Main Text: Matthew 21:28–32 (ESV) 28 “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.

Preaching Point: Knowing how much God despises counterfeit confessions should strengthen our resolve to come to him with genuine faith marked by repentance and obedience.

Teaching Points:

1. Understand What God Expects from You (vv. 28-31a)
2. Respond to God with Repentance and Faith (vv.31b-32)

Application Questions:

1. Read Matthew 21:28–32. Why exactly did Jesus condemn the religious leaders?
2. What should you take away from this parable?
3. Read Luke 6:46–49. What does Jesus’ parable in Luke 6 teach you about the nature of genuine faith?
4. Why must obedience be determinative in examining whether or not you truly follow Jesus?
5. James 1:22–25. How do James’ words help you grasp what God thinks about the person who hears his words and does not act on them?
6. Where in your life are you most tempted to say the right things to God but fail to follow through? Be specific.
7. Read Luke 24:46–47 and Mark 1:14–15. Repentance and faith are the foundational elements to responding to Jesus. What dangers arise when faith is defined purely as “a mental ascent to the facts” and the importance of repentance is diminished or outright rejected?
8. How would you explain the concept of repentance and faith as they pertain to the gospel to a non-Christian?
9. How would you tell a Christian how they can apply repentance and faith in their life each day?

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?