Matthew 12:46-50

Grace Road Church

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Matthew 12:46-50

Gospel Family

September 29, 2024 • Kevin Maloney • Matthew 12:46–50

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Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean for us to be a Gospel-centered family as a church?

2. How can we grow in demonstrating the kind of sacrificial love that Jesus shows to us?

3. What are practical ways we can actively love one another, especially when it's difficult?

4. What are some risks or challenges we face as a church when we start to feel successful?

5. How can we guard against pride and self-sufficiency, staying humble and dependent on God?

6. In what ways can we create an environment where confession and honesty are encouraged?

7. Jesus redefines family as those who do the will of His Father (Matthew 12:50). How can we grow in our loyalty and commitment to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, especially when facing disagreements or difficulties?

Matthew 13:44-46

November 3, 2024 • Kevin Maloney • Matthew 13:44–46

Sermon Discussion Questions: 1) In Matthew 13:44-46, Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven as a treasure and a pearl of great value. What aspects of the kingdom might feel like this kind of treasure to you personally? 2) The sermon mentioned that following Christ involves both sacrifices and deep joy. How do you think joy and sacrifice coexist in the Christian life? 3) Jesus used parables to adjust people’s expectations of His kingdom. How can setting realistic expectations of the Christian life help us persevere in faith? 4) C.S. Lewis spoke of our "inconsolable longing" that only Christ can satisfy. How can we keep our desires rooted in Christ rather than being pulled away by lesser things?

Matthew 13:31-33

October 27, 2024 • Kevin Maloney • Matthew 13:31–35

Sermon Discussion Questions: 1) Expectations vs. Reality: The people of Jesus' time anticipated a dramatic, immediate arrival of God's kingdom. In what ways do we sometimes expect God to work dramatically in our lives? How does this influence our faith when we don’t see immediate change? 2) Understanding God’s Kingdom: The mustard seed and leaven grow slowly and almost imperceptibly at first. How does this picture of slow growth challenge our understanding of God’s work in the world and in our lives? 3) Personal Growth: Jesus’ parable suggests that growth in God’s kingdom—and within ourselves—may not be instant. Where have you seen small, gradual changes in your life or faith that later resulted in big growth? 4) Living in the “Already, Not Yet”: Jesus says the kingdom is already here but not yet fully realized. How does this affect our hope and patience as we pray, “Thy kingdom come,” both in the world and in our hearts? 5) Patience in Ordinary Faithfulness: In a fast-paced world, we often look for quick solutions to spiritual growth. How can we learn to embrace the "ordinary means of grace" (e.g., Scripture, prayer, worship) as essential to our growth in Christ?

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

October 20, 2024 • Kevin Maloney • Matthew 13:36–43, Matthew 13:24–30

Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. How does the parable challenge our desire for immediate justice or judgment in the world? 2. Why do you think Jesus emphasizes patience in waiting for the harvest rather than uprooting the weeds now? 3. In what ways do we sometimes confuse "weeds" and "wheat" in our relationships or judgments of others? 4. How does understanding God's ultimate control over the final judgment bring you comfort or change your perspective? 5. How can we live faithfully as "wheat" in a world full of both weeds and wheat, without losing heart or compromising our faith?