The King & His Kingdom
Matthew
The King’s Great Commission - Michael Wilburn
December 31, 2017 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS: 1. Is worship and doubt mutually exclusive? What does it mean to doubt in this context? How can a Christian doubt anything about God? 2. What divine characteristics of Jesus does the Great Commission depend on for fulfillment? Will the Great Commission be accomplished? 3. What does it mean to be a disciple? How have you been discipled by others? How are you discipling others? 4. What burden do you have to fulfill the Great Commission through the ministry of your local church?
The King's Resurrection | Michael Wilburn
December 17, 2017 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS: 1. Who witnessed the resurrected Jesus in Matthew 28? How does their testimony influence your belief in the resurrection? 2. What causes your greatest fear and greatest joy? Is it the message or the messenger that provoked the two Mary’s fear and joy (Mt 28:8)? 3. Did the soldiers lie in their report of the resurrection? How can you defeat false accusations? 4. What does the resurrection story in Matthew 28:1-15 teach about faith and worship? In what ways can your demeanor reflect such genuine and spontaneous worship?
The King’s Crucifixion | Michael Wilburn
December 10, 2017 • Michael Wilburn
Application Questions: 1, What heart issue drove the high priests and elders to demand Jesus' crucifixion? How did Pilate identify the heart issue? Should actions be driven by emotions? Why or why not? 2. How many words does Jesus speak in Matthew 27? Why did Jesus quote Psalm 22? Why did God the Father forsake God the Son? 3. Was Jesus the king of the Jews? Why does Pilate ask? Why does Jesus as king appear four times in Matthew 27? 4. What in the crucifixion story convinces you to agree with the centurion, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Mt 27:54)?
The King’s Betrayal | Michael Wilburn
December 3, 2017 • Michael Wilburn
Application Questions: 1. What is betrayal? Have you been betrayed and how? How can a Christian model Jesus Christ's response to Judas’ betrayal? 2. Judas regrets his betrayal of Jesus (Mt 27:3-5) and Peter regrets his denial of Jesus (Mt 26:69-75). What are the similarities and differences in their response? What does the Bible teach about regret and denial? 3.Jesus said, “all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled” (Mt 26:56). How do you receive what’s wrong in the world in light of the sovereign fulfillment of God’s plan? 4. Why did Jesus and the disciples end the Passover by singing a hymn (Mt 26:30)? List purposes and benefits of group singing.
The Olivet Discourse | Michael Wilburn
November 19, 2017
Application Questions: 1. As the disciples asked Jesus, When will the kingdom come (Mt 24:3)? When will Jesus reign from the David throne? 2. What’s the significance of not knowing when Jesus will return to earth? “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Mt 24:36) and “For the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Mt 24:44). 3. How does the imminent return of Jesus Christ influence the way you live day-to-day? 4. Are heaven and hell eternal realities? Read and discuss Matthew 25:46.
Kingly Rebukes | Michael Wilburn
November 12, 2017 • Michael Wilburn
Application Questions: 1. What does Jesus call the scribes and Pharisees? Should Christians use critical names to describe others? Is it okay for a pastor to rebuke this sharply? 2. Which of the seven “woes” are you most vulnerable to being a hypocrite? How can a Christian friend help in this area? 3. Jesus said to his generation, “You will not see me again, until you say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" (vs. 39). When and how will this occur? 4. How does humility help you overcome hypocrisy? Apply Matthew 23:11-12.
Kingly Answers | Michael Wilburn
November 5, 2017 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS: 1. Will you be married in heaven? How does this affect your marriage (potential of marriage) on earth? Should this change how you talk about relationships after death and in eternal life? 2. Describe a Christian who loves the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind. Name replicable life habits. 3. How does a Christian love their neighbor as themselves? Who qualifies as a neighbor? 4. Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1 asking, "If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?" What does it mean? How is Jesus King David’s Son and Lord?
Kingly Stories | Michael Wilburn
October 22, 2017 • Michael Wilburn
Application Questions: Who can enter God’s kingdom? How does a person enter God’s kingdom? What does it mean to be part of God’s kingdom? What point was Jesus making when he said to the chief priests and elders, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you” (Mt 21:31)? Who are the “people producing its fruits” in Matthew 21:43? What evidence is there of kingdom fruitfulness in your life? Why does a friend get thrown out of the wedding feast (Mt 22:11-14)? What was his error?
Kingly Deeds
October 15, 2017 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS: What do you make of Jesus riding a donkey? Does this fulfill prophecy? What does it teach us about the Savior? Why did the chief priest and scribes react with indignation when Jesus did wonderful things according to Matthew 21:15? Matthew 21:22 says, “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Has this been your experience with prayer? Why does Jesus give an unlimited check to prayer warriors? Where did Jesus get his authority? What was his authority? How do you submit to the authority of Jesus Christ?
Kingdom Principles: On Greatness
October 1, 2017
APPLICATION QUESTIONS: What does the mother of James and John ask from Jesus? What did she get right? What did she get wrong? Why are the 10 disciples indignant with James and John? What does “indignant” mean (vs. 24)? Is it sinful to be indignant? How have you addressed this attitude in your own heart? In what way should a Christian pattern the way they live after the way Jesus died? How can you as a Christian lead as a servant while living in a world that values achievement, success, and power?
Kingdom Principles: On Equality
September 17, 2017 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS: Why does the master pay all workers equally? Is equal pay unfair or a sign of generosity? Since the master promises justice (vs. 4), is he just in his actions? How does this apply to God’s work of salvation? What does the word, “begrudge” mean (vs. 15)? Have you felt like the "all day workers," overlooked by an employer? How will you rescue your heart from “begrudging” them in that circumstance? How appropriate is it to evaluate your own Christian life by looking at others? How can grace help you relate to Christians above and below your spiritual maturity?
Kingdom Principles: On Reward
September 10, 2017 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS: Is wealth a sign of God’s blessing? Why does Jesus say it is impossible for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven? Sacrifice is necessary to following Jesus. The disciples “left everything and followed” (vs. 27). How have you sacrificed as a Christian? What is the next sacrificial step for you? What can be learned about the Kingdom of God from Matthew 19:23-30? What does Jesus promise to those to forsake human relationships and possessions to be his disciple?
Kingdom Principles: On Perfection
September 3, 2017 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS: 1. What is the difference between “getting” eternal life (vs. 16) and “entering” eternal life (vs. 17). Please explain. 2. Why does Jesus only quote five of the 10 Commandments? 3. Did Jesus tell the rich young ruler enough to enter eternal life? 4. The rich young man asked, “What good deed must I do to have eternal life?” Why did Jesus give him something to do, saying, “Go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me?”
Kingdom Principles: On Family
August 27, 2017 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS: 1. How does Jesus handle the Pharisee’s “gotcha question”? What do you learn from Jesus about addressing controversial subjects from a Christian worldview? 2. Is there a danger in proof-texting? Why did Jesus ask, “Have you not read...?” after the Pharisees referenced Deuteronomy 24:1? Discuss ways Christians should be cautious using Bible software, concordances, etc. to cite Bible verses on specific topic. 3. What allowance does God make for hardness of heart? What can be done in hardhearted relationships? 4. Why does Jesus say, “only those to whom it is given” (Mt 19:11) and “Let the one who is able to receive this receive it” (Mt 19:12) to singles? What unique purposes does God intend for an individual living as a single?
Kingdom Principles: On Forgiveness
August 20, 2017 • Michael Wilburn
APPLICATION QUESTIONS: 1. What does it mean to forgive a person “seventy-seven times” (Mt 18:22)? How would you apply this to a family member struggling with drug addition or a gambling habit? 2. What is the king’s pity toward the debtor based on? Where does your pity come from? How do you determine when to give and when to withhold? 3. How is the Gospel demonstrated in the parable of the unforgiving servant (Mt 18:23-35)? 4. The parable of the unforgiving servant teaches Jesus’ disciples to forgive from the heart. What does “from the heart” mean? How is forgiveness more than a judicial decision?