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Intermediate Sunday School Lesson 44 : THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

Text: Matthew 7
6 November 2022

INTRODUCTION

1. The problem of false teachers/ prophets in the past

a) They troubled Israel, the northern kingdom
b) They also troubled Judah, the southern kingdom

2. The problem in the days of the Lord Jesus

a) He had to warn people about them
b) The danger they posed was very real

3. The problem in the days of the Apostle Paul

a) They created many problems for the church
b) He warned that this problem will continue in the future

A STRONG WORD OF WARNING

13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

Matthew 7:13-19

1. What are false prophets?

a) They are wolves in sheep’s clothing
b) They are ravenous wolves

2. How can we tell?

a) By the fruits of their lives
b) A bad tree bears bad fruits

THE MESSAGE THEY PROCLAIM

1. They will offer “the broad way”

2. They will speak about an easier way of life

3. Many will be drawn to their message

4. This path will ultimately lead to destruction

THE WAY OF THE LORD JESUS

1. His way seems to be “the narrow way”

2. His teachings are hard to follow

3. Few will decide to follow Him

4. But those who do will find life eternal

THOSE WHO FOLLOW THE WAY OF THE LORD

1. They will be known by their fruits

2. They are compared to a good tree

3. This is the challenge we are asked to consider

a) To believe in the Lord Jesus
b) To follow Him
c) To walk in a path the world considers as “very narrow”
d) But it is the way that leads to eternal life

CONCLUSION

1. Take time to read the following texts:

a) Jeremiah 23
Warning about false prophets
b) 2 Timothy 3
Warning about false teachers

2. Be challenged

a) To know your faith well
b) To be on guard at all times
c) To be discerning
d) To reject false teachings outright