IBC Richmond

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

Why does the master pay all workers equally? Is equal pay unfair or a sign of generosity?

Since the master promises justice (vs. 4), is he just in his actions? How does this apply to God’s work of salvation?

What does the word, “begrudge” mean (vs. 15)? Have you felt like the "all day workers," overlooked by an employer? How will you rescue your heart from “begrudging” them in that circumstance?

How appropriate is it to evaluate your own Christian life by looking at others? How can grace help you relate to Christians above and below your spiritual maturity?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
Is wealth a sign of God’s blessing? Why does Jesus say it is impossible for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven?

Sacrifice is necessary to following Jesus. The disciples “left everything and followed” (vs. 27). How have you sacrificed as a Christian? What is the next sacrificial step for you?

What can be learned about the Kingdom of God from Matthew 19:23-30?

What does Jesus promise to those to forsake human relationships and possessions to be his disciple?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

1. What is the difference between “getting” eternal life (vs. 16) and “entering” eternal life (vs. 17). Please explain.

2. Why does Jesus only quote five of the 10 Commandments?

3. Did Jesus tell the rich young ruler enough to enter eternal life?

4. The rich young man asked, “What good deed must I do to have eternal life?” Why did Jesus give him something to do, saying, “Go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me?”

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
1. How does Jesus handle the Pharisee’s “gotcha question”? What do you learn from Jesus about addressing controversial subjects from a Christian worldview?

2. Is there a danger in proof-texting? Why did Jesus ask, “Have you not read...?” after the Pharisees referenced Deuteronomy 24:1? Discuss ways Christians should be cautious using Bible software, concordances, etc. to cite Bible verses on specific topic.

3. What allowance does God make for hardness of heart? What can be done in hardhearted relationships?

4. Why does Jesus say, “only those to whom it is given” (Mt 19:11) and “Let the one who is able to receive this receive it” (Mt 19:12) to singles?
What unique purposes does God intend for an individual living as a single?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
1. What does it mean to forgive a person “seventy-seven times” (Mt 18:22)? How would you apply this to a family member struggling with drug addition or a gambling habit?
2. What is the king’s pity toward the debtor based on? Where does your pity come from? How do you determine when to give and when to withhold?
3. How is the Gospel demonstrated in the parable of the unforgiving servant (Mt 18:23-35)?
4. The parable of the unforgiving servant teaches Jesus’ disciples to forgive from the heart. What does “from the heart” mean? How is forgiveness more than a judicial decision?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
1. What are the three levels of church discipline? Who are involved at each level?
2. What does it mean to treat an unrepentant brother “as a Gentile and tax collector" (Mt 18:17)?
3. Is church discipline loving? Please explain. Is church discipline practiced in your local church?
4. Who possesses authority to discipline in the church? Where does the authority come from?

Application Questions:
1. Jesus refers to "little children" in Matthew 18:6, 10, 14. Who do they represent? What does God think about disciples?
2. Do Christians have guardian angels? How do you understand the ministry of angels in Matthew 18:10?
3. How radical is your deference towards other Christians in pursuit of discipling? What is an example of “causing someone to sin”?
4. Who are you disciplining in the church? What new member can you welcome into relationship? Are you showing sensitivity toward other’s spiritual growth? What straying brother or sister should you pursue?

Application Questions:
1. Write, in your own words, a complete sentence an answer to the disciples’ question, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
2. Who is great? How is greatness defined by culture? How is greatness redefined by Jesus?
3. Why does Jesus use a child to illustrate the principle of humility?
4. What daily habits will assist you in growing in humility? By what steps are you corralling your ambitions in submission to God’s kingdom?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

What was the Temple Tax in the Old Testament (Ex 30:11-16; Neh 10:32-33)? Who disagreed with it and why?

What do you learn about Jesus’ deity when Jesus pays his taxes?

Does the Bible require Christians to pay their taxes? How does an answer influence filing taxes, using tax loopholes, or reporting charitable contributions?

Jesus paid his taxes in order “not to give offense” (vs. 27). What offense was Jesus avoiding? How far should Christians go to avoid being offensive?

Application Questions:

Do you ask God for mercy? What need, relationship, dilemma requires God’s intervention in your behalf? Pause and pray earnestly to God out of your helplessness.

What is small faith (Mt 17:20)? Why does Jesus disparage small faith then commend faith the size of a small mustard seed?

What staggering promise does Jesus make to his disciples? What does it mean for a Christian who prays, acts, and believes in God’s power to do the impossible?

Considering the disciples were “greatly distressed” over Jesus’ prediction of death, how does Christian faith relate to fear, distress, grief, anxiety, and danger?