• Read Matthew 7:24-29

I assume that we all are hoping to build on the rock, a solid foundation. What does that take?

• What is your process of ‘hearing Jesus’ words?’

It seems like we will not avoid the rain, the storms, and the winds. Hard times and trails will come to all of us. Perhaps they have already come into your life.

• What are ways that you can be a better hearer of the word?
• Jesus taught with authority. How do you show with your life that Jesus has authority over you?

Review: Matthew 5: 3-10

• Read Matthew 7:21-23

Explain Jesus’ sober warning in these verses.

• What does it take for Jesus to “know” us?
• What fruit do you see in your own life?

• Read 1 John 3: 19-24

How does this passage illuminate Jesus’ words further?

Review: Matthew 5:3-10

• Read Matthew 7:15-20

So, again we ponder life in Jesus’ kingdom. How are these verses describing a person on the narrow road, going through the narrow gate, on a path that leads to life?

• What kind of fruit is He referring to? What is it?
• Why is Jesus concerned with false prophets? How do they harm us?

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:3-10

Spend this morning listening to some worship. Sing along and prepare your heart for church and fellowship with other brothers and sisters.

• Read Matthew 7:1-14

Read these verses out loud several times (or listen to them on your phone). Get them into your heart.

From these verses, describe life in Jesus’ Kingdom on a separate piece of paper.

What verse(s) popped out to you? Keep paying attention to that!

Memorization Verse:

Matthew 5:3-10 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

• Read Matthew 7:13-14

Why do you think the road leading to destruction is so wide?

Sit and consider the choices you’ve made the past few months. Are your actions consistent with the narrow road or the wide road?

How can you tell this?

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

• Read Matthew 7:12

Again—describe life in Jesus’ kingdom according to this verse.

How does doing this sum up the law and the prophets? How does that work?

Think for a few moments about how you want people to treat you? In what ways do you not treat others this way?

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”