Sunday School Lesson November 12, 2023
Subject: Won’t All People Ultimately God To Heaven?
The Point: God’s kingdom is reserved for those who obediently follow Him.
Scriptures: Matthew 7:13-23
Study The Bible: Matthew 7:13-14
1). No, most people will not.
- “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it.
- How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.
Lasting truths from: Matthew 7:13-14
* All people have an opportunity to decide how they will respond to Jesus, His invitation to enter the kingdom, and the demands of discipleship.
* Although the demands of discipleship might appear to be constriction. In truth they set us free and lead to life.
* The journey with Jesus may be rigorous, but it is worth the cost.
* Following Jesus is not the easy way, but it is the only way that leads to abundant and eternal life.
* Not everyone will submit to the reign of rule of God; thus, not everyone will go to heaven.
2). Caution! Some will mislead you.
Matthew 7:15-20
- “Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves.
- You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes of figs from thistles?
- In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces had fruit.
- A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit.
- Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
- So you’ll recognize them by their fruit.
Lasting truths from: Matthew 7:15-20
* True disciples need to be on guard against those who would deceive them and whose message would destroy them.
* Authentic teachers and true disciples can be recognized by the fruit of their lives, meaning the good that results from their living.
* The false and unfruitful ones will be cast away to destruction.
3). Here is the answer: Only those who trust and obey God will enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 7:21-23
- “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who dose the will of my Father in heaven.
- On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?”
- Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreaakers!”
Lasting truths from: Matthew 7:21-23
* Discipleship is not to be equated with saying religious words or doing religious things.
* Discipleship is being in right relationship with Jesus and doing the will of His Father.
* A day of judgment is coming in which counterfeit disciples will be held accountable and denied the opportunity to be in Jesus’s presence.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- Are you comfortable that you have chosen the way of the Lord and have the assurance of eternal life? What is your testimony of having made that decision?
- What practices do you engage in to help you word off deceivers and to hold fast to the truth of God’s Word?
- What fruit is evident in your life that supports your claim to be an authentic follower of Jesus?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”
“If this lesson has been a blessing to you, leave us a comment.”