Judging Others - Matthew 7:1-6
Understand It
- What happens to those who are judgmental or critical? (7:1)
- In what way will we be judged? (7:2)
- By what measure will we be judged? (7:2)
- What kind of faults do we notice in others? (7:3)
- How did Jesus illustrate the foolishness of the way we find fault with others? (7:3)
- What figure of speech did Jesus use to illustrate how blind we are to the shortcomings in our own lives? (7:4)
- What did Jesus call those who ignore their own imperfections and focus on the flaws of others? Why? (7:5)
- When is it good to confront others with their faults? (7:5)
- Why is it necessary to deal with one’s own sins first? (7:5)
- What are we not to do with sacred things? Why? (7:6)
- What may happen if we disregard Jesus’ warning? (7:6)
Apply It
- How can you begin this week to get in the habit of examining your own life before you start criticizing others?
- What fault of your own can you focus attention on this week?
Ask, Seek, Knock - Matthew 7:7-12
Understand It
- What did Jesus say will happen if we bring our requests to Him? (7:7)
- What happens when we seek in Christ’s name? (7:7)
- According to Jesus, what is the result for those who "knock" on God’s door? (7:7)
- How do loving parents respond to a child’s request for bread? (7:9)
- How do loving parents respond to a child’s request for fish? (7:10)
- What is true about the character of even the best human parent? (7:11)
- How can we be encouraged by the sight of godless parents doing good things for their children? (7:11)
- What is the likelihood of God giving His praying children what they need? (7:11)
- How are we to treat others? (7:12)
- In what specific situations are we to follow the Golden Rule? (7:12)
- Why is the command to treat others as you want to be treated so significant? (7:12)
Apply It
- What request will you bring to God every day this week?
- To what relationship do you most need to apply the Golden Rule this week?
The Narrow and Wide Gates - Matthew 7:13-14
Understand It
- What command did Jesus give His followers in this passage? (7:13)
- What exactly are we called to enter? Why? (7:13)
- How did Jesus describe the gate to the kingdom of God? Why? (7:13)
- In what way did Jesus describe the gate that leads to destruction? (7:13)
- What was said about the road that leads to destruction? (7:13)
- How many people are said to travel the path to destruction? (7:13)
- What kind of gate leads to life? (7:14)
- The small gate is attached to what kind of road? (7:14)
- Where does the narrow road lead? (7:14)
- How many people find and follow the narrow road? Why? (7:14)
Apply It
- What can you do this week to point someone toward the small gate?
- How can you show God your appreciation for His mercy and grace in leading you to the path of eternal life?
- What action can you take this week to help you stay on the narrow path?
A Tree and Its Fruit - Matthew 7:15-23
Understand It
- Against whom did Jesus warn us? Why? (7:15)
- What do false prophets look like on the outside? (7:15)
- What are false prophets like inwardly? (7:15)
- How did Christ say we could recognize false prophets? (7:16, 20)
- What does nature reveal about a tree and its fruit? (7:16)
- What kind of fruit do good trees bear? Why? (7:17-18)
- What type of produce grows on bad trees? Why? (7:17-18)
- What happens to trees that fail to produce good fruit? (7:18)
- Who will enter the kingdom of heaven? (7:21)
- How will some people try to talk their way into heaven? (7:22)
- What credentials or accomplishments will some people claim? (7:22)
- How will Jesus respond to these impostors? (7:23)
- What is necessary for entry into heaven? (7:23)
Apply It
- What spiritual disciplines can you use to cultivate your soul this week?
- In what area of your life can you place more emphasis on doing good works each day this week?
The Wise and Foolish Builders - Matthew 7:24-29
Understand It
- Who did Jesus say is wise? (7:24)
- Besides hearing the words of Christ, what else must a person do in order to be considered wise? (7:24)
- Jesus compared wise living to building a house on what kind of foundation? (7:24)
- What sets fools apart from wise people? (7:24, 26)
- In Jesus’ analogy, what strong forces of nature pounded on the wise person’s house? (7:25)
- What was the effect of the wind and rain on the house? (7:25)
- Why wasn’t the house part of a "disaster area"? (7:25)
- What kind of people did Jesus talk about in contrast to the wise person? (7:26)
- What individuals are like a man who builds a house on sand? (7:26)
- According to Jesus, foolish living is like building a house on what kind of foundation? (7:26)
- In Jesus’ analogy, what happened when the wind and water crashed against the fool’s house? (7:27)
- How did the crowd respond to Jesus’ teaching? (7:28)
- Why did the crowd react with amazement to Jesus’ teaching? (7:29)
Apply It
- What can you do today to encourage someone to listen to the voice of Jesus and obey what he or she hears?
- What neglected command of Christ will you begin obeying this week?
