A Renewed Heart (02.21.22)
Processing and responding to the Sunday sermon
Opening Prayer
After the group welcomes one another, have one person open in prayer and then take 2-3 minutes of silence. As you sit in silence, ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart in love toward God and your group mates.
Purity of Heart
On Sunday, Jessica preached on Jesus’ interaction with the Pharasees in Mark 7:1-23.
The Pharisees questioned Jesus’ understanding of the laws of God, arguing that Jesus disregarded these laws of cleanliness. Jesus replies, challenging the Pharisees’ narrow and selective understanding of the purpose of the laws—which is to cultivate a pure heart.
Reflection and Discussion
Read Mark 7:1-23 and then prayerfully and silently reflect on the passage and these questions.
- What does a right approach to the law of God look like according to Jesus?
- What are the implications of having a clean and pure heart for your life? What might be sinful impurities of heart you’re aware of to confess to God now?
After silently reflecting, take these thoughts into a time of group discussion.
- How do you understand the central difference between the perspectives of Jesus and the Pharisees? Why such a vehement disagreement? What’s at stake?
- If appropriate, what confessions or requests for help do you have to share with the CG after reflecting? Take a moment to pause and pray blessing over anyone who shares.
Closing Intercession
Pray for your group, our church, our city, and our world.