Monthly Archives: January 2024

Matthew 7:15-20

A Tree and its Fruit

(True and False Prophets)
Overview of Matthew 7:15-20

In the first century there were many who positioned themselves as Messiahs. Some of the Pharisees were in league with some of these false Messiahs. Here Jesus addresses the issue of true and false spiritual leadership. He focusses on integrity of heart.

Matthew 7:15
  • According to these words of Jesus, how are we to evaluate the validity of a spiritual leader?
  • See 1 Samuel 16:7. What is the connection with Jesus’ words about false prophets?
  • What does the analogy of a wolf suggest about the character of a leader?
Matthew 7:16-18
  • What is Jesus saying here about the source of righteous actions? See Luke 6:43-45, Matthew 12:33-35.
  • If we want to bear good fruit, what do we need to focus on? Proverbs 4:23.
Matthew 7:19
  • According to Jesus, what is the end result for those who have an unrepentant heart?
Bonus Questions
Mercy for Sinners
  • Is Jesus merciful? See Luke 5:30-32
  • See Matthew 3:4-8. What is meant by bear fruit in keeping with repentance ?

 

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Prayer Points from the Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 6:9-15.  The Lord’s Prayer.
  • May the day come when You are seen as Holy (revered) by all  (Matthew 6:9)
  • May your Kingdom come (Matthew 6:10) – See also Luke 13:29, Matthew 13:36-43
  • Daily needs in this age ( Matthew  6:11-13)
  • The priority of forgiveness  (Matthew 6:14-15)
Matthew 6:25-34. Dealing with anxiety.
Part 1. Do not be anxious (Matthew 6:25-30 )
  • The Greek word for be anxious denotes a state of distraction in which we are unable to focus productively on the main thing.
  • What three examples did Jesus give his first disciples of things they might be anxious about?
  • Most of us don’t have to worry about food or clothing for tomorrow. Do we become anxious about other things? What things?
  • When our thoughts are dominated by anxiety about our needs or concerns, how does this affect our relationship with God?
  • Is God able and willing to provide for those who put their hope in Him?
Part 2. How to put anxiety in its place ( Matthew 6:31-34 )
  • What does it mean to seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) ?
  • Why does Jesus mention righteousness here?
  • What assurance does he give to us about the things that we might be anxious about?
  • Who alone knows what will happen tomorrow?  ( Matthew 6:34 )
Matthew 7:7-8.  Ask, Seek, Knock.
  • See also Luke 11:9-10
  • Do you think these verses are general advice about all sorts of prayer requests, or do you think Jesus has something more specific in mind?
  • See Matthew 6:31-33.
    What might Jesus be encouraging us to seek?
Matthew 7:9-11. Father gives good gifts.
  • See also Luke 11:11-13.
  • When we are discontent, distressed or anxious, what sorts of comforts does our flesh (sinful nature) prompt us to seek?
    See Matthew 6:30-32.
  • In the midst of a dark age, why do we need to be reminded that the Father wants to give us good gifts?
    See Matthew 6:32-33.
  • See Luke 11:13 and Ephesians 1:13-14.
    Why is the Holy Spirit the best gift the Father could give us?
Conclusions
  • God knows what you are concerned about every day
  • Keep your eyes on HIs coming Kingdom. Don’t let the cares of this life distract you.
  • Philippians 4:6-7

 

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Matthew 7:7-14

Review – Matthew 5:3-12 . The Beatitudes
  • Brief review by Peter
  • How would you summarize the point of the Beatitudes in one or two sentences?

If you want to dig deeper, check out my notes on the Beatitudes from February 2023.

Matthew 7:7-8.  Ask, Seek, Knock.
  • See also Luke 11:9-10
  • Do you think these verses are general advice about all sorts of prayer requests, or do you think Jesus has something more specific in mind?
  • See Matthew 6:31-33.
    What might Jesus be encouraging us to seek?
Matthew 7:9-11. Father gives good gifts.
  • See also Luke 11:11-13.
  • When we are discontent, distressed or anxious, what sorts of comforts does our flesh (sinful nature) prompt us to seek?
    See Matthew 6:30-32.
  • In the midst of a dark age, why do we need to be reminded that the Father wants to give us good gifts?
    See Matthew 6:32-33.
  • See Luke 11:13 and Ephesians 1:13-14.
    Why is the Holy Spirit the best gift the Father could give us?
Matthew 7:12. The Golden Rule.
  • Rabbi Hillel taught a very similar principle, although his teaching was to avoid doing to others what you would not want them to do to you. See this comment.
  • Jesus was reminding his listeners of things they were already supposed to know, but as usual, he takes it to another level.
  • What is the simple but profound challenge of this saying?
Matthew 7:13-14.  The Narrow and the Broad Road.
  • Why is the way to eternal life narrow?

 

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