The Disciple’s Relationships – Judging and the Golden Rule
Focus: Self-examination, discernment (pearls before swine), persistent prayer, the Golden Rule
Why this section: Equips believers to navigate chain-of-command tensions and peer conflicts with humility, clarity, and empathy, framed by active dependence on the Father. (c/o Herschel Hughes Jr and Paul Morris)
Judging Others
7 “Do not judge so that you will not be judged.
Focus: Treasures in heaven, the clear eye, God vs. mammon, freedom from anxiety
Why this section: Exposes double-loyalties to money, career, or status and calls for undivided trust in God’s provision—crucial amid financial temptations and deployment uncertainties. (c/o Herschel Hughes and Paul Morris)
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. MY BROTHER AND I HAD TO CLEAN OUT DAD'S AND OUR GRANDPARENTS' HOMES. IT TOOK TIME AND MONEY. I’M TRYING TO CLEAN OUT MY PLACE SO MY BROTHER HAS LESS TO DO WHEN I PASS.
20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; THIS IS A REASON I HAVE BEEN HELPING WITH THESE BIBLE STUDIES.
21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. IONA DID…
Focus: Divorce, oaths, retaliation, love of enemies; call to perfection
Why this section: Completes Jesus’ six contrasts, proving discipleship touches covenants, speech, justice, and even treating opponents with grace—vital for warriors who must balance strength with moral restraint. (c/o Herschel Hughes, Jr. and Paul Morris of CMF)
Matthew 5:31–48
31 “It was said, ‘Whoever sends his wife away, let him give her a certificate of divorce’;
32 but say to you that everyone who [ae]divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a [af]divorced woman commits adultery. WHEN I COUNSEL PEOPLE, I SAY UNCHASTITY MAY BE A REASON FOR DIVORCE. THESE ARE STRONG WORDS ABOUT MARRYING SOMEONE WHO IS DIVORCED.
33 “Again, you have heard that [ag]the ancients were told, ‘[ah]You shall not [ai]make false vows, but shall fulfill your [aj]vows to the Lord.’ YOU IS SINGULAR HERE. WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT…
Focus: First two contrasts—anger (murder of the heart) and lust (adultery of the heart)
Why this section: These two sins erode unit cohesion and personal holiness. By isolating them, the group can address explosive tempers and sexual temptation with honesty and repentance drills. (c/o Herschel Hughes, Jr, and Paul Morris of CMF); footnotes from biblegateway.com
Matthew 5:21-30
Personal Relationships
21 “You have heard that [k]the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be [l]liable to the court.’ SEE EXODUS 20, THE 10 COMMANDMENTS. THERE IS A TENSION BETWEEN MURDERING AND KILLING.
