Summary of Sections

• Parable of the Sower
• Why Use Parables?
  • Parables fulfill prophecy and address the hardened hearts of the Israelites
• Parable of the Wheat and Weeds
• Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven
• Interpretation of the Parable of the Wheat and Weeds
• Parables of the Hidden Treasure and Priceless Pearl
• Parable of the Net
• Storehouse of Truth
• Rejection at Nazareth

Verse Discussions

We spent quite a bit of time on various questions and got a bit sidetracked, but we had a lot of great discussions!

Matthew 13:19

• We discussed how Satan creates discord by twisting the truth or completely removing it.

Matthew 13:36-43

• There was a significant focus on Hell. Verse 30 brings up being burned; verses 40-42 describe a furnace of fire with weeping and gnashing of teeth; verse 48 mentions being thrown out and verse 50 also refers to the furnace of fire.

Matthew 13:24-30

• Alex mentioned his frustration with other Christians who don't live by scripture or seem to abandon their faith. This parable opened my eyes to the potential harm that can occur if the weeds (non-Christians) in a Christian community are uprooted too soon, as their removal could cause others, especially less mature believers, to falter.

Other Questions

Do our works affect our salvation?

• Yes. Matthew 12 indicates we are judged by our works.
• It's possible to sin in ways that could lead to losing salvation (Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Corinthians 6:9).
• Endurance and faithfulness to Jesus Christ are vital good works.
• Paul highlights that love is the greatest virtue, surpassing both faith and hope. If love is defined as a sacrificial act toward others, then it truly is a good work.

Are those already dead already judged?

• Not sure, but the judgment described in Revelation hasn't occurred yet. However, to be absent from the body is to be with Christ for believers, meaning the faithful may receive righteousness before the final judgment. Does this make sense?

Is asking God questions a sign of unfaithfulness?

• Absolutely not. Job, the Psalms, and Jesus all asked God questions. The examples we discussed often revolve around lament.