icon__search

Matthew 7:15-23

False Fruit

April 7, 2024 • Kevin Maloney

Sermon Discussion Questions:


1: What does it mean to live as a true Christian counter-culture, according to the sermon? How do you see this concept reflected in your own life or in the broader Christian community?


2: The sermon highlights the importance of listening to the right voices along our Christian journey. How do you discern who the right teachers and guides are in your life? What criteria do you use to evaluate their influence?


3: What are some potential dangers of seeking guidance solely from human teachers rather than relying on personal study of the Bible and guidance from the Holy Spirit, as discussed in the sermon?


4:m How can we recognize false prophets or misleading guidance in our lives, according to the criteria outlined in Matthew 7:15-20? Have you ever encountered situations where you had to discern between genuine and false teaching?


5: The sermon emphasizes the importance of looking at the fruit in the lives of those who influence us. How can we practically apply this principle in evaluating the guidance we receive from others?


6: Discuss the balance between respecting and learning from human teachers and ultimately relying on Jesus as the ultimate guide. How can we ensure that our reliance on human guidance does not overshadow our dependence on Christ?


7: Share your thoughts on the statement, "Good leaders lead you to admire Jesus more, not them." How can leaders and mentors effectively point others to Christ rather than drawing attention to themselves?


8: Reflect on the role of humility in seeking guidance and learning from others. How does acknowledging our own limitations and need for grace impact the way we approach teaching and guidance within the Christian community?


More from Matthew

Matthew 8:28-34

May 19, 2024 • Kevin Maloney • Matthew 8:28–34

Sermon Discussion Questions: 1: In Matthew 8:28-34, how does this display of authority contribute to our understanding of who Jesus is and His mission on earth?  2: The demons immediately recognize Jesus as the "Son of God" and express fear of being tormented before their time. What does this recognition and fear tell us about the spiritual realm's awareness of Jesus's authority? How should this influence our perception of spiritual warfare and our confidence in Christ's power? 3:While Christians cannot be possessed by demons, we have to remain vigilant against giving the devil a foothold in our lives. What are some subtle ways the devil can gain influence over us? How can we resist these temptations and remain steadfast in our faith? 4: Why do you think the people in the Gadarenes responded the way they did to the exorcism? What does this reaction reveal about their values and priorities? How can we apply this to our own lives when considering the costs of following Jesus? 5: How is the Lord’s Supper a reminder of where our true allegiance should lie?

Matthew 8:23-27

May 12, 2024 • Cody Wilbanks • Matthew 8:23–27

SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What storm(s) are you facing right now? 2. What would it look like to be overcome by a greater fear of God than the fears of our storms? 3. How does God’s sovereignty, wisdom, and goodness encourage you in the midst of trials? 4. Looking back on previous trials in your life, can you now identify any ways that God used them for your good and his glory? 5. How can the gospel, with its future promises, calm our hearts in the midst of our current storms?

Matthew 8:18-22

May 5, 2024

Sermon Discussion Questions: 1:What reasons might we be tempted to follow Jesus other than a genuine commitment to Him? How do we know our motives are right? 2: How does Jesus’s grouping of the teaching that He is the Son of Man with the teaching that He has no place to lay His head challenge our notions of success? 3: How do Christians navigate the tension between an ultimate commitment to Christ and duties to our families? 4: How do we prepare for adversity so we don’t feel ripped off when the Christian life doesn’t “go well?”