Introduction

Before we begin, this is quick reminder of what we’ve considered so far:

  • God’s kingdom is coming

    • to rule primarily hearts not people groups

    • in small and imperceptible ways that only later become visible, rather than in large and forceful ways

    • everywhere, not in specific times and places

  • God’s kingdom is a kingdom of grace right alongside righteousness (the nature of the kingdom), not just a kingdom of righteousness

  • The God of the kingdom rebukes the righteous and accepts sinners.

  • The kingdom of God demands everything from us. It costs us everything.

  • God will gather many for the kingdom and will reject those who reject him.

1. Watch the beginning of this video clip (up to 2:54). How do you answer the question, if God is good, why is there so much evil?

Getting into God’s Word

Let’s read Matthew 25:31-46

2. There are a few more things we should consider to better understand the points of this parable. Keep watching from 2:55 on.

  • The Son of Man will judge

  • Sheep on the right, goats on the left

  • The sheep inherit the kingdom

  • The goats are sent into the eternal fire

  • Our eternal destiny is connected to how we treat others

3. Who are the “least of these”?

4. This parable teaches about good works. Does it command good works? Does it teach that we earn salvation by doing good works? What is the relation between faith and good works?

5. What is the judgment at the end of this parable?


6. Do you think the fire is real or metaphorical?

7. Let’s summarize the point of this parable, perhaps using the comparison it makes. Let’s see if we can be clear about it with a “just as …. so also” statement.

“Just as (the main message of the parable) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Could it be that the fire Jesus talked about is an eternal search for God that is never quenched? That indeed would be hell. To be away from God forever, separated from his presence. ”
— Billy Graham, The Challenge, Sermons from Madison Square Garden, pages 74-75

….so also ….. (God deals with the world) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________”

Getting the Word into our lives

8. Do you think many church goers have good works that go with their faith? If they do, why? If they don’t, why don’t they?

9. We aren’t very comfortable discussing God’s judgment and hell. Why do you think that is? Are there ways to discuss them that advance the kingdom?

Wrap Up

Split into groups of 2 or 3.

10. What’s a passage from this Scripture that impacted you?

11. How are you going to respond to this message?

12. Who is one person you’d like to share this with?