Has Cosmos Infiltrated the Church?
Sermon Series
Sermon Study Guide
Scripture
Matthew 21:8-17
Speaker
Pastor Joey
Sermon Study Guide
Q1: Icebreaker: Describe a time when you got most angry. Did you have the right to be angry? How do you discern if it’s a selfish anger versus a righteous anger?
Q2: The Temple was supposed to be a house of prayer for all nations, but the Court of the Gentiles was full of merchants and money-changers. There was so much commotion for a place that was supposed to be for prayer and worship. How would you feel if you were one of those Gentiles trying to pray and worship God in such a place?
Q3: The Temple had become a den of robbers due to the high exchange rates (exchanging other currencies to the temple-accepted shekel) and the monopolized sale of sacrificial animals. The Temple and its associated vendors were in cahoots, part of a corrupt system that sought to bring more profits to the Temple. Have you seen any other religious systems today that are supposed to be godly but instead look more like the world?
Q4: Who do you most identify with in the incident? The Gentiles who have no place to worship, and are having a horrible experience at the Temple? The corrupt religious leaders and merchants who are being challenged by Jesus? Jesus who is filled with righteous zeal to see the Temple restored to its original purpose? The other worshipful Jews?
Q5: Which of the 5 applications at the end of the sermon do you find the most helpful as a Christian dealing with the “cosmos”? 1) Don’t have to accept everyone’s actions and decisions. 2) In anger, do not sin. 3) Don’t put blinders on, still focus on your positive purpose. 4) Ask what authority you have in the situation. 5) Do what you can and leave the rest to God.
Q6: What makes your blood boil today? What areas of work in God’s Kingdom do you feel the most zeal for?
Q7: Which part of this message on Jesus cleansing the Temple resonated with you the most? Which part surprised you the most? What is your plan for applying this passage to your life?
