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Sermon On The Mount Series - The Choice

  • Writer: Grant Watts
    Grant Watts
  • Aug 31
  • 3 min read

Nehemiah

The Narrow Path



Please use whatever section you feel you need to cover. These studies are written to cover a wide range of people at various points along their faith journey, as such some sections may not be relevant to you or your group, feel free to use whatever is helpful. - GRANT


Passage: Matthew 7:13-29


Main Themes:

  • The Two Ways (Narrow Gate vs. Wide Gate)

  • False Prophets and True Disciples (By their fruit)

  • Professing Lordship vs. Doing God's Will

  • The Two Foundations (Wise Builder vs. Foolish Builder)


I. Read the Passage

Read Matthew 7:13-29 aloud. Consider having different individuals read a few verses each to maintain engagement.


II. Observation & Initial Thoughts

  • What are your immediate impressions or feelings after reading this passage?

  • What words or phrases are repeated or emphasized?

  • What is Jesus' overall message in this concluding section of the Sermon on the Mount?


III. Deeper Dive & Discussion Questions

A. The Two Ways (vv. 13-14)

  • Jesus presents two gates and two roads. Describe the "wide gate" and "broad road." What kind of life or beliefs does it represent? Why do "many" choose it?

  • Describe the "narrow gate" and "narrow road." What kind of life or beliefs does it represent? Why do "only a few" find it?

  • What does it mean for the narrow road to lead to "life"? What does the broad road leading to "destruction" imply?

  • What is the call to action in these verses? How does one enter the narrow gate?


B. False Prophets and True Disciples (vv. 15-20)

  • Jesus warns about "false prophets in sheep's clothing." What does this imagery suggest about their appearance versus their true nature?

  • How does Jesus say we will "recognize them"? What does it mean to know them "by their fruit"?

  • How does this teaching relate to the concept of discerning truth from error in our own time?

  • Why is it so important for believers to be discerning and not accept every teaching they hear without testing it?


C. Professing Lordship vs. Doing God's Will (vv. 21-23)

  • This is a very sobering warning. What is the key distinction Jesus makes between those who say "Lord, Lord" and those who truly enter the kingdom of heaven?

  • What are some of the impressive things the people in verse 22 claim to have done? Why are these actions not enough?

  • What does Jesus mean by "I never knew you"? This isn't about lack of knowledge on Jesus' part, but what kind of relationship is implied?

  • How does this passage challenge the idea that spiritual experiences or outward displays of faith are sufficient for salvation?


D. The Two Foundations (vv. 24-27)

  • Jesus uses the parable of the wise and foolish builders to illustrate His point. What is the "rock" on which the wise builder builds his house?

  • What is the "sand" on which the foolish builder builds his house?

  • What do the "rains," "torrents," and "winds" represent in this parable?

  • What is the critical difference between the two builders that leads to such different outcomes?

  • In what areas of your life might you be building on "sand" rather than "rock"?


E. The Authority of Jesus (vv. 28-29)

  • How did the crowds react to Jesus' teaching? Why were they "amazed"?

  • What was different about Jesus' teaching compared to that of the "teachers of the law"? What does it mean that He taught "as one who had authority"?

  • How does this concluding statement reinforce the profound impact and unique nature of Jesus' message throughout the Sermon on the Mount?


IV. Personal Application & Reflection

  • After studying this entire passage, which "way" (gate/road) are you consciously choosing to walk? What choices reflect this?

  • How can you better discern the "fruit" of people's lives and teachings, in others and in yourself?

  • What is one specific teaching from the Sermon on the Mount (or this passage) that you need to be more diligent in "putting into practice" (building on the rock)?

  • How does this passage challenge any assumptions you might have about what it means to be a true follower of Jesus?

  • What steps can you take this week to build your life more firmly on the "rock" of obedience to Jesus' words?

 

 

See Video from Bible Project on The Choice in the Sermon On The Mount: https://bibleproject.com/videos/the-choice

 
 
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