Kingdom Wisdom Part 6 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Wisdom Part 6 Discussion Guide
This discussion guide is based on Kingdom Wisdom Part 6, preached at Keys Vineyard from Matthew 7:13–14.
Summary
Jesus places two ways before us: a broad road that is easy to follow because it moves with the crowd and cultural currents, and a narrow road that leads to life. This narrow way is not merely a list of religious rules; Jesus Himself is the way, the truth, and the life. From the two trees in Genesis to the two ways in Psalm 1 and Matthew 7, Scripture continually calls people to receive life from God rather than trying to define, control, or secure life on their own terms.
The sermon reminds us that small decisions become direction, direction becomes a road, and roads lead somewhere. Rather than trying to fix every area of life at once, we are invited to ask God where we are drifting and take the next faithful step with Jesus.
Intro Prayer
Father, thank You for inviting us into life with You. As we discuss Your Word, help us honestly see the direction our lives are moving. Show us where we are following cultural currents instead of following Jesus, and give us grace to take the next faithful step with Him. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Ice Breaker
Think about a time when you were carried along by a current, crowd, schedule, or expectation without fully realizing where it was taking you. What helped you recognize that you needed to change direction?
Key Verses
- Matthew 7:13–14 — Jesus describes the wide gate and broad road that lead to destruction, and the small gate and narrow road that lead to life.
- Genesis 2:8–9 — The tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil reveal the early biblical pattern of dependence on God or self-directed autonomy.
- Psalm 1:1–3 — The person rooted in the Lord is like a tree planted by streams of water that bears fruit.
- Proverbs 14:12 — A way can appear right while ultimately leading to death.
- John 14:6 — Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
- Deuteronomy 30:19–20 — God sets life and death before His people and calls them to choose life by loving, listening to, and holding fast to Him.
- John 10:10 — Jesus came so that His people may have life “to the full.”
Questions
- What stands out to you most from Jesus’ picture of two gates, two roads, and two destinations in Matthew 7:13–14?
- The sermon connects the two trees in Genesis with two ways of living: dependence on God and autonomy apart from Him. Where do you most clearly see that choice in everyday life?
- Psalm 1 describes a person rooted in God as a fruitful tree planted by streams of water. What practices or relationships help you stay rooted in the Lord?
- Why can the broad road be appealing? Which currents named in the sermon—such as ambition, comparison, consumerism, anger, self-protection, or doing whatever makes us happy—feel especially strong in our lives or culture?
- Proverbs 14:12 warns that something can seem right and still lead in the wrong direction. Why is it important to seek God’s wisdom rather than relying only on what feels right?
- How does understanding that “the narrow way is a Person” change the way you hear Jesus’ words about the narrow gate? How is following Jesus different from simply trying harder to follow rules?
- Where might Jesus be calling you to move differently from the crowd—in forgiveness, loving enemies, trusting the Father, treating others well, or seeking God’s kingdom first?
- The sermon says that small decisions become direction, direction becomes a road, and roads lead somewhere. What is one ordinary decision or habit that may be shaping your spiritual direction right now?
Life Application
Set aside time this week to pray, “Father, show me where I’m drifting. Show me where I’m off course.” Consider one area where you may be trying to create, control, secure, or define life apart from God. Instead of trying to solve everything at once, identify one next right thing and take one next faithful step with Jesus.
If you are new to following Jesus or want to revisit the foundations of faith, explore biblical learning resources through the Online Bible Institute. You can also stay connected with the worshiping community at Keys Vineyard as you continue learning to follow Jesus with others.
Key Takeaways
- Scripture consistently presents a choice between receiving life from God and seeking life on our own terms.
- The broad road is easy because it follows the crowd and drifts with the surrounding currents.
- The narrow way is Jesus Himself; following Him means learning to live with Him as King.
- Jesus’ warning about destruction is also an invitation into full and abundant life now and forever.
- Ordinary choices shape direction, and direction shapes destination.
- Jesus does not merely point toward the narrow way; He walks the road with His people.
Ending Prayer
Jesus, You are the way, the truth, and the life. Forgive us for the places where we have followed the crowd, trusted ourselves more than You, or drifted from Your path. Help us choose life by loving You, listening to Your voice, and holding fast to You. Give each of us courage to take the next faithful step this week. Amen.
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