Message Notes
Look Back
What have you learned about what you have been seeking and what is driving you to do this?
Look Up
Read Matthew 6:33 and Genesis 4:2-7
- What do you think it means to seek “his kingdom”? Why do you think Jesus used this specific phrase and what significance does it have?
- What do you think it means to seek “his righteousness”? How is this different or the same as “his kingdom”? How can someone seek both first?
- How was Abel’s offering different from his brother’s in Genesis 4? What does this say about people and how should we apply this today?
- What do these passages teach us about our attitude and actions? How has seeking God first made a difference in your life?
Read Matthew 7:21-27
- Try to put Matthew 7:21-23 into your own words. Who is He talking to and how does this verse reinforce His earlier teaching?
- How are “seeking his kingdom” and “entering the kingdom of heaven” different or the same? Are you more focused on seeking or entering? Why?
- What does Jesus say someone must do to enter the kingdom of heaven? How does a person’s attitude drive their actions to follow this command? What does this mean for you personally?
Overall (Discovery Bible Study)
- What do these scriptures say about God?
- What do they say about people?
- How will I apply this to my life?
Look Ahead
What is the motivation that drives your generosity towards God and others right now? Group Note Matthew 7 concludes Jesus’ teaching referred to as the Sermon on the Mount. As a result, there are several references back to prior passages in Matthew 5 and Please encourage your group to find earlier verses that relate or reinforce these verses. Additionally, when studying the verses from Genesis 4, focus on the attitude and motivation for the offerings, rather than the results. This is a familiar story that could potentially take the discussion in a different direction.
