To automatically fill in the blanks, click the blue check next to the fill-in field. The Accidental Pharisee The key players: Pharisees: to Scripture Radical Sadducees: from Scripture Radical The passage: Matthew 16:1-12 Two life lessons: Hard hearts aren’t going to be by more . John 11:47-53 / Matthew 16:4 If we aren’t genuinely seeking the , we won’t find the . John 20:24-29/ Luke 24:13-35/ Proverbs 16:5 How to avoid becoming an accidental Pharisee (or Sadducee): Keep your eyes on , not . Proverbs 6:16-19/ James 1:22-25 Avoid these things like the : The teaching of the Sadducees 1. When truth , it. 2. Wealth, influence, and success are worth for. The teaching of the Pharisees 1. God is honored by extra , , and . Proverbs 30:5-6/ Colossians 2:20-23 2. It’s more important to be than . 1 Corinthians 13:1-8/ Revelation 2:1-7 3. Those who love God and His enemies. Luke 5:32 & Mark 2:17/ Luke 6:35/ 2 Timothy 2:24-26 DISCUSSION GUIDE These questions are designed to help groups discuss the weekend teaching while building relationships with each other and applying God’s Word to our lives. March 28, 2026 | Matthew 16:1-12 WARM UP Your first meeting is designed for getting acquainted, connecting, enjoying a meal together, and discussing how to make your Life Group meetings great! The questions have been shortened this week to allow ample time for this. Each week, “Warm Up” questions help us break the ice, get to know each other, get the conversation started, and/or share our initial impressions from the weekend’s message. Before we discuss this week’s message, a couple weeks ago, Chris invited us to share the story of when Jesus became real to us, when He became more than just a name. We also heard the stories of several pastors in the daily videos in the app. Take two minutes each to share your story in your group—when did Jesus become real to you? KNOW IT Each week, “Know It” questions help us understand or further unpack the Scripture from the message. This weekend, we saw Jesus warn His disciples about becoming like the Pharisees and Sadducees. Re-read Matthew 16:1-12 and share anything that stood out to you from the passage or Larry’s message. The Pharisees added to Scripture and the Sadducees subtracted from it, and Jesus warns His disciples against both. What are some possible dangers of adding to or subtracting from Scripture? Which do you think is more common for Christians today? SHARE IT Each week, “Share It” questions help us reflect and share our personal life experiences about the topic at hand, considering how it works or has worked out in our lives. Larry gave several warnings from the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees that he said to avoid like the plague. Which of these do you think you’re most prone to drift toward if you’re not careful? LIVE IT Each week, “Live It” questions help us think through how we can apply the topic or put it into action in our lives. Larry said to avoid becoming an accidental Pharisee or Sadducee, we keep our eyes on Jesus, not others. What is one area in your life this week you can take your eyes off others and put them back on Jesus? THE PURPOSE OF LIFE GROUPS Life Groups exist to promote spiritual maturity and personal growth through meaningful Christian relationships and the study of God’s Word (Romans 8:29 & Hebrews 10:24-25). Here’s how it will happen: SHARE Each week, we’ll take time to share what is happening in our lives. At first, this sharing will include planned “sharing questions.” After the first few weeks, it will become more informal and personal as we feel more comfortable. STUDY Each week, we’ll study a section from God’s Word that relates to the previous weekend’s sermon or an appropriate personal growth topic. Our goal is to learn how to live out our Christianity in everyday life. SUPPORT Each week, we’ll learn how to take care of one another as Christ commanded (John 15:9-13). This care can take many forms, such as prayer, encouragement, listening, challenging one another, and meeting real needs. SERVE Spiritual growth is fostered not only by what we gain through the support and input of others, but also through service to others. The role each of us fills is important to the health of the church and for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the community in which we live (Ephesians 4:11-16). Throughout the quarter, we hope that you can find and/or be affirmed in the ways God has designed you to serve and make a difference in God’s Kingdom.