The Art of Neighboring, Part 2: “Overcoming Barriers”
August 13, 2023

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Message Review

Jesus has called His followers to love our neighbors. When it comes to loving our neighbors, barriers naturally arise. The barriers can be time, fear, and apathy. As followers of Christ, we are called to be light in this world so we must overcome these barriers to reach one more person for Jesus.   

Main Point | We Must Overcome our Barriers to enable us to Love our Neighbors. 

Scripture References | Matthew 22:37-40; Luke 19:10; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Matthew 5:13-16; John 9:1-25; 1 Peter 3:15, John 9:25 

Bible Study

The focus Bible passage from the sermon was Matthew 5: 13-16. Before going to the Sermon Discussion Questions, study the passage by reading through it together, then talk through it using the Inductive Bible Study Method questions that follow:

  • Context: Discuss the context of this passage (i.e. when it was written, who wrote it, who it was written to, what was going on before and/or after this specific passage, etc.)

  • Observation: What do you notice in this passage?  What words or phrases stick out to you? And why?

  • Interpretation: What was Jesus’ original intent in this passage?  What main point(s) was Jesus trying to communicate, and why is that important?

  • Application: What is one key takeaway or insight you had from this passage? How can or should you apply it to your life?

  • Questions: What questions/tensions do you have from this passage that you would like to discuss?

Discussion Questions

  • This Week’s Sermon was about Overcoming Barriers. What were your initial thoughts or takeaways from the sermon and why?  

  • If Jesus had to sum up the Bible's message, it would be to love God with all your heart and soul, and to love your neighbor just as much. So, what does it mean to love your neighbor? 

  • Pastor Jimmy identified three barriers that hinder our love for our neighbor: lack of time, fear, and apathy. Which one of these can you relate to and why? 

  • Read, 2 Corinthians 5:20, and Matthew 5: 13-16 (MSG) as a group. What do these verses say about why we must overcome these barriers? 

  • Pastor Jimmy said, "God is not a secret to keep. What are some practical ways we can share what Jesus has done for us?” 

  • Read 1 Peter 3:15 with your group. What is the difference between knowing all the answers and knowing your hope?  

  • Have your group read John 9:25. Can you describe the reaction of the man who was once blind, and suggest how we should respond today? 

  • Pastor Jimmy said that we need to be in a place where we can be seen to be the light. When was the last time you made yourself visible at home? If it has been a while, why?  

  • What Barriers have been keeping you from loving your neighbors? What next step can you do to change that?  

As a close your group time read Matthew 5: 14-16 over your group 

To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.