love instead of shaped by outrage.

May our lives point people toward the mercy and goodness of Jesus.

Amen.