Main Text: Matthew 21:23-27 (ESV) 23 And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Preaching Point: Jesus’ tactic for exposing counterfeits should embolden us to use similar tactics to engage those who appear genuine yet lack the sincerity to follow Jesus.

Teaching Points:

1. Probe for Genuineness (vv. 23-25a)
2. Expose Intent (vv. 25b-27a)
3. Refuse to Answer Insincere Questions (v. 27b)

Application Questions:

1. Why did the religious leaders confront Jesus at the temple in Matthew 21:23-27 on the subject of authority?
2. What did the religious leaders’ answer to Jesus' question reveal about their intent?
3. Why did Jesus refuse to answer their questions?
4. Read Matthew 21:23-25a and Proverbs 14:15. Why is assuming that every spiritual question is sincere unwise? Where have you seen this play out in real conversations?
5. How can you grow in your ability to probe for genuineness as you talk to others about Jesus?
6. Read Proverbs 20:5 and Matthew 21: 25b-27a. What are some of the potential benefits (for you and for them) of exposing someone’s intent before answering their questions?
7. What would exposing someone’s intent, as Jesus did, look like today? What would be a sinful or unhelpful way to expose someone’s intent?
8. Read Proverbs 26:4, Proverbs 23:9, and Matthew 21:27b. Like Jesus, why should Christian’s refuse (for the most part) to answer insincere questions?
9. What are the dangers of continuing a conversation with someone who refuses to deal honestly with the truth?

Main Text: Matthew 21:18-22 (ESV) 18 In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once. 20 When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” 21 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. 22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

Preaching Point: The words of Jesus should prompt us to consider the judgment awaiting all forms of counterfeit faith while encouraging us with the powerful effects of genuine faith in God.

Teaching Points:

1. Grasp God’s Disdain for Counterfeit Faith (vv. 18-19)
2. Expect God’s Generosity Toward Unwavering Faith (vv. 20-22)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
2. Read Amos 5:21-24 and Matthew 15:7-9. Why do you think God rejects outward expressions of counterfeit faith?
3. How can you inspect yourself to make sure you aren’t a fruitless fig tree (Matthew 21:19) or someone who honors God with your lips while your heart is far from God?
4. Read Hebrews 11:6, James 1:5-8, and Matthew 21:21-22. Why is doubting, double-minded “faith” evidence of a lack of trust in God’s generosity toward genuine faith?
5. How can double-minded or wavering faith show up in your prayer life? How can you grow in faith-filled prayer?
6. Read 1 John 5:14-15. What is the difference between asking God out of selfish desires and asking according to his will?
7. How can you practically grow more confident that what you are asking for is God’s will?
8. Read Romans 4:18-21. What can you learn from Abraham’s trust in God’s promises?
9. How can his example shape the way you pray with both confidence and humility this week?

Main Text: Philippians 1:12–14 (ESV) 12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Preaching Point: You need to prioritize sharing the Gospel because God has placed you where you are for His redemptive purpose to reach unlikely people

Teaching Points:

1. Trust God is at Work (v. 12)
2. Remember God Reaches Unlikely People (v. 13)
3. Fearlessly Proclaim the Gospel Together (v. 14)