On Task
On Task
Matthew Series – Pt. 23
Matthew Series – Pt. 23
Getting Ready for the Return of Christ
12/27/08-12/28/08
Matthew 25
Getting Ready for the Return of Christ
“Before we do our best, we must first be our best. And the first step is
right relationship with God.” Charles Allen
“What does the world learn about God by watching us his followers on
Earth?” Philip Yancey
“It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or
secular; it is why he does it.” A. W. Tozer
“I really only love God as much as I love the person I love the least.”
Dorothy Day
DIGGING DEEPER
Questions for the Heart and Spirit
1. CS Lewis commented “The safest road to hell is the gradual one - the gentle
slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without
signposts.” Do you agree with his assessment? Why? How do the parables
in Matthew 25 corroborate his statement?
2. Jesus, in discussing the Parable of the Virgins, of the Talents, and The Final
Judgment contrasts different types of people. Which do you identify with?
Why do you suppose Jesus tries to explain similar messages in different
ways?
Questions for the Mind
1) Read Mt. 25:1-13, Mt. 3:2, 9:14-15, 13:24, Isa. 54:4-6
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Every _____ is One _____ Closer to
_________ for Our _______
Outline
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2) Read Mt. 25:14-30, Mt. 18:24, Prov. 20:4, Rom. 12:9-13, James 1:17
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Ready to Wait
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The Parable of the 10 Virgins (Matt 25:1-13)
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Maximizing Your Potential
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The Parable of the Talents (Matt 25:14-30)
Living the Faith
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The Great Separation (Matt 25:31-46)
Notes:
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Is Jesus talking about foolishness or preparedness in the first part of Ch. 25?
Why does Jesus describe himself as the groom? Who is the bride today?
In verse 5, the bridegroom is “delayed.” In what way does this correspond to the
readers of the gospel in the early church? How does it apply to us today?
In verse 13, Jesus admonishes us to “watch therefore, for you know neither the
day nor the hour.” What are we to look for? How will we know the timeframes?
Why is Jesus vague on them?
What are the “talents” that Jesus is referring to? Are they tangible, or are they
something else?
The master “went away” in vs. 15. Where did he go? What is the point of the
absence of the master?
Do you believe the point of this parable is frugality? What is Jesus rewarding in
the first 2 servant’s examples? How do you know?
How does the faithfulness of the 2 servants compare to Jabez in Chronicles and
vs. 29?
3) Read Mt. 25:31-46, Mt. 7:21-23, Joel 3:12, James 2:14-17, 4:17
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Again Jesus makes a distinction between the subjects of this final parable. What
actions is he expecting from his servants?
What do you see as the biggest concern for those who are the goats? Why do you
feel as though they thought they were allright?
What sins are the “goats” guilty of?
Application
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Select someone you can express forgiveness to and do it (come on, there has to be
someone who you need to forgive). Consider how you forgiving others impacts not
just one individual, but perhaps a family, a community, or even more?
Do you know someone who feels that they are beyond redemption? Will you reach
out to that person, sharing that they have a Father so rich in mercy that He will defeat
Satan’s lies--lies that tell them they are beyond shame and healing?