Two Trees

Matthew 7:15-20

April 16-17, 2011

Getting Started

1. Jesus warns his disciples that they need to watch out for false prophets.  Have you ever been around someone who fits the description of a false prophet? Share briefly what that was like (please leave the names anonymous to avoid gossip).

2. After the coming of the Holy Spirit, all disciples of Jesus now have the ability to hear God’s voice and act upon it.  In the past week, how have you have “heard” the voice of God speaking to you? What did it “sound” like?  Have you heard his voice in the past month?

3. Hearing the voice of God can be tricky.  In the group, share ways you can build relationship with God and learn to listen to his voice.

4. In the message, David said that if a person’s ministry is destroying their marriage they should step back and work to preserve it.  What do you think about that statement?  Have you ever been in an environment where ministry was more important than the lives of the workers?  Share what it was like.  Take a moment to assess this “fruit”.  Is it good or bad?

Going Deeper

5. David and Mark both pointed to the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5) as a good list for behaviors that exemplify how a disciple of Christ should conduct themselves.  Can you think of any other behaviors?

6. Have you ever met someone who uses the Bible and Christian doctrine to try and make others do things their way?  What was it like being around that person?  Share some of your experiences (again, please leave out names).

7. In the Bible, God’s judgment on his people is always for correction to bring God’s people back into right relationship with him.  Have you ever seen a “false prophet” who faces judgment and then repents and is reconciled back to God?  Share this story as a reminder of the hope of the Gospel.