Sermon Discussion Questions

Matthew 3:7-12 | The King’s Warning

Sunday, November 8, 2026 - Jamie Smid

1. Warning Against Self-Righteousness – False Confidence in Ourselves (vv. 7–8). Why do you think John responded so strongly to the Pharisees and Sadducees? What is the difference between simply feeling sorry for sin and genuinely repenting of it?

2. Warning Against Religious Heritage – False Confidence in Our Background/Upbringing (v. 9). Why might the Pharisees and Sadducees have placed so much confidence in being descendants of Abraham? What are some things people today might mistakenly rely upon for spiritual security as result of their heritage?

3. Warning Against Fruitless Faith – False Confidence in Our Profession (v. 10). Why is spiritual fruit an important evidence of genuine repentance and faith? How should this passage challenge someone who claims to be a Christian but sees little or no evidence of spiritual growth or change?

4. The Consequences of False Confidence (vv. 11–12), What is the difference between John's baptism with water and the baptism that the coming King, Jesus, would bring? How should the reality of coming judgment influence the way we live, share the gospel, and warn others?

Matthew 3:1-6 | The King’s Messenger

Sunday, November 1, 2026 - Jamie Smid

1. The Messenger’s Arrival (v. 1). Why do you think God chose to send John the Baptist into the wilderness rather than into the religious or political centers of Israel? What does this tell us about how God works?

2. The Messenger’s Message (vv. 2-4). Why was repentance necessary in preparation for the coming King and what does this teach us about the relationship between repentance and entering God's kingdom? What does genuine biblical repentance involve, and how is it different from simply feeling sorry for our sins?

3. The Messenger’s Impact (vv. 5-6). Jesus grew up in Nazareth, an obscure place that carried little prestige. What does this teach us about how God accomplishes His purposes, and how might this challenge our ideas of success? How can the desire for recognition, comfort, or personal achievement distract us from faithfully serving God where He has placed us?

4. Application. What does John's role as a messenger teach us about our own responsibility to faithfully proclaim God's Word, regardless of where He has placed us? John’s preaching produced a visible response among those who heard him. What should be the evidence that God's Word is having an impact on our own lives?

Matthew 2:19-23 | The King From Nazareth

Sunday, October 25, 2026 - Jamie Smid

1. Wait For God’s Direction. Joseph received specific direction from God through an angel in a dream. Today, how should we seek God's direction through Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel? It often difficult to wait on God's timing when we want answers or direction right away but what are some dangers of getting ahead of God?

2. Follow God’s Leading. Joseph responded to God's instruction by returning to Israel, but he also exercised caution when he learned that Archelaus was reigning in Judea. How do faith and practical wisdom work together when making decisions? How can we distinguish between a genuine reason to reconsider our plans and simply using difficult circumstances as an excuse not to obey God?

3. Live Out God’s Purpose. Jesus grew up in Nazareth, an obscure place that carried little prestige. What does this teach us about how God accomplishes His purposes, and how might this challenge our ideas of success? How can the desire for recognition, comfort, or personal achievement distract us from faithfully serving God where He has placed us?