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{sermon on the mount}

 {sermon on the mount} 

MAKING THE CHOICE OF A LIFETIME_ 

Matthew 7:21-29 

 
The most momentous decision a person will ever make – more than the choice of career or life-partner – is the choice about life itself. 
How will I respond / react to Jesus? 

 
 
[Group discussion starter] If during a discussion about different religions, a friend says, “Well, at least we’re all headed for the same place.” how would you reply? 

 

The two final paragraphs of the Sermon are very similar. Both contrast the wrong and right responses to Christ’s teaching. Both show that neutrality is impossible and that a definite decision has to be made. Both stress that nothing can take the place of an active, practical obedience. And both teach that the issue of life and death, on the day of judgement, will be determined by our moral response to Christ and his teaching in this life... 

 
[Read Matthew 7:21-29] 

 

[Activity] Describe the various types of people that Jesus talks about in these verses. 
How does each respond to Jesus’ teaching? 
 

 

On the surface, what might we admire about those described in verses 21-23? 
 

 
In spite of their admirable statements or actions, why does Jesus have such a harsh view on those people? 
 

 
Why do people so often confuse religious activity with doing the will of the Father? 

How do you understand the difference? 

 
 

In verses 24-27, how were the two houses similar and different? 
 

 
Why is it often difficult to tell the difference between genuine Christians and counterfeit ones? 
 

 
How did the storms reveal what was previously unseen? 
 

 
What kinds of storms have you faced in life? What did they reveal about the quality of your life? 
 

 
In verses 28-29, the crowds were amazed at Jesus’ teaching, because he taught as one who had authority. In what ways was Jesus’ authority demonstrated in his Sermon? 
 

 
What difference does it make to you that Jesus taught with authority? 
 

 
How do verses 21-29 provide a fitting conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount? 
 

 
What are some of the “words” of Jesus you have heard in the Sermon on the Mount (verse 24) that you want to have stick with you? 

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