Wk 9 // June 6 & 7
WK 8 // WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN… REALLY?
May 30 & 31, 2026
Small Group Discussion Guide
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES.
INTRODUCTION
The Sermon on the Mount is not just information. Jesus is inviting us into transformation. As He concludes His message, He challenges us to choose His way over the world's way, produce lasting spiritual fruit, follow Him faithfully, and build our lives on a foundation that can withstand life's storms.
UNDERSTANDING
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 7:12-14.
Jesus reminds us that following Him requires intentional choices. The narrow gate is not always the easiest path, but it is the path that leads to life. Christians are called to live differently because they are pursuing God's way rather than simply following the crowd.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 7:15-20 AND JOHN 15:5.
Jesus teaches that our lives will produce fruit. The question is not whether fruit will appear, but what kind of fruit we will produce. Lasting spiritual fruit grows out of a daily relationship with Christ, not simply religious activity.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 7:24-29.
Jesus closes His sermon by emphasizing obedience. Hearing God's Word is important, but putting it into practice is what builds a life that can withstand pressure, suffering, and uncertainty. A strong foundation is formed through faith, obedience, and community.
APPLICATION
PRAYER
Spend time thanking God for the truths Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount. Ask Him to help you choose the narrow gate, produce lasting fruit, recognize truth, and build your life firmly on Christ.
May 30 & 31, 2026
Small Group Discussion Guide
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES.
- What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
- Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
- Was there anything that challenged you?
INTRODUCTION
- Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount by calling people to make a choice. What are some of the biggest choices that shape the direction of a person's life?
- When you hear the phrase "What is a Christian really?" what comes to mind?
- Why do you think it is easier to know the right thing to do than it is to actually do it?
The Sermon on the Mount is not just information. Jesus is inviting us into transformation. As He concludes His message, He challenges us to choose His way over the world's way, produce lasting spiritual fruit, follow Him faithfully, and build our lives on a foundation that can withstand life's storms.
UNDERSTANDING
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 7:12-14.
- What does the Golden Rule reveal about how Christians are supposed to treat other people?
- Why do you think Jesus describes following Him as entering through a narrow gate?
- What are some examples of broad road thinking that our culture encourages today?
Jesus reminds us that following Him requires intentional choices. The narrow gate is not always the easiest path, but it is the path that leads to life. Christians are called to live differently because they are pursuing God's way rather than simply following the crowd.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 7:15-20 AND JOHN 15:5.
- According to these passages, what does spiritual fruit reveal about a person's life?
- What are some examples of healthy spiritual fruit that should be visible in a follower of Jesus?
- What does it practically mean to "abide" in Christ every day?
Jesus teaches that our lives will produce fruit. The question is not whether fruit will appear, but what kind of fruit we will produce. Lasting spiritual fruit grows out of a daily relationship with Christ, not simply religious activity.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 7:24-29.
- What is the difference between the wise builder and the foolish builder?
- What kinds of storms test the foundations of our lives today?
- How does being connected to God's people help us stand firm during difficult seasons?
Jesus closes His sermon by emphasizing obedience. Hearing God's Word is important, but putting it into practice is what builds a life that can withstand pressure, suffering, and uncertainty. A strong foundation is formed through faith, obedience, and community.
APPLICATION
- Which of the five choices from this message stands out to you most right now: treating others well, choosing the narrow gate, producing spiritual fruit, pursuing true discipleship, or building on the rock?
- Is there an area of your life where you have been drifting toward the broad road instead of God's path? What step can you take this week?
- What is one practical way you can strengthen your spiritual foundation and help carry someone else's burden this week?
PRAYER
Spend time thanking God for the truths Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount. Ask Him to help you choose the narrow gate, produce lasting fruit, recognize truth, and build your life firmly on Christ.