Crossing the Line: Rule-Breakers

Rule-Breakers
Series: Crossing the Line
September 7, 2025
Dr. Clayton Chisum

We worship the God who

John 1:14 (NIV)

Jesus was able to be completely holy and break the religious rules. Did you know you worship a rule-breaker?

1 John 2:6 (NLT)

If Jesus was living here right now, came to this church, went to your school, worked at the same place, and was involved in your same life, how would he treat people differently than you do?

1. People are of being

Cross the line into someone’s life and that is overflowing

John 4:14 (NLT)

Romans 15:13 (NLT)

2. People need more than they’ll admit

Cross the line into someone’s life to the point where they and the religious

Matthew 8:2–3 (NLT)

Discussion Questions

1. Read John 1:14. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus “moved into our neighborhood” and lived among us?
2. Why do you think Jesus often clashed with the Pharisees? What lessons should we learn from that?
3. Read 1 John 2:6. What would it look like for you to “live as Jesus lived” in your everyday life?
4. In what ways do Christians today sometimes push people away from God instead of drawing them to Him?
5. Think about the woman at the well (John 4). Who in your life might feel like an “outsider” that Jesus would intentionally go toward?
6. Jesus brought hope and joy wherever He went—even to parties! Do you think people would describe you as someone who brings joy? Why or why not?
7. The leper in Matthew 8 needed more than healing—he needed community. How can we help others feel seen, valued, and loved?
8. Where might God be asking you to “cross the line” this week—at work, school, in your neighborhood, or even in your family?
9. What’s one practical way you can bring hope, joy, or love into someone’s life in the next few days?