CONNECT:  What are three talents that God has entrusted you with? What are the opportunities you have each day to use them in anticipation of Jesus’ return?

WARM-UP  Question  

1. How have you seen decisions made in the past have a dramatic effect the future?
2. Why do you think people feel awkward about talking about judgment? Should we?

READ Matthew 25:31-40

1. What are the things that we can be certain of about the return of Jesus? How will he return? How is it different to Jesus’ first coming?
2. By what authority does Jesus judge? How should this shape our view of Jesus?
3. What is the difference between an inheritance and a wage? What does this say about how and why we receive blessings from God?
4. Summarise the list in verses 35-36. What does this list represent? What is the role of these good works in the lives of those on Jesus’ right?
5. What does the surprise of the righteous tell us about their motivation? What should be our motivation in caring for others?
6. Specifically, who is Jesus referring to when he says, “the least of these brothers and sisters”? Does this mean we can neglect the needs of others?
7. How can we assure ourselves of our entrance to the Kingdom?

READ Matthew 25:41-46

1. Those on Jesus’ left are told to depart. Where to and who was this place prepared for?  
2. How does Jesus describe the punishment in this passage? What other images does the Bible provide us of hell? What can we be sure of about this punishment?
3. What is the importance of living lives that are consistent with the faith that we profess and the life of the one we claim as our Lord? What does this passage say about neglecting opportunities to love?
4. What is the ultimate decision for people on earth and how will it affect their eternity?
5. What has stood out for you over the past weeks from Jesus’ discourse to his disciples in Chap. 24-25?

APPLY: What are three ways that you can provide support to fellow believers this week?

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On Your Frontline This Week:  How does your response in times of uncertainty point to your trust Jesus?

For Families: Download some of the family resources to use at home

Listen:          

• AUDIO: “Choose your Friends” a sermon by Willian Taylor
• AUDIO: “Its Certainty” a sermon by Simon Manchester
• VIDEO: “The Sheep and the Goats” a sermon by Don Carson:

Read:

• ARTICLE: Sheep and Goats Series by Trevin Wax
• ARTICLE: “9 Ways to Love your Neighbour During this Pandemic” by Justin Earley
• BOOK: “Erasing Hell” by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle.

Other Helpful Resources (For Series):  

• BOOK: “The Parables of Jesus” by William Barclay.
• STUDY GUIDE: Download our Study Guide on Matthew
• BOOK: “Matthew: A Great Light Dawns”
• ONLINE: Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew (Fuller)
• VIDEO: The Bible Project, Matthew Overview

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