Week 26 Series: The Kingdom Sermon Title: The Kingdom Reckoning ...
Week 26 Series: The Kingdom Sermon Title: The Kingdom Reckoning Sermon Text: Matthew 25:31-46 Study Handout Date: The Week of 03-12-17 Group Date: The Week of 03-19-17 Sermon Date: 03-26-17 BEFORE WE BEGIN TODAY’S LESSON, what was your takeaway from this past Sunday’s sermon? ATTRIBUTE: Righteous Judge – God is the righteous Judge. The sentences He pronounces, the rewards He bestows, the penalties He inflicts, are all righteous. (Unger’s Bible Dictionary) DOCTRINE: Rewards – The praise of Christ for the actions of believers done on earth, bestowed when they stand before Him in heaven. (Salvation is an entirely separate issue. Salvation is received by faith in Christ’s work on the Cross on the believer’s behalf while he or she is alive on earth.) Eternal Judgment – Punishment of the unbeliever received after death, consigned to hell. Note: This week’s passage is the final segment of a teaching session by Jesus before He goes to the Cross. DAY 1 -
In review, skim Matthew 24:1–25:30. 1. What is the main topic of Jesus’ teaching in this passage?
2. Briefly name some characteristics of the time frame described in Matthew 24-1:35.
3. From Matthew 24:36-51, how should believers behave during this time?
DAY 2 -
Read Matthew 25:1-30. 1. What is the contrast between the actions of the wise and the foolish virgins?
2. In verses 14-30, what does Jesus teach us about the kingdom in the Parable of the Talents?
3. If Jesus should return tomorrow, how faithful would He find you with the talents you have been given? Consider one change you could make in your priorities to please Him.
DAY 3 -
Read Matthew 25:31-46. 1. What action does the Son of Man (Jesus) take when He comes in glory at the end of the age? 1
2. List the categories of caring behavior Jesus praised.
3. Jesus said, “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine you did for me.” Who might He be referring to as “brothers of mine” specifically?
4. What caring action might you take this coming week because of Jesus? Share with your group your intent and the outcome.
DAY 4 -
Read Matthew 25:41-46; Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:14-26. 1. According to Jesus, what is the punishment received by the goats and with whom will they share this punishment?
2. Is Jesus saying that by doing these acts of kindness alone the unrighteous (goats) would have escaped eternal punishment? Explain using the Ephesians and James references.
3. The unrighteous do some good deeds. What key motivation is missing?
4. Where do you find yourself in this parable? What motivations need to change?
DAY 5 -
Read Matthew 25:30, 41, 46. 1. When the gavel falls and both destinies are announced (v 46), what detail do the verdicts have in common?
2. Give details of the eternal punishment awaiting the unrighteous (v 30, 41).
How can someone be assured he/she will avoid this destination? Use John 5:24 or any other scripture you may know. Share these with your group.
Jesus Christ has come into the world to die on the Cross, paying the penalty for sin that each of us has committed against our holy God. In trusting He died for you individually, you are saved from eternal judgment and receive the gift of eternal life. 3. If you know Jesus Christ as your Savior, write a prayer of thanksgiving and praise. 2
In review, skim Matthew 24:1–25:30. 1. What is the main topic of Jesus’ teaching in this passage?
2. Briefly name some characteristics of the time frame described in Matthew 24-1:35.
3. From Matthew 24:36-51, how should believers behave during this time?
DAY 2 -
Read Matthew 25:1-30. 1. What is the contrast between the actions of the wise and the foolish virgins?
2. In verses 14-30, what does Jesus teach us about the kingdom in the Parable of the Talents?
3. If Jesus should return tomorrow, how faithful would He find you with the talents you have been given? Consider one change you could make in your priorities to please Him.
DAY 3 -
Read Matthew 25:31-46. 1. What action does the Son of Man (Jesus) take when He comes in glory at the end of the age? 1
2. List the categories of caring behavior Jesus praised.
3. Jesus said, “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine you did for me.” Who might He be referring to as “brothers of mine” specifically?
4. What caring action might you take this coming week because of Jesus? Share with your group your intent and the outcome.
DAY 4 -
Read Matthew 25:41-46; Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:14-26. 1. According to Jesus, what is the punishment received by the goats and with whom will they share this punishment?
2. Is Jesus saying that by doing these acts of kindness alone the unrighteous (goats) would have escaped eternal punishment? Explain using the Ephesians and James references.
3. The unrighteous do some good deeds. What key motivation is missing?
4. Where do you find yourself in this parable? What motivations need to change?
DAY 5 -
Read Matthew 25:30, 41, 46. 1. When the gavel falls and both destinies are announced (v 46), what detail do the verdicts have in common?
2. Give details of the eternal punishment awaiting the unrighteous (v 30, 41).
How can someone be assured he/she will avoid this destination? Use John 5:24 or any other scripture you may know. Share these with your group.
Jesus Christ has come into the world to die on the Cross, paying the penalty for sin that each of us has committed against our holy God. In trusting He died for you individually, you are saved from eternal judgment and receive the gift of eternal life. 3. If you know Jesus Christ as your Savior, write a prayer of thanksgiving and praise. 2
