THE SERVANT KING

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

Mark 7:14-23 NASB

¹⁴ After He called the crowd to Him again, He began saying to them, “Listen to Me, all of you, and understand: ¹⁵ there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man. ¹⁶ [If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”]

¹⁷ When he had left the crowd and entered the house, His disciples questioned Him about the parable. ¹⁸ And He said to them, “Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, ¹⁹ because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?” (Thus He declared all foods clean.) ²⁰ And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. ²¹ For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, ²² deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. ²³ All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.”

OUTLINE

• All Dirty  7:14-16
• All Wash 7:17-20
• Only Jesus 7:21-23

QUESTIONS

1. What are some ways that we try to achieve righteousness from the outside in? Why are religious people so preoccupied with the external?
2. Why is it so hard to grasp that our problem is inside of us and not outside of us?
3. When have you experienced artificial community? What are some of the tell-tale signs of certified communities? How does the Gospel set us free to live in authentic community?
4. Have you experienced grace and forgiveness given in the gospel in such a way that you are able to give that grace and forgiveness to others? What are some of the things that kill authentic community?  How does the gospel address those things?