An Obedient Heart

An Obedient Heart (Matthew 7:24-27)

Icebreaker:

Have you ever had a foundation issue with a home? What was that like?

Read Aloud:

Have someone read Matthew 7:24-27 aloud to the group.

The House on the Rock (Matthew 7:24-25)

• What is the “rock” that the wise man builds his house on?

• Why does our foundation need to be on the rock?

• Will obeying Jesus prevent us from experiencing trials? Why or why not?

The House on the Sand (Matthew 7:26-27)

• Why is it foolish to hear Jesus’ words and not do them?

• What are some “sands” that we’re tempted to build our house on?

• Read verses 21-23. What is the will of God for our lives? How might “doing works in Jesus’ name” not be God’s will? In other words, what’s missing from that?

Application & Prayer Time:

• How do we think about the tension of grace and works?

• What does it mean to “have your house founded on the rock?”

• What are some of the things Jesus calls us to that you struggle with?

• What’s a step of obedience to Jesus that you can take this week?

Break into smaller groups (2–3 people) for prayer:

• Confess anything that you have been disobedient to Jesus recently.

• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal disobedience in your life.

• Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and strength to obey Jesus this week.