Class Lesson July 10, 2016

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
If you’ve ever tried to add oil or transmission fluid to your car without a funnel, you know the value of this little utensil. Funnels have the unique ability to gather material from a wide space and condense them into a specific, narrow location.

Life can be like a funnel at times, and not in a good way. Our culture offers a huge amount of choices and opportunities that seem to provide fulfillment. Yet when we follow that path, we quickly find ourselves squeezed into a narrow, unfulfilling existence.

As we’ll see in Matthew 7, Jesus taught that the way to true fulfillment is like an upside-down funnel. If we begin on a narrow path—His path—we’ll soon discover a spacious life overflowing with joy, purpose, and peace.

One path comes with many easy options, but it quickly closes on us. The other path is narrow and well-defined, but it opens to a full and joyful life. The choice is ours.





WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?



Matthew 7:13-27 (ESV)

13“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.

 
14For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. 

 
15“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 

 
16You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 

 
17So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.

 
18A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 

 
19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 

 
20Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. 

 
21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 

 
22On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 

 
23And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ 

 
24“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 

 
25And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 

 
26And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 

 
27And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

 


That day (v. 22)—Refers to the day of judgment at the end of human history, also called “the Day of the Lord,” when God will intervene in our world to judge humanity. 

Workers of lawlessness (v. 23)—Those who have not experienced salvation through the forgiveness offered by Jesus will be judged according to God’s law.

Matthew 7:13-14

Jesus used the word-picture of gates to describe the way we approach life and God. Research indicates that 45 percent of Americans believe there are many ways lead to God—that any gate will do. Yet the major religions of the world (Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and Christianity) all teach something different, even contradictory, about the nature of God and the way to salvation. The law of contradiction clearly states that two opposing things cannot both be true. So, how can two opposing views of salvation both be correct and both lead to God?

Jesus told us to “Enter by the narrow gate” (v. 13). Jesus Himself is that Gate, which He made clear in John’s Gospel: “I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:7-9).

Just as importantly, Jesus isn’t one gate among many. He’s the only Gate: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

The path that leads to God is narrow not because it’s difficult to become a Christian, but because you can get to Him only one way—through faith in Jesus. All other religious systems have at their core a works-based approach; meaning, you can only come to God by doing certain things. But the core of Christianity is the truth that Christ has done all the “doing.” 

Seeking this narrow gate—Jesus—is the most liberating choice we will ever make. The narrow gate opens wide to reveal a joyful and fulfilling life, but that gate won’t stay open forever. Elsewhere, Jesus said: “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from’” (Luke 13:24-25).

Each of us has a critical choice to make about our eternal future. And the time is now.

How have you experienced the truth of these verses?

What is our role in producing fruit as we 

are transformed by God’s Spirit?

Matthew 7:15-23

Warning His hearers about false prophets, Jesus said: “You will recognize them by their fruits” (v. 16). This “fruit” refers to a person’s actions and attitudes. It can either be good or bad.

To bear good fruit can mean leading people to Jesus (see John 4:36), serving them in Jesus’ name (see Matt. 7:16-20), developing the character of Jesus internally (see Gal. 5:22-23), and more. We cannot experience salvation without being transformed—without becoming the kind of person who grows good fruit.

So, how do we know ...

• if a Bible teacher is the right one to sit under?
• if a certain person is the right person for marriage?
• if a person is the right partner for a business venture?

The answer is simple: become a fruit inspector. We saw in the previous session that Jesus spoke against judging others in a condemning way. Even so, we need to make evaluations about people at times. And we’re wise to do so based on the fruit in their lives. 

It’s important that we take the right actions as followers of Christ: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (v. 21). But bearing fruit—real fruit for Christ and His kingdom—is impossible on our own. We need God’s help, as Jesus said later in His ministry: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me” (John 15:4).

The point is clear: Apart from Christ, we can do nothing. We can’t produce a single act to bring about our salvation, nor can our lives produce one piece of good fruit in our own strength. Therefore, let’s position ourselves in Christ and bear His salvation and His fruit.

Matthew 7:24-27

What is it about the beach that makes everyone an architect? It’s the sand. Building sand castles takes minimal effort and can quickly bring a sense of accomplishment. The problem with these sand structures is they quickly disappear with the next high tide. 

We’re good at building sand castles with our lives:

• Your career is doing well, but you’ll need to cut a few corners if you’re going to achieve your goals.
• Your child is a natural athlete, but if she’s going to get that scholarship, she’ll need to play travel games on Sunday rather than going to worship.
• Your marriage isn’t going the way you hoped, but your computer offers an escape.

Decisions such as these are like building a house that overlooks one important detail: a solid foundation. The American dream eventually turns into a nightmare. Even if life seems wonderful today, the rains will come and the winds will blow. Storms are as certain as the sunrise. And when sand castles and storm clouds collide, our houses—our lives—will crumble. 

Building on sand is easy. Building a life on the solid rock of Jesus and His teachings often calls for hard choices—but it’s worth it. Every time. When you’ve tasted the goodness of God (see Ps. 34:8), you’ll want to leave the beach and dig deep into the rock.

What are some difficult choices you are facing right now?

How can we help one another continue 

to build on the right foundation?

LIVE IT OUT
 

How will your life reflect Jesus’ words in the days to come? Consider the following suggestions:

• Enter the narrow gate. If you haven’t experienced the salvation offered by Jesus Christ, now is the time. Speak with your pastor or a fellow group member about what it means to choose the narrow path that opens up to a full and abundant life. (Note: See the inside cover of this study guide for more information about what it means to follow Christ.)

• Move toward community.Take a step to become more involved in your church community. This could include taking on a leadership role, volunteering for a new ministry, becoming more engaged in your group, and so on.

• Spread the Word. Sharing the message of the gospel is an important part of following Jesus. This week, make a commitment to speak with at least one person about what God has done in your life.

If you’re not careful, this world will funnel your days into a crass and cramped version of the American Dream. Don’t let it happen. Choose the narrow gate offered by Jesus, and find life.




Teacher's Notes:

 Living and Dying with the Choices I've Made

 Click Here to Hear

TRANSFORMED IN MY CHOICES

Our culture overwhelms us with choices. Even soft drink machines in restaurants are now offering up to 127 choices. Choices may encourage our individuality, but choices - especially too many choices - can be stressful. These machines offer 127 choices. But this machine is not all that unusual. It reflects every other aspect of American life.

• We choose our cable providers because they offer a gazillion channels—even though we only watch a handful.
• We love a grocery store that offers dozens of options for shampoo and deodorant—even though we purchase the same one every time.
• We choose a workout facility because of all the exercise and sports options they offer—even though we gravitate to the same treadmill each time.

We love our options, but our choice is simple.


1. The same thing as before

2. Something different


We almost always choose #1. It’s easier. We’ve been there before. We know what we’re getting into. We’re comfortable with it.

Too many of us approach life the same way. God offers us LIFE, but we often settle for the way we’ve been existing, which is really no life at all, certainly not compared to the life God offers.

We’re comfortable. Besides, we’re not a fan of radical change, so we stick to what we’re used to. All the while, we miss out—simply because we choose not to choose.


I’m not just addressing those who have yet to choose Jesus. Many Christians settle on a decision they made years ago, but they never really step into the adventure of following Jesus. It’s like the person who pays $124 to enter Disney World and then spends the day simply sitting on a bench on Main Street watching everyone else have an adventure. It’s kinda sad.

Get off the bench…Choose life in Jesus…Every day.

Point: Choose to follow Jesus



I. What’s Your Choice?
Matthew 7:13-14 (HCSB) “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. 14 How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.

Why is the path that leads to God described as narrow?




What have you found difficult about the road that leads to life?

• seems like you’re going against the flow
• give up some things formerly pursued
• may face opposition of family and friends
• demands submission to God
• requires self-control (in contrast to broad way requirements)
• world makes itself attractive

Why is a gate an appropriate and telling description of Jesus?



If a friend asked you why you think Jesus is the only way to heaven, how would you respond?


Jesus described two very different roads.


1. The wide road.
a. It is an easy road.

b. It leads to destruction.

c. Many follow it.



2. The narrow road.

a. It is a difficult road.

b. It leads to eternal life.

c. Only a few find it.



What does this mean?

1. Not everyone will go to heaven.

2. Far more people will be shut out of heaven than will enter it.

• Years ago there was a popular book called Embraced by the Light. It was written by a woman who claimed she had been to heaven and talked with Jesus. I saw a TV program where she was leading a question and answer session about her book. One person asked, “Will everyone go to heaven?” She replied, “Yes.” I don’t know who that woman talked to, but it definitely was NOT Jesus.

Point: Choose the Right Path





II. What’s Your Choice?

Matthew 7:15-23 (HCSB) “Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. 16 You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So you’ll recognize them by their fruit. 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but ⌊only⌋ the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?’ 23 Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!’



Authentic teachers, pastors, and Christians can be recognized by their fruit. What is their fruit?

• Their lives, character.

What are some examples of spiritual fruit that we can be on the lookout for?

• Good behavior, high moral character as they attempt to live out the truths of Scripture.
• Teachers: motives, direction they are taking, results they are seeking.
• Jesus is more concerned with our walk than our talk.

What spiritual fruit are you in need of right now?

• Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control

In what ways do we often try to “produce fruit” in our own strength? Is this an impossible task? Explain.

• Ask, seek, and knock

What fruit have you seen God producing in your life this past year? What fruit has God produced in the life of your church this past year?



Jesus warned against false prophets.


1. False prophets plagued the church from almost the beginning.

a. Paul dealt with the Judaizers, who believed that one had to be circumcised and keep the law in order to be saved.

b. John wrote his First Epistle in response to people who did not believe Jesus was literally human.

2. Jesus said you would know them by their fruits.
a. “Do men gather grapes of thorns?” – The fruit of a plant is a good indicator what kind of plant it is.

b. Good trees might occasionally bear bad fruit, but when a tree bears little else but bad fruit, it’s safe to assume it’s a bad tree.



What are some warning signs of a false prophet?

1. They deny the written Word of God.
2. They claim sources of authority that they believe are equal to the Bible, such as their own “prophecies” and “revelations”.
3. They minimize Christ and glorify themselves.
4. They make light of sin.
5. They deny the reality of judgment and hell.
6. They deny that Jesus is the only way to God.

Jesus warned that many will be surprised on Judgment Day.


1. Their characteristics.
a. They call Jesus “Lord”, but they did not obey Him.

b. They have prophesied in the name of Jesus.

c. They have cast out demons and done “many wondrous works” – that is, miracles (Satan is a master counterfeiter).


2. In spite of these things, they will be cast into hell.


Many people will be turned away from heaven. Why?


1. Some will be turned away because they trusted in something other than Jesus. These include:

a. Church membership.

b. Baptism.

c. Good works.

d. Assorted religious rituals.



2. Others will be turned away because they only went through the motions, and never truly submitted to Jesus as Lord of their lives.

a. The Bible makes no distinction between Jesus the Savior and Jesus the Lord.

b. Jesus said His true followers hear His voice (John 10:27-28).


Remember that the Fruit of the Spirit are qualities that are the result of being under the Kingdom/Rule of God. When God is ruling in your life, these beautiful fruit are what will naturally be seen.



Point: Choose to Be Obedient



III. What’s Your Choice?

Matthew 7:24-27 (HCSB) “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of Mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. And its collapse was great!”


Jesus talks about your house – which represents your life – will withstand the storms of life only if you do what is right instead of just talking about it. What you do cannot be separated from what you believe.

What are some sandy foundations people often try to build upon?

• materialism
• fame and fortune
• gaining power
• acquiring more “toys”
• entertainment, having fun

What does it look like for us to build our lives on the “rock” that is Jesus?

• Means to be a hearing, responding disciple, not a phony, superficial one.
• Practicing obedience becomes the solid foundation to weather the storms of life.

What kinds of storms does your foundation in Christ help you through?

• life trials
• tragedies
• job losses, financial setbacks
• health crises
• war, terrorism, persecution
• family relationship problems
• bad or unfortunate choices we make

What dangers exist for those who build on a foundation other than Christ?



What do you find challenging in these verses? What do you find comforting in these verses?




Once again, Jesus gave two choices.


1. You can hear and obey Jesus.

a. Jesus said it was like building a house on a rock.

b. The storms came, but the house withstood them.



2. You can reject Him and do things your way.
a. Jesus said that was like building a house on the sand.

b. Such houses may look pretty and be built from the finest materials, but if they have no solid foundation, they will collapse.


Is your own life built on Jesus?


1. The storms in life will come, but if Jesus is your foundation, you can withstand anything the world throws at you.

2. The key is not just hearing, but obeying (James 1:22).



Point: Choose the Right Foundation




Conclusion: We hear a lot these days about the sovereignty of God. I believe God is sovereign; that is, He controls everything in this universe down to the smallest detail.


Nevertheless, the Bible clearly states that He leaves some choices up to us. We deserve to spend eternity in hell, but God has opened a way into heaven through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. He invites you to spend eternity with Him, but He leaves you to make the decision. What’s your choice?



See you on Sunday!!



In His Love,



David & Susan