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The Life of the Early Christians  /  Modest Dress & Cosmetics  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 6
Bercot applies “pluck out your eye” to concrete choices like removing network television, avoiding malls/beaches/pools, using internet filtering, and even choosing a church where women dress modestly; which of those applications sounds reasonable, which sounds extreme, and what does your reaction reveal about what you believe Jesus expects?
Another way to ask: Bercot says “pluck out your eye” can mean real steps like cutting off TV, avoiding certain places, using internet filters, or choosing a church where people dress modestly. Which steps seem wise to you, which seem too extreme, and what does that show about what you think Jesus expects?

Direct Answer Bercot’s point is that Jesus expects real sacrifice, not token efforts; he argues that removing strong sources of temptation is part of taking Matthew 5 seriously. The transcript doesn’t rank which steps are “reasonable” versus “extreme,” but it presses the listener to examine whether their resistance shows they want holiness without costly change.

Support from Transcript:

  • He says Jesus’ “pluck out” means “we dare not treat this issue casually,” even if not literally plucking eyes.
  • He calls removing pornography “hardly figuratively plucking out” because it’s “not a particular sacrifice,” implying Jesus expects more.
  • He reports many serious brothers “get rid of network television altogether”; his family did in 1989 with “absolutely no regrets.”
  • He describes commercials’ immodesty as “embarrassing” and hard to avoid when TVs are “going in just about every room.”
  • He recommends avoiding “beaches and swimming pools” and says he personally avoids malls/public places due to immodesty “thrust upon me.”
  • He urges either avoiding the internet or using a filtered provider, and “find a church where the sisters dress modestly so that church itself doesn't become a temptation.”
Discussion Follow-ups Which changes feel like “real sacrifice” to you, and why? If Jesus’ standard is as serious as Bercot says, what comforts or entertainments have become non-negotiable idols?

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