Main Text: Matthew 21:18-22 (ESV) 18 In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once. 20 When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” 21 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. 22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

Preaching Point: The words of Jesus should prompt us to consider the judgment awaiting all forms of counterfeit faith while encouraging us with the powerful effects of genuine faith in God.

Teaching Points:

1. Grasp God’s Disdain for Counterfeit Faith (vv. 18-19)
2. Expect God’s Generosity Toward Unwavering Faith (vv. 20-22)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
2. Read Amos 5:21-24 and Matthew 15:7-9. Why do you think God rejects outward expressions of counterfeit faith?
3. How can you inspect yourself to make sure you aren’t a fruitless fig tree (Matthew 21:19) or someone who honors God with your lips while your heart is far from God?
4. Read Hebrews 11:6, James 1:5-8, and Matthew 21:21-22. Why is doubting, double-minded “faith” evidence of a lack of trust in God’s generosity toward genuine faith?
5. How can double-minded or wavering faith show up in your prayer life? How can you grow in faith-filled prayer?
6. Read 1 John 5:14-15. What is the difference between asking God out of selfish desires and asking according to his will?
7. How can you practically grow more confident that what you are asking for is God’s will?
8. Read Romans 4:18-21. What can you learn from Abraham’s trust in God’s promises?
9. How can his example shape the way you pray with both confidence and humility this week?