Wk 8 // May 30 & 31

WK 8  //  WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN…  REALLY?
May 30 & 31, 2026
Small Group Discussion Guide


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES. 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• When you hear the phrase “Don’t judge me,” what do you think people usually mean by that?
• Why do you think it is so easy for people to notice flaws in others while ignoring their own weaknesses?
• Have you ever experienced someone correcting you with both grace and truth in a healthy way? What made the difference?

Jesus closes the Sermon on the Mount by focusing heavily on relationships. He teaches us how transformed people are supposed to treat other people. In a culture filled with outrage, criticism, self-righteousness, and division, Jesus calls His followers to something radically different. Christians are called to live with humility, discernment, mercy, grace, and truth all at the same time.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 7:1–12. 

• What do you think Jesus means when He says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged”?
• Why is it important that Jesus does not say to ignore sin or abandon discernment?
• According to this passage, what should come before correcting someone else?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JOHN 8:2–11.

• What stands out to you most about the way Jesus responds to the woman caught in adultery?
• How were the religious leaders using truth in a destructive and hypocritical way?
• What can we learn from the balance of grace and truth that Jesus demonstrated?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ COLOSSIANS 4:6 AND MICAH 6:8.

• What does it look like for conversation to be “full of grace, seasoned with salt”?
• Why is humility essential when speaking truth to other people?
• Which side do people tend to drift toward more often: truth without grace or grace without truth? Why?

Jesus never calls His followers to abandon truth, but He also never gives permission for arrogance, condemnation, or self-righteousness. Kingdom people are supposed to examine themselves first, depend on God’s grace daily, and approach others with humility and mercy. The goal is not winning arguments or proving superiority. The goal is helping people experience the freedom, forgiveness, and transformation found in Jesus.


APPLICATION

• Is there an area of your life where you have been more judgmental, harsh, or critical than gracious and merciful?
• Before speaking truth into someone else’s life, what questions do you need to start asking yourself first?
• What is one practical way you can reflect both grace and truth in your relationships this week?

PRAYER

Spend time asking God to reveal any pride, hypocrisy, harshness, or self-righteousness in your heart. Pray for humility, wisdom, and discernment in your relationships.