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{sermon on the mount}

 {sermon on the mount} 

DETECTING THE LIES OF OUR WORLD_ 

Matthew 7:13-20 

 
In our consumer-oriented society and the ‘have-it-your-way' culture, people like the opportunity to combine elements of several religions or even design one of their own, but Jesus will not allow us this comfortable / easy option. He insists that, ultimately, there is only one choice. 

 
[Group discussion starter] If God hired a consultant to help improve His image among the twenty-first-century British public, what character qualities would the consultant want to emphasise? What changes might the consultant suggest that God make to become more popular? 

 

In the Sermon on the Mount, the contrast between the two kinds of righteousness and devotion, the two treasures, the two masters and the two ambitions, has been faithfully portrayed; now the time for decision has come. Is it to be the kingdom of Satan or the kingdom of God? The prevailing culture or the Christian counterculture?... 

 
[Read Matthew 7:13-20] 

 
Why are broad gates and false prophets so appealing to people today? 
 

 
In verses 13-14, how are the two gates described? 
 

 
In what sense is the ‘gate’ of Christianity small and the ‘road’ narrow? 
 

 
In what sense is the world’s ‘gate’ wide and its ‘road’ broad? 

 
Why do you think that many people don’t like the notion that there is only one true ‘gate’? 
 

 
Why is it significant that Jesus’ warning about false prophets (verses 15-20) comes immediately after his discussion of the narrow and wide gates? 
 

 
In verse 15, Jesus says that false prophets “come to you in sheep’s clothing”. 
What disguises might they wear today? (see verses 21-23) 
 

 
What, if any, false messages or prophecies have you heard recently? 
How could you tell they were false? 
 

 
In what sense are these false prophets like ferocious wolves? 
 

 
In verse 16, Jesus also says, “By their fruit you will recognise them”. 
What kind of fruit does Jesus have in mind? 
 

 
How can the quality of the ‘fruit’ reveal the quality of the ‘tree’? 

 
How can we keep from becoming ‘witch hunters’ as we seek to recognise false prophets? 

 
In verse 19, Jesus tells us, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire”. How can this warning to false prophets also keep us from becoming complacent as Christians? 

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