Preparing for Sunday - Matthew 12:22-32

December 26, 2013 by Bret Capranica Preparing for Sunday

Read Matthew 12:22-32.
How would you sum up this passage in one sentence?
How does this passage continue the theme of opposition introduced in Chapter 11?
What was the crowd's reaction to Jesus' healing the demon-possessed man?
What was the Pharisee's response to the crowd?
What were the Pharisee's saying about the authority of Jesus, as expressed in his miracles? What had Jesus been saying about his authority through his mircaleds in chapters 8-9?
What evidence does Jesus suggest indicates that his power is not from Satan but against him?
How were the Pharisee's blaspheming the Spirit in what they were saying to the crowds about Jesus?
Why would such a suggestion about Jesus and the authority and source behind his miracles be unforgivable?

Based on what Jesus says, how would you summarize of what the unforgivable sin consists?
What evidence would show that someone was living in a sin like Jesus describes in this passage?
What does the evidence of the Spirit's ministry indicate to us (v 28)?
Does this mean we should not test the spirits (1 John 4:1ff)? If not, how do we test the works done by others who say they are doing it by the Holy Spirit?
Read Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10; Revelation 13:13-14. Who will do signs and wonders that are not of the Spirit? What is the difference between these signs and wonders and those that Jesus did that shows that Jesus' deeds were actually of the Spirit?

Pray intentionally for some you may know (or know of) who seem to have once embraced Jesus, but now walk in open rejection of what they once seems to live by. Pray that they will turn from such apostasy.
Pray for those in our congregation this Sunday who are not Christians to be confronted with their need for Christ to save them from their sin.
Pray for Christians in attendance this week to find comfort and encouragement where most needed, and conviction of sin, where most appropriate.
Pray for those who will be leading the service this week: Dawson Bryant, music; Mark Krystyniak, Elders' Prayer and Scripture Reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
Listen to the music we will sing this weekend, and prepare your heart to sing with understanding and zeal with the church this Sunday.