The following outline and discussion questions have been prepared to accompany the sermon on March 17/18, “What Defiles and What Cleanses, Part Two” (Mark 7:14–23). The questions can be used for discussion in small groups or for personal reflection.

Outline

1. The Parable (vv. 14–15)
2. The Interpretation (vv. 17–23)
   
   • What Goes Into a Person (vv. 17–19)
   • What Comes Out of a Person (vv. 20–23)

Main Point: Holiness is a matter of the heart.

Discussion Questions

• How does Jesus make his point that holiness is a matter of the heart? Why can’t food defile or cleanse us?
• What part of the Law did Jesus set aside? What part of the Law did Jesus recover? What point does this handling of the Law make about Jesus’ identity?
• What is real repentance? What are some of the differences between shallow apologies and repentance from the heart? What is the full circle of repentance?

Application Questions

• The sermon made the claim that we get into sin by false worship and only true worship can get us out. The sermon then challenged people to look at their sin patterns and examine what they were worshipping or loving in moments of sin. Discuss these points together, share examples, and ask for prayer.
• What would the full circle of repentance look like in our lives in particular areas of struggle? Pray for more than the ceasing of the sin (example: steal no longer). Pray for a new pattern of holiness to be cultivated and grown in its place.

Prayer Focus
Pray for a grace to love the Lord with all of your heart and soul and mind and strength.