Locations & Times

What did Jesus really mean in the Sermon on the Mount—and why does it still challenge everything we think about God, faith, and who’s invited into His Kingdom? In this deep dive into the Sermon on the Mount, we walk through what Jesus really meant when He said the Kingdom of God is near—and why it changes everything. From who’s “in,” to how we live, to what our lives are producing, Jesus flips religious thinking on its head. This isn’t about behavior modification—it’s about becoming a new kind of person. So, here’s the question: What’s the one thing Jesus is asking you to do with this truth?

Set List

Discussion Questions

Decoded Part 7 - The Difference Between Real Faith and Fake Religion

Jim Burgen
March 30th, 2025

// Bible References: Matt 4:17; 5:13,21-22, 27-28; 6:19-21, 7: 13-27; John 14:6; James 2:14-19

// Community Question: In light of public schools’ recent spring break, share your latest or favorite spring break vacation or memory.

// Discussion Questions

1. Jim emphasized that Jesus wants us to rethink our beliefs about how the quality of our relationship with God correlates with our current circumstances. The sermon explains that many people incorrectly link suffering or financial success with the lack of or evidence of God’s blessing. How do societal beliefs about wealth or poverty, suffering or the absence of suffering influence our view of who is favored by God? In what ways do you find yourself judging others based on their circumstances? How can you change that perspective?
2. Jim discusses that Jesus welcomes everyone, especially those who feel disqualified by their circumstances or past mistakes. How does Jesus redefine who is welcome in God's kingdom, according to Matthew 5? Are there people in your life that you think might feel excluded from God's love? How can you help them feel welcomed instead?
3. Read Matt 5:21-22, 27-28. Jim highlights that a person's heart matters more than merely following rules, suggesting that feelings like anger and lust can lead to significant issues. In Matthew Jesus speaks about anger in relation to murder and lust in relations to adultery. How does this teaching shift your understanding of what it means to live a righteous life? Think of a time when you felt angry or felt lust for someone. How could you apply Jesus's teaching to handle that anger or lust differently in the future?
4. Read Matt 6:19-21. Jim explains that true treasures for God are people and the relationships we build, not material wealth. What does it mean to store up 'treasures in heaven?’ What are some specific actions you could take this week to focus less on material things and more on building relationships with others?
5. Read Matt 7:15-20. Jim warns about false prophets appearing as genuine and emphasizes examining the 'fruit' or results of someone’s life. How can we discern between true followers of Jesus and those who merely put on a façade? What qualities do you believe are essential in a person of faith? How can you develop those qualities in your own life?

// Challenge: Jim challenged us to point to one thing that hit hard from the sermon that you feel you need to address in your life. How would your life look different if you trusted the words of Jesus in that area and put them into practice? How can the group pray or help you as you begin to address that issue this week?