The Sermon on the Mount #11 – Weekly Study Questions
A Tree and Its Fruit
Sermon on the Mount (CGS#1) – Matt. 7:15-20
INTRODUCTION: Over the next three weeks, we will close out our series through the Sermon on the Mount. Over the course of the series, we have heard Jesus say some pretty difficult things. In the conclusion of his, he will give us the most sobering statements yet. Theologian Don Carson explains it this way, “The Sermon on the Mount ends with four warnings, each of which offers a pair of contrasts and the need to choose: two ways (7:13, 14), two trees (7:15–20), two claims (7:21–23), and two builders (7:24–27). Few passages stress the centrality of obedience more powerfully than these verses. The so-called follower of Jesus who never enters the narrow way, who brings forth bad fruit, who says, “Lord, Lord” to Jesus but never practices the will of the Father—in short, who builds his or her life on no firm foundation—will one day be dismissed forever from Christ’s presence as an “evildoer” (7:23). No one can leave behind a study of the Sermon on the Mount without facing these alternatives and recognizing that one’s eternal destiny hangs on them.” [1] Jesus is telling us in no uncertain terms what he’s already said, there is only one way that leads to eternal life, and we need to choose which path we will take.
When we consider Jesus’ words about the road to eternal life, we are also reminded of the path of growth in our spiritual lives. In 7:15-20, Jesus talks about the dangers of listening to false teachers. We must be vigilant when it comes to those that we receive spiritual guidance and instruction. Jesus’ note and words on false teachers must have been dripping with significance for those listening to him that day. See, on that very same hillside, or at least in that same region, others had given similar sermons and speeches. They had declared that they were Israel’s Messiah and would begin a kingdom. All of those others were false teachers, and the fruit of their lives bore that to be true. Yet, here is Jesus, and his words are true, but they are upside down in comparison to the others that came before him. Jesus blessed the peacemakers and the poor in spirit, not the strong and powerful. Jesus’ words must have sounded untrue to those listening, yet there was the fruit of his earthly ministry. It was unlike anything that anyone had ever done. I think this is, in part, why the crowds reacted the way Matthew tells us in 7:28-29, “And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.” He is the teacher we can trust and follow with the whole of our lives.
The thing about growth is that it doesn’t happen accidentally. That means we need to be intentional about growing and intentional with who is helping to grow. Jesus’ image about two trees and their fruit doesn’t just clarify the kind of teachers we want to listen to, but it also clarifies for us that we are to examine our own growth. What fruit is being born out of us as we are growing? Good fruit that looks like Jesus, or bad fruit that looks like our fleshly selves? As Christ followers, we are to bear fruit that looks like Jesus. Obedience to the Jesus way isn’t optional as Christ followers. It is the norm and the expectation. So who and what are discipling you? We are all being formed and changed throughout our lives. We are formed by our friends and families. We are formed by social media and entertainment. We are formed by news and pundits. Everything is formative. So who or what is forming you? Jesus teaches us in this section that a fruitful spiritual life doesn’t happen accidentally.
GETTING STARTED – As a group, take time to answer this question. What was an experience or situation in your life that was really formative even if you didn’t know it in the moment? What did you learn from that experience?
IN THE WORD – Let’s dig back into the passage(s). It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.
First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)
Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.
Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?
Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?
Note: Another way to approach your time together is to talk through the following questions.
- What did you hear God’s Spirit say to you through the passage this week? How does it encourage you? How does it sharpen you?
- How have you seen God at work in your life this week? Have you enjoyed him? Have you heard his voice and the leading of his Spirit? Big ways or small ways.
- Here are Christ Community Church, we have six life questions to help us evaluate our growth. Take time to talk through each of the questions and identify what is a next intentional growth step for you.
- Is the Spirit flowing through me?
- Do I depend on God’s Spirit in my everyday life?
- Did God make my day?
- Do I engage with God in his Word and prayer consistently?
- Who shares my tough stuff?
- Who is someone I can talk about my struggles with?
- Who am I fishing with?
- We don’t learn to fish alone. Who am I helping to grow in their faith?
- How worn is my welcome mat?
- Am I looking for ways to share the gospel and practice hospitality?
- How are my investments doing?
- How am I investing my time, talents, and treasure into the kingdom of God?
- Is the Spirit flowing through me?
[1] D. A. Carson, God with Us: Themes from Matthew (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2009), 45.