Preparing for Sunday - Matthew 7:21-23

March 7, 2013 by Bret Capranica Preparing for Sunday

Read Matthew 7:21-23
What is the connection of this passage with the others in this section of 7:13-29?
Why would "Lord" be repeated twice in how someone addressed Jesus?
What is Jesus saying about himself when he indicates that some are calling him "Lord, Lord?"
From reading this passage, when does this interchange between Jesus and a professing believer take place?
According to this passage, what is missing from the person's life who merely calls out to Jesus calling him Lord, but doesn't enter the kingdom of heaven?
Who will enter the kingdom of heaven? Does this indicate that doing good things is the way to get into the kingdom? Why or why not?
What are the actions the rejected person claims to have done in Jesus name, but are insufficient for him to enter the kingdom of heaven?
What does it mean to "know" Jesus? How can you know if you "know" him?
How does Jesus characterize the actions of the person who does miracles, casts out demons, and prophesies, but doesn't know Jesus? How could such actions be characterized with such a strong term?
How does the rest of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) detail what it means to "do the will of my Father who is in heaven?"

What evidences in your life would you point to that demonstrate that you genuinely know Christ?
What other religious deeds could make the list of those that are insufficient as evidence, in and of themselves, to indicate that you know Jesus?
How do we create an atmosphere where many can believe that they are entering the kingdom, but in reality, do not actually know Christ?
How can we create an atmosphere where we foster genuine knowledge of Christ?

Who do you know that is in danger of receiving Jesus' words of rejection, despite their religious claims? How could you pray for them? How could you bring up this issue with them?
How would evaluate your own heart's condition and life's actions according to this passage?
Pray for those who do not know Christ and who will attend our worship gathering on Sunday. Pray that their hearts will be open to the convicting work of the Holy Spirit and they will come to the knowledge of Christ.
Pray for those who will be leading the service this Sunday: Dawson Bryant, music; Rob Stouffer, Elders' Prayer and Scripture Reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
Meditate on the lyrics of the songs and listen to them as you prepare yourself to sing with focus and zeal with God's people on the Lord's Day.