Main Point: Christians must cherish one another as they cherish Christ by promoting behavior that prevents themselves and others from stumbling.

Teaching Points:

1. Treat One Another as God’s Kids (V. 5)
2. Prefer Death Over Causing God’s Kids to Stumble (V. 6)
3. Dread the Thought of Causing God’s Kids to Stumble (V. 7)
4. Do Whatever It Takes to Eliminate Opportunities for Sin (VV. 8-9)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon.
2. Read Matthew 5:8. How do you typically treat the average Christian you know? Do you cherish them as you would if they were Jesus?
3. How can you better cherish each Christian as God’s kid?
4. Read Matthew 18:6. What does this verse reveal about how seriously God views anyone who causes a believer to stumble?
5. How does the severity of Christ’s warning sharpen your own vigilance to ensure that you will not be the reason someone else trips spiritually?
6. Read 2 Peter 3:4-7 and Romans 14:10-12. Why should the sober reminder of God’s coming judgment keep you from adding more stumbling blocks in an already sinful world?
7. Read Romans 13:10-14 and Matthew 18:8-9. What do these verses offer to help you see the necessity of taking any measure necessary to eliminate opportunities for sin in your life?
8. What are some things you can eliminate in your life that are causes for sin, either for you or others?

Main text: Matthew 18:1-4 (ESV) 1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Preaching Point: We must remember that in God’s House, the greatest are not ranked by their accolades or how fast they climb the ladder, but by how much they humble themselves in the name of Christ.

Teaching Points:

1. Stop Thinking You’re Better Than the Next Christian (V. 1)
2. Understand the Terms for Joining God’s Household (VV. 2-3)
3. Excel in Displaying Christlike Humility (V. 4)

Preaching Point: Salvation is given exclusively through the revelation of Jesus Christ to those who are open to truth and burdened by what this world has to offer.

Main Text: Matthew 11:25–30 (ESV) 25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Teaching Points:

1. Acknowledge God’s Rejection of Human Wisdom vv25-26
2. Affirm God’s Elective Choice in Salvation v27
3. Find Rest in the Work of Christ vv28-30