Saving faith is displayed in progression, not profession.
For reflection
1. We all encounter people in our lives that leave an impression. Have there been any whose testimony has been an example of “firm faith?”
2. What are some ways we can practice saving faith in our day to day lives? How can we avoid complacency or “sandy paths?”
3. Matthew 7:22 states that even some who prophesy, drive out demons, and perform miracles in Jesus’ name will be strangers in His presence. How might knowing this impact our ability to discern people operating falsely in Jesus’ name?
4. How do we rightly make the connection between our salvation, given by the mercy and grace of God, and the call by Jesus to “Go and do” and put into practice His words? What is the connection between faith and works?
5. As we talk about the difference between “profession” and “progression,” hearing the words of Jesus is the start. What might the next steps of the journey look like? Where might it end?
6. Jesus described the same type of storm for the foolish man and the wise man. What forms do you think the “storms” that reveal the foundations of our house might take?
7. Jesus compares the people who put (and don’t put) his words into actions to the builders of a house. Do the things & people we keep in houses impact the way we view this illustration?
8. These are the last illustrations of Jesus’ sermon on the mount. Why do you think he’d begin with blessings (the Beatitudes) and end with warnings?
Digging Deeper
1. In verse 21 we see a simple calling out to Jesus “Lord, Lord” but what is missing beyond just getting His attention by calling His name?
2. In the garden, God called out to Adam and Eve. In verse 21 the follower calls out to Jesus. In what ways have we brought this distance between us and our salvation and loving Father?
3. Jesus tells us we will know a tree (person) by their fruit, how does this color your interpretation of Matthew 7:23, when He declares “I never knew you?”