New Testament in a Year – Matthew 7

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?