Week 1 - Matthew 7 v 21-23
Matthew 7
New International Version
True and False Disciples
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 who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
1. What danger is there in relying on just addressing Jesus as LORD
2. What would be the result of letting those that say Jesus is Lord influence the church or your life without (see John 15 below)?
3. What is the “fruit of my Father” if this is the means of discerning a true Christian?
4. If you meet people who tell you:
a. we prophesy in Jesus name
b. In Jesus’ name we drive out demons
c. in Jesus name we perform many miracles
Would these not be signs of a true Christian? Explain
If Jesus says they are evildoers where did the power come from for these people to do such Christ like things?
5. What happens to trees that do not bear good fruit?
6. How does John 15 (see below) relate to this passage in Matthew 7 v 21-23?
7. How is the Christian described in John 15?
8. How is the Non-Christian described in John 15?
9. Where is the Christians power source for Christians to do the things listed in question 4?
John 15
The Vine and the Branches
15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
