Preparing for Sunday - Matthew 15:1-20

April 24, 2014 by Bret Capranica Preparing for Sunday

Read Matthew 15:1-20.
What were the Pharisees and Scribes concerned about? How did they view the authority of their traditions? How did they view the effect their traditions would have on a person?
What did Jesus say about their concern? What problem did Jesus specifically identify as problematic with the Pharisees and Scribes?
What connection does Jesus make between doctrine and true or vain worship (vv 8-9)?
How does Jesus summarize what makes a person spiritually defiled (v 11)?
Why does Jesus speak so harshly about the Pharisees and Scribes (vv 12-15)?
What does Jesus mark as the source of what defiles a person? What is he saying about the Pharisees?

How do you identify something that is a human tradition and something that is a command of God? List examples that come to mind of each.
What connection do you make between what drives how you live and true and false worship?
What kinds of actions would you personally list that would spiritually defile a person? Why? How would this passage address what you have listed?
What would you typcially identify in our culture and society that you think would spiritually defile a person? Why? How does this passage address this?
Why are we prone to blame something outside of us as being responsible for what makes us holy or not?
How do you identify heart-issues that are defiling a person?
Summarize the best way to apply this passage for you; for our church; in our culture.

How does this passage inform you on what constitutes true worship? How could that affect you as we prepare to gather this Sunday.
What sin does this passage reveal that you need to confess? In what ways does this passage encourage your heart?
What about your approach to life needs to change this week so that you do not fall into the trap of the Pharisees but see your heart (and others) from Jesus' perspective as revealed in this passage?
Pray for non-Christians who will be present Sunday, that their hearts will be exposed and opened to their need for Christ in salvation.
Pray for believers to be convicted, encouraged, and equipped to serve others as a result of our gathering.
Pray for those who will be leading the service this week to edify the body in the most helpful ways: Dawson Bryant, music; Brett Harris, Scripture Reading, prayer; Bret Capranica, teaching.
Listen to the songs we will sing on Sunday and meditate on the lyrics in such a way that will prepare you to sing with passionate understanding.