STUDY GUIDE – Wisdom and Discernment

Icebreaker: Based on the idea that wisdom is knowing when to speak up, and discernment is knowing when to stay silent, who has a good “open mouth, insert foot” story?

Sermon Title – The Jesus Platform – “Wisdom and Discernment” – Matthew 7:15-29

Group Discussion

Read Matthew 7:13-14 & Matthew 5:11-13 – Many people reject Jesus and His Platform; but we can still be salt and light to a dying world. In a culture that increasingly rejects Jesus’ teachings, what are some effective strategies we can practice to live as salt and light while positively and compassionately influencing others?

Read Psalm 50:16-21 – Watch out for people who exploit the Jesus Platform. What are some signs that someone might be exploiting Jesus’ teachings for selfish purposes or to advance an agenda? What are some ways we can guard our own hearts, our families, and others against such manipulation?

Read Matthew 7:24-27 – Practice the Jesus Platform with wisdom, discernment, and confidence. What does it look like to practice Jesus’ teachings (i.e., “His Platform”) with wisdom, discernment, and confidence daily?

Read Isaiah 5:20-21 & 1 John 4:1 – Practice your critical thinking skills. Critical thought involves careful, rigorous analyses/evaluation of ideas; it does not mean we have a critical attitude. So, in a culture where messages and ideas are often falsehoods and/or misleading, how can we as disciples practice critical thought?

Read Proverbs 11:1, Proverbs 15:28, & Proverbs 16:2 – Accurately weigh decisions, issues, and responses. How can we apply these principles to cautiously weigh decisions, platforms, and responses in our lives?

Read Romans 12:2 & Colossians 2:6-8 – Practice discernment as you live according to the Jesus Platform. What steps can we take to ensure our beliefs, decisions, and actions are grounded in biblical truth rather than being influenced by the corrupt values of a broken world?

Spiritual Discipline: Take time this week to engage with our additional sermon resources that support this message located on our Church Center app at: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources

Action Steps: Prayerfully reflect on and answer these questions: (1) are you more concerned about influencing people to vote “the right way” or helping disciples think critically and act biblically, (2) regarding political beliefs, attitudes, and actions, where does Jesus challenge you, (3) are any of your political beliefs based on worldly assumptions rather than scripture, and (4) as a disciple of Jesus, what does it look like for you to be a responsible citizen? Pray that your attitudes, beliefs, and decisions will be pleasing to the Lord.