A Tree & Its Fruit

Matthew 12:33-37 – A Tree & Its Fruit

Discussion Questions:

1.        Read Matthew 12:33-37.  Combine what you just read with what you heard from Sunday’s sermon and give your insights on important points that Jesus wants us to know and understand.

2.        Define or describe what you believe the world’s definition of happiness would be.

3.       Now define or describe what you believe the bible means by a person’s holiness.

4.       Below are a series of quotes from Sunday’s sermon.  Read one at a time and then share in your own words what you believe it means and if you agree or disagree.

·          “In everyone’s search for happiness what they are really wanting is heaven on earth – a life with no more sorrow, tears, pain, conflict, stresses, pressures, or loss.”

·         “Happiness has never been God’s highest purpose for your life, holiness is.”

·         “When you pursue holiness, God throws in happiness in ways you never expected.” (do you have any life examples of this?)

·         “Difficult circumstances & people do not cause your sinful reactions; they reveal the sin that has been stored in your heart.”

5.        Read 1 Corinthians 3:11-15.  Give us your personal insights as to what the passage means.  How does this passage affect you emotionally?

6.        To close our discussion, speak to one of the statements below and if there are any steps of application you believe God is leading you to take.

Statement One:  There may be some things stored in my heart that God wants to uproot and remove.

Statement Two:  Now that you understand that biblical fruit is reflected in the increase of Christlike character in you, and in lives being eternally impacted through you, in what area does your life need to produce more fruit.  Explain.