<p class=""><strong>SCRIPTURE: </strong>Matthew 5:31-47</p> <p class=""><br><strong>YOU CAN ALSO READ KENNY’S MANUSCRIPT FOR THIS SERMON </strong><a href="https://revolutionsermons.wordpress.com"><strong>HERE</strong></a><strong>!</strong></p><p class=""><strong>REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:</strong></p><ol data-rte-list="default"><li><p class="">What rules or commandments have felt challenging to you, and how might understanding their deeper purpose change your perspective on following them?</p></li><li><p class="">Where in your life might you be using 'extra guarantees' because your basic word hasn't been trustworthy?</p></li><li><p class="">How does Jesus's teaching about loving enemies and going the second mile (Matthew 5:40-42, 44-47) reveal God's ultimate purpose for humanity?</p></li><li><p class="">Think of someone who has opposed or hurt you. How might understanding their underlying <em>fears</em> or <em>needs</em> change your response to them?</p></li><li><p class="">Kenny suggested that we<em> already know</em> what it means to be 'real human beings' because it's 'hard-wired into us.' What evidence do you see of this in your own life and in others?</p></li><li><p class="">When have you felt most authentically 'human' in your interactions with others, and what made those moments different?</p></li><li><p class="">The sermon concludes that being human is not about following a thousand different rules but about one clear invitation: 'Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.' Why <em>isn't</em> this standard meant to be frightening? How might it be <em>encouraging </em>or <em>inviting </em>instead?</p></li></ol>