The Open Door (Week 2)

Matthew 7:15-23

By Michael Lockstampfor, April 23, 2023

Matthew 7:15-20

“Not many..should become teachers..for…we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” (James 3:1)

God holds shepherds accountable for their leadership (Jeremiah 23, Ezekiel 34, Zechariah 11)

  • Are they a source of fear and discouragement?
  • Are they feeding, healing and growing the flock?
  • Are they impatient and demanding? (contra, giving rest)
  • Are they dividing the sheep up?
  • Are they eating the sheep?

“Be doers of the word and not hearers only” (James 1:21-25)

Matthew 7:21-23

Our life is already growing the fruit we’ll harvest in eternity.

  • How do we describe the fruits of our life?
  • What does our description tell us about our health?
  • Does our description of the fruit of our life match with Jesus’?
  • How are we surrendering ourselves to the Master Gardener in hopes of a good harvest?