A WISE MAN AND A FOOLISH MAN
(The Sermon on the Mount III)

Matthew 7:1-29
Key Verse: 7:24

   "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts
    them into practice is like a wise man who built his house
    on the rock."


1. Read verses 1-6. What command and warning does Jesus give? Why are
   people not qualified to judge others? What should we do instead of
   judging or criticizing? What is Jesus' example?

2. Read verses 7-11. What can we learn here about how to pray? What
   does Jesus' promise mean to you? What assurance does Jesus give that
   God answers prayer? What should we ask for? How does verse 12
   summarize Jesus' teachings?

3. Read verses 13,14. What does it mean to enter the narrow gate? Why
   should we? Why do only a few find it? In what way is Jesus himself
   the narrow gate?

4. Read verses 15-20. What warning does Jesus give? How can one
   recognize a false prophet and a truly great man? Read verses 21-23.
   Why must we know Jesus and become like him? How can we do this?

5. What did the two builders have in common? Which one was wise and
   which was foolish? Why? How does Jesus apply this parable? Think of
   some examples of wise and foolish men. How can we be wise Bible
   students?