What is SOAP?

SOAP is an acronym for: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. As you prepare for participating in City Group this week, we invite you to write down your thoughts in a journal. Journaling is a great way to record and process your thoughts & what God is sharing with you.

Week of October 11th
Beautiful People of the Kingdom of Heaven No.4

OVERVIEW

Beautiful People – Episode 4: That's Drastic! 

This Sunday we continued the series "Beautiful People" through Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 and the difference between rule-following and genuine heart transformation. Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, revealing what God intended all along. Life in God’s Kingdom is not primarily about keeping enough rules to prove ourselves righteous; it is about becoming more like Jesus from the inside out.

Jesus in this sermon on the mount takes familiar commands concerning murder, relationships, anger, reconciliation, adultery, and lust and moves the conversation deeper, from external behaviour to the condition of the heart. Our anger, words, relationships, and sexuality all reveal whether we truly see and value others as God does.

Jesus concludes this portion of the semron with the challenging invitation, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” The message emphasizes that Jesus says “be perfect,” not simply “do perfect.” This is an invitation to ongoing transformation into the likeness of Christ, surrounded by grace when we inevitably fall short.

KEY POINTS

Life as Beautiful People of the Kingdom of Heaven is not about following a bunch of rules; it’s about becoming more like Jesus.

Jesus isn't calling His followers to become even better rule-keepers than the Pharisees. He is inviting them into a different kind of righteousness, one that comes through faith in Christ and produces transformation from the inside out.

SCRIPTURE

As we read aloud through these verses, let's pause, reflect, and listen for what Holy Spirit might be saying to you through the Word of God.

Key scriptures from the series.

  • Matthew 5:17-30, 48
  • Romans 12:18
  • Philippians 3:9
  • Matthew 22:37-40
  • Proverbs 4:23

OBSERVATION

Jesus repeatedly moves the conversation from external behaviour to internal transformation.

The command against murder isn't merely about avoiding the physical act; Jesus addresses the anger, hatred, contempt, and words that can devalue another person.

Reconciliation isn't simply about whether "I believe I've done something wrong." Jesus challenges us to put aside pride and pursue peace when relationships are broken. Our love for God cannot be separated from the way we love people.

Likewise, Jesus takes adultery deeper by addressing lust. This Sunday's message described lust as a heart issue in which another person can become an object for our desires rather than someone created in God's image and worthy of dignity and love.

Jesus is interested in more than changing our behaviour. He wants to change the kind of people we are becoming.

Here are four discussion questions drawn directly from the message that encourage both biblical reflection and personal application: 

  1. What is the difference between “following the rules” and genuinely becoming more like Jesus? Where are you most tempted to measure your faith by outward behaviour rather than inward transformation?
  2. Jesus takes the command against murder and addresses anger, contempt, and our words. When you experience anger, what does it tend to produce in you? How can you tell whether your anger is moving you toward God's purposes or toward selfishness and tearing others down?
  3. Jesus places a surprisingly high priority on reconciliation. Is there a relationship in your life where pride may be preventing you from taking a step toward peace? What might it look like to live out, “as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all”?
  4. Jesus says, “Be perfect,” rather than simply “do perfect.” How does viewing this as an invitation to become more like Jesus, within a “safety net of grace,” change the way you respond when you fail or fall short?

APPLICATION

Instead of only asking, “Did I break the rule?”, I can begin asking, “What is happening in my heart, and am I becoming more like Jesus?”

When I'm angry, I can examine what I'm doing with that anger. Is it motivating me toward God's mission, justice, compassion, and helping others, or am I using it to justify tearing someone down?

When a relationship is broken, I can put aside pride and ask what steps I can take toward reconciliation.

When I'm tempted to reduce another person to what they can provide for me, I can intentionally remember that they are a human being created in God's image and deserving of dignity and Christlike love.

And when I fail, I don't have to live trapped in shame. Becoming like Jesus happens within a “safety net of grace.” I can receive forgiveness, get back up, and continue allowing Jesus to transform my heart.

PRAYER

Jesus, thank You that following You is not simply about keeping enough rules or trying to prove that I am good enough. Thank You for Your grace and for the righteousness that comes through faith in You.

Search my heart and show me the places where my attitudes, motivations, words, relationships, and desires do not reflect You.

When I am angry, teach me to respond with grace and love. When relationships are broken, give me the humility to pursue reconciliation. Help me see every person as someone created in Your image, worthy of dignity, compassion, and love.

Transform me from the inside out. When I fall short, help me receive Your grace, get back up, and continue becoming the person You have called me to be.

Make me more like Jesus for the sake of others.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

WHAT NEXT? SERVE ON A TEAM
Next Steps

Our heart for you in taking a "Next Step" is to help you grow in becoming more and more like Jesus.

  • Invite. Everyone is only one invitation away from coming to church with you. We are here to reach 1% of our city. Take a step, be bold, bring someone to church with you Sunday.
  • Invest. Investing financially at BeLoved helps us to stay on mission. You can find the best way to give at belovedchurch.ca/give Take a step, start your faithful practice of tithes and offering.
  • Discover. Embark on the journey at belovedchurch.ca/grow Take a step and invest into your discipleship journey at BeLoved.
  • Serve. Jesus came to serve rather than to be served. Love on others like Jesus by jumping on a team and serving on the weekend at BeLoved. Help move God's great Church forward.
  • Get baptized. Congratulations! Take a step to "Go ALL IN for Jesus." Register online at belovedchurch.ca/baptism