Matthew 7:13-23

The Narrow and Wide Gates

1. What does the narrow gate look like?

-Is it advertised well in our society?

-Why is it that only a few find it? Can someone on this road expect persecution?

-If you found this gate, what should your response be to those that could still be looking for it?

2. What does the wide gate look like?

-Why is this gate marketed and promoted differently in this society?

-As people enter this gate, do they realize where the road leads?

-Can someone that enters this gate change his or her mind and get off the road at anytime?

***

A Tree and its Fruit

1. What does a false prophet look like?

-What is the message that they would be spreading?

-What would they gain by spreading this message?

2. Review vs 16-19

-What are examples of the "bad fruit" that you can find on a "bad tree?"

-What about the examples of the "good fruit" from a "good tree?"

-Do these verses apply in other contexts? For instance, can you use this method to determine if someone is a follower of Christ or not?

-In either case, what is your responsibility after reading this section of the text? Has God called us to be "fruit-inspectors?"

-In regard to these verses, how should we examine our own lives?

3. Review vs 21-23

-Why would someone call Jesus, "Lord," and not do the will of God?

-How can someone do the things noted in vs 22 and not be known by Christ? Without a personal relationship with Christ, what would their motivation be to do these things?

-What steps can you take to avoid Jesus' proclamation in vs 23?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 7: 13-23

Matthew 7: 7-12

Ask, Seek, Knock

1. Review vs 7-11

After reading this passage, what are some of your thoughts?

-Is Christ saying that all you have to do is ask and what you desire will be given to you? Is this assessment consistent with Scripture?

-If God gave you everything that you desired, would that increase your faith or decrease it?

-Do you currently turn to God only when you need something? Is He your personal vending machine?

2. In v 11, Jesus compares God as a Father to an earthly father.

-Do you view God as a Father?

-What are some ways in which God compares to or contrasts your earthly father?

-How does your view of your earthly father affect how you approach God as a Father?

-What are some examples of the "good gifts" that God can give you? Could His "good gifts" be something that you wouldn't want- like a painful trial? 

3. How is v 12 related to this section?

-Is it hard to treat people in the manner discussed in this verse?

-If most of the world is familiar with the Golden Rule, why aren't there more examples of it being practiced?

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Matthew 7: 7-12

Matthew 7: 1-6

Judging Others

1. In what ways do we judge others?

-What is the root of this behavior? How is the sin of pride related to this behavior?

-Are there areas in which you judge people more often, (their work ethic, their physical appearance, their lifestyle, etc.?)

-Have you ever felt the weight of others judging you?

2. Review vs 3-6

-Do we find ourselves magnifying the sin or flaw of others and minimizing or justifying our own shortcomings?

-Is it important to complete a realistic self-examination before approaching others in regard to their sin? 

3. Review vs 6.

-How does this verse relate to the rest of this section?

-Who are the "dogs" and the "swine" that Christ is referring to? 

-If we were to assume that the "dogs/swine" are those that reject Christ and His teachings, in what ways are we "throwing our pearls" to them or giving them what is sacred?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 7: 1-6

 

Serving during the summer

Connection Group Leaders:

If you haven't already, please chat with your group regarding serving the church or the local community this summer. If you need ideas or more information, please feel free to contact me!

Jacob Varghese

Regional Ministry Director

Matthew 6: 25-34

Do Not Worry

Suggested reading: Hebrews 11

1. What causes us to worry?

-What are some things that you worry about?

-Is there any benefit to worrying? Can it "add a single hour to your life?"

2. Review vs 26

-Does it comfort you to know that God provides for the animals and plants of His Kingdom?

-Do you sometimes forget that you are more valuable than these?

3. In verse 30, Jesus questions your faith when you worry.

-How is a lack of faith related to worry?

4. Christ advises us in vs 33 that we are to seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness and all of these things will be given to you as well.

-Discuss what this looks like in practice.

-see note below for more discussion questions related to this verse

5. Review vs 34

-What does Jesus mean when He says that "tomorrow will worry about itself?"

Further discussion questions:

-There are many examples of people that seek Christ's Kingdom and His Righteousness diligently, but also have no food or clothing. Does this contrast what Jesus is saying in verse 33?

-Discuss the poverty and famine that can be seen in the world. Are the people that die from these somehow less valuable to God?

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Matthew 6:25-34

 

Matthew 6: 19-25

Treasures in Heaven

1. What are examples of treasures that people store up on earth? 

-Do you find that you store up treasure, (i.e relationships, a job, money, etc.?)

-Describe the feeling that you would feel if one of these treasures was taken from you.

2. How are ways that we store up treasures in Heaven?

3. Review vs 21. 

-In regard to question 1 above, where is your heart?

-How does this treasure affect your behavior?

4. Review vs 22-24.

-If your eyes are focused on earthly treasure, how does that affect your behavior?

-How does it affect your perception of Heaven's treasures?

5. Review vs 24.

-Can you love God and still be rich by the world's standards?

-If Jesus says that we can not serve both God and money, do we find ourselves trying anyway?

Teacher: Paul Sabino

Matthew 6: 19-25