Proverbs 4:20-27; 6:16-19

The Abomination: The Ultimate Fool (Proverbs 6:16-19)

The Wisdom Walker:  (Proverbs 4:20-27)

Conclusion: The Power to Pursue Wisdom

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. Using Proverbs 4:20-27 and Proverbs 6:16-19, create character profiles for the "Wisdom Walker" and the "Ultimate Fool" based on their traits (e.g., eyes, heart, speech, actions). Then, imagine these characters in a modern-day scenario (e.g., at work, home, or in the community). How do their traits from Proverbs shape their actions and impact others? Discuss how choosing the Wisdom Walker's traits over the Ultimate Fool's could change the outcome.

Examples: 

 - Wisdom Walker (Proverbs 4:20-27): List traits like listening ear, truthful speech, etc.. Show how they reflect God's wisdom.

- Ultimate Fool (Proverbs 6:16-19): List traits like proud eyes, lying tongue, etc.. Show how they reflect folly.

Scenario example:

 - In a family argument, the Wisdom Walker listens and speaks kindly to resolve conflict, while the Ultimate Fool gossips and stirs trouble. 

Discuss the results and how wisdom changes things and how each character would operate in difference situations. 

2. Where does the real power to talk in wisdom truly come from? (Eze 36:25–27, Prov. 4:23, John 7:38, John 4:14; Col. 3:10) 

Introduction 

Tips for Reading Proverbs 

(Proverbs 1:1-12)

1. Describe the difference between pride and humility in making life choices. (Prov. 3:6-7)

2. The sermon mentions that Proverbs are "principles, not promises." What does this mean, and how does it apply to verses like Proverbs 3:1-2?

3. What are some practical examples from the sermon that show how following God’s wisdom leads to a better life? 

4. Connect the "fear of the Lord" to wisdom, and what does this mean for our daily decisions?

5. The sermon references 1 Corinthians 2:16, stating “we have the mind of Christ.” How does this idea influence the way we approach life’s challenges?

To Know Wisdom and Instruction (2a)

To Understand Words of Insight (2b)

To Receive Instruction in Wise Dealings (3)

To Give Prudence to the Young (4)

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. The sermon says wisdom is about living well in God’s design, not just having knowledge. Can you share a time when you relied on information or technology but still needed wisdom to make a good decision?

2. What is the purpose of the book of Proverbs? (Prov. 1-4)

3. Proverbs 1:7 teaches that the fear of the Lord is the start of wisdom. What does “fearing the Lord” mean to you personally, and how can it guide your choices this week?

4. Jesus is called the “Wonderful Counselor” and the embodiment of wisdom (Isaiah 9:6, Colossians 2:3). How has knowing Jesus shaped the way you make decisions or handle challenges

5. The sermon challenges us to value real relationships over artificial solutions. Who in your church or community can you connect with this week for wise counsel or encouragement, and how will you reach out?

The Wise Builder: Hearing and Obeying (Matthew 7:24-25)

The Foolish Builder: Hearing Without Doing (Matthew 7:26-27)

The Authority of Jesus’ Teaching (Matthew 7:28-29)

Small Group Discussion Questions

Have you ever experienced or witnessed a situation where ignoring good advice led to a bad outcome? How does that relate to Jesus’ parable of the two builders?

Read Matthew 7:24-29 aloud. What does Jesus mean by ‘hearing and doing’ His words? How is this different from just hearing or performing religious acts, as mentioned in Matthew 7:21-23?

Think of a time when you faced a ‘storm’ in life (a trial, loss, or challenge). How did your faith in Jesus help you stand firm, or what did you learn about your foundation that you want to strengthen?

The sermon describes an ‘upside-down kingdom’ that is really ‘right-side up’—a life of flourishing through obedience to Jesus. What’s one area of your life (e.g., priorities, relationships, time) where you feel challenged to align with Jesus’ teachings instead of the world’s values?

What’s one takeaway or something you have learned from this whole series on the Upside Down Kingdom through the Sermon on the Mount? How then can you hear these words and now go and do them?

Intro:

The Golden Rule: A Summary of Kingdom Living

Two Roads and Two Gates: The Costly Path of Discipleship

Two Trees and Their Fruit: The Evidence of True Faith

Two Confessions: True vs. False Discipleship

Small Group Discussion Questions

What are some characteristics of the "wide, easy road" that leads to destruction? How do these contrast with the "narrow, hard road" that leads to life?

How does the theme of costly discipleship challenge contemporary understandings of faith? 

Why does following Jesus really come down to obedience? Explain. Give examples from the Word to back up this claim or not. 

Jesus says He is the "door" (John 10:9). How does entering through Him shape your understanding of the narrow gate?

Discernment: How can you identify "false prophets" or false disciples by their fruit? What kind of fruit (character and actions) should you look for in yourself and others? How do we bear fruit? 

Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” and followed with “Feed my sheep” and “Follow me” (John 21:15-19). How can you express your love for Jesus through obedience this week?

MESSAGE | Josh Prather

Matthew 7:1-11

See Your Own Speck First

Planks Before Splinters

Pearls of Discernment

Persist in Prayerful Love

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. How can we apply the principle of 'seeing your own speck first' in our daily interactions with others?

2. How can understanding our own need for grace change the way we treat our peers?

3. In what ways can we model the balance of truth and grace that Jesus exemplified, especially in difficult conversations?

4. How can we create an environment in our communities or groups that fosters vulnerability and grace, rather than judgment?

Introduction: What Is Truly Safe?

I. Earthly Treasure Isn’t Safe (Matt. 6:19-21)

II. A Healthy Heart Sees Clearly (Matt. 6:22-23)

III. You Can’t Serve Two Masters (Matt. 6:24)

IV. Don’t Be Anxious—Seek What’s Safe (Matt. 6:25-34)

V. Sowing to the Spirit: Storing Safe Treasure (Gal. 6:8-10)

Notice the word “Therefore” in the passage in verse 25. What is the argument Jesus makes in order to transition into a statement like “therefore, do not be anxious…”? 

Jesus says you cannot serve both God and money (Matt. 6:24). What practical steps can you take to ensure you’re serving God over “mammon” in your decisions and lifestyle? 

How does seeking God’s kingdom first (Matt. 6:33) help reduce anxiety in your life, and what’s one area where you can trust God more instead of worrying? 

The sermon references sowing to the Spirit for eternal treasure (Gal. 6:8-10). What’s one specific way you can “sow” through worship, service, or giving to store up treasure in heaven this week?

Nate compares the Gospels of John, Matthew, and Mark, focusing on how each author tells the story of Jesus walking on water. By examining the similarities and unique details in each account, we gain a deeper understanding of the event. The message becomes clear: sometimes Jesus allows us to face struggles, but He is always present with us in the storm.

Introduction: True Righteousness in Secret (6:1) 

1. Giving: Worship, Not Performance (6:2-4)

2. Praying: Sincerity, Not Show (6:5-15)

3. Fasting: For God, Not Pity (6:16-18)

Conclusion: The Secret Place: Where God Meets You (6:6)

Small Group Discussion Questions

Read Matthew 6:1 aloud. Jesus begins with “Beware.” Why do you think He uses such a strong warning about practicing righteousness to be seen by others? What does this tell us about the importance of motives?

The sermon contrasts false righteousness (performative, like the Pharisees) with true righteousness (God-centered, like the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14). How do the examples of giving, praying, and fasting in Matthew 6:1-18 illustrate this contrast?

The sermon references the Greek term hypokrites (meaning “actor”). How does thinking of hypocrisy as “playing a role” for human applause change the way you view your spiritual practices?

The sermon challenges us to ask, “Am I doing this to be seen, or for God to be seen through me?” How can you incorporate this question into your daily routine (e.g., before giving, praying, or serving)?

I. Unpopular Love 

II. Unconquerable Love 

III. Undivided Love

IV. Ordinary Love vs. Extraordinary Love (5:46-47)

V. Perfect Love (5:48) 

Small Group Discussion Questions

How do Bonhoeffer’s, Corrie ten Boom’s, Gracia Burnham's, and Louis Zamperini's examples of loving their enemies challenge you? (Look up their testimonies online to review if you need to.) 

What’s the difference between “ordinary” love and the “perissos” (more, extraordinary, peculiar) love Jesus calls us to (Matt. 5:46-47)? 

The sermon illustrates perfect love (Matthew 5:48) as a fountain that flows freely to others, akin to God’s love flowing through us (1 John 4:12). What “plugs” (such as bitterness, fear, or pride) could be obstructing your ability to let God’s love reach others?

Bonhoeffer calls the cross the “extraordinary mark of Christian existence.” How does Jesus’ example of praying for His enemies on the cross (Luke 23:34) shape your understanding of what it means to be a Christian?

The sermon asks, “What makes us distinctly Christian?” How can loving your enemies this week reflect the cross and set you apart in a world full of division?