This week’s study is titled,
‘Choose Life’
Read Matthew 7:13-23.
Do you have any thoughts, initial impressions from what Jesus said that ‘hit’ you?
Share with your group.
1. Matthew 7:13-14
- What are the two gates Jesus said we choose between in this life which determines where we spend eternity.
- Discuss their differences including what their final destinations are?
- Why do you think ‘only a few ever find’ the gateway to life?
- Consider Proverbs14:12 & Deuteronomy 4:29. Are there other reasons you could add?
- How can we be sure there is only one gate to life?
- Read Acts 4:12, John 14:6 & 1 Timothy 2:5. By whose authority can we say this?
- How do you answer others who say there are other gates/ways to God?
2. Matthew 7:15-20. False Prophets.
- What are the main points Jesus makes in this passage?
Discuss the following words and the significance Jesus gives them.
Beware of false prophets….disguised.
Identify them by their fruit.
- What fruit do we look for so we can discern them?
Consider 1John 4:1-3, 2 Peter 2:1-3, Luke 6: 43-45, James 3:13-18. Romans 16:17-18.
- If someone is prophesying (speaking God’s words) through the Holy Spirit who will they glorify? See John 16:13-15.
- What are some other measures we can take?
Read Acts 20:29-31.
- What does Paul say to do in v31a?
Read Acts 17:11.
- What did the people from Berea do?
Read Ephesians 6:18
Can you think of any others?
3. Self Deception. Matthew 7:21-23.
One day every person will stand before God to be judged. See Revelations 20:11-15 & 2 Corinthians 5:10.
If God was to ask you on that day, ‘Why should I let you into Heaven’, what would your answer be?
Read Matthew 7:21-23.
- How genuinely sincere do will these people who call Jesus ‘Lord, Lord’ be?
- What will they be relying on to get them into heaven? V.22.
- What will be Jesus response to them? V.23.
- Who does Jesus say will enter heaven? V.21b.
Discuss in your group what ‘doing the will of Jesus’ Father’ is. Consider John 6:26-29 esp. v.29.
- How does John say someone can become a child of God? John 1:12-13.
Do you believe in Christ? Have you received Him as your Saviour and Lord?
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