This sermon continued the series on the Sermon on the Mount by focusing on Jesus’ closing words in Matthew 7. Like Moses in Deuteronomy, Jesus sets before his listeners a choice between life and death. He does this through three images: the narrow and wide paths, good and bad fruit, and the final judgment where some say “Lord, Lord” but are turned away because they did not do the will of the Father.

The preacher emphasized that following Jesus is not merely about saying the right words or even doing impressive religious acts. The narrow way is the way of actually doing God’s will—living out the righteousness, justice, mercy, love, forgiveness, and faithfulness Jesus has been teaching throughout the Sermon on the Mount. Relationship with God and doing his will are not separate realities; they belong together. Jesus invites us to choose life, walk the narrow path, bear good fruit, and trust the Spirit to transform us into people who live the Kingdom way.

Thank everyone for coming and making this group a priority in their lives.

Why We Meet as a Group

We are here to grow as disciples who are being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and boldly doing as Jesus did.  

We are in a journey together to explore Jesus’ famous sermon on the mount, where He gives us his vision of the good life; what life lived under his rule and in His kingdom is like in the midst of a broken world.

Please choose ahead of time which of the following questions you want to use for your c-group.

1. 🧠 HEAD — Understanding God's Word
   What is Jesus teaching us about the way of life in his Kingdom?
   1. In Matthew 7:13-14, what contrasts does Jesus make between the narrow gate and the wide gate?
   2. The sermon connected Jesus’ words with Moses setting before Israel “life and death” in Deuteronomy. How does that help us understand the seriousness of Jesus’ invitation?
   3. What do the images of trees and fruit teach us about recognizing true and false prophets?
   4. In Matthew 7:21-23, what kinds of things do people point to as evidence that they belong to Jesus? Why does Jesus say that is not enough?
   5. The preacher said that “relationship with God and doing his will are two different ways of saying the same thing.” How do you see that idea in this passage?
   6. Based on the sermon, what does “the will of my Father” look like in the broader Sermon on the Mount?
2. ❤️ HEART — Examining Our Trust and Desires

1. The preacher described the narrow path as sometimes feeling lonely or isolating. Where do you feel the difficulty of following Jesus most right now?
2. Are there ways you are tempted to settle for saying the right words—“Lord, Lord”—without actually obeying Jesus? What might that look like in your life?
3. The sermon warned that we can study Scripture or know the right answers but still fail to do God’s will. How does that challenge you personally?
4. What makes repentance difficult for you if repentance means not just saying sorry, but actually changing direction?
5. Jesus’ words about judgment can feel frightening. How do they also function as mercy—warning us, calling us back, and inviting us to choose life?
6. Where might you need the Holy Spirit to reveal deception, bad fruit, or a place where you have wandered from the narrow path?

• 🤲 HANDS — Practicing Prayer and Love
  

How can we concretely choose life and practice the will of the Father this week?

1. The preacher listed many examples from the Sermon on the Mount: forgiveness, reconciliation, integrity, resisting lust and anger, loving enemies, caring for the poor, and trusting God. Which one is Jesus calling you to practice more faithfully right now?
2. Is there a relationship where you need to pursue reconciliation, forgive, or stop “canceling” someone? What is one faithful next step?
3. Where do you need to be a person of your word, even if keeping your word costs you something?
4. How can our group help one another discern good fruit and avoid being deceived by teaching or influence that does not lead to Jesus’ way?
5. What would it look like for us as a group to choose life for our community, our neighbors, or the vulnerable around us?
6. Before confronting someone else, Jesus calls us to examine ourselves. Is there a “log” you need to ask God to show you before addressing someone else’s wrong?

Pray that God would help us choose life and walk the narrow path. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where we are deceived, where our words and actions are divided, and where we need true repentance. Pray that Jesus would transform us into people who not only say “Lord, Lord,” but actually do the will of the Father with love, justice, righteousness, and faithfulness.