Preparing for Sunday - Matthew 13:24-30, 36-44

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For those who will be attending Summit Woods Baptist Church this Sunday, here are a few ways you could begin preparing your heart for our gathering to hear God’s Word:

Carefully Think

Read Matthew 13:24-30, 33-36.
Make a list that compares the telling of the parable (13:24-33) and the explanation of the parable (13:36-43). List things like the setting of both sections, the characters involved and what they refer to, etc.
In one sentence, how would you summarize the main idea of this parable?
How does this parable speak to the situation that Jesus has been facing with the fierce opposition surrounding him (Matthew 11-12)?
When does Jesus say that expressions of sin and deception will be finally dealt with? How?

Prayerfully Meditate

Is Jesus referring to how the church is to deal with sin in her midst? How can you tell and why? How would Matthew 18:15-20 fit with what this parable is instructing? Does this parable teach that we should not confront false teaching in the world or apply church discipline? How and why?
Think through how this parable should shape the way you think about God and how we should respond to deceptive teachers, false converts, and the general promotion of what is sinful or unbiblical in our world. How should you respond?
Why is how Jesus deals with sin and those who promote it painted in such fierce and violent terms?

Intentionally Act

List ways you could apply this parable to your attitude and actions this week. Use this list as a prayerful reminder this week.
How would this parable assist you in praying for non-Christians? For those who believe they are Christians but may be self-deceived? Pray for anyone specific you know of who may be in these conditions. How could you approach them in conversation about their soul this week?
How would this parable assist you in praying for fellow Christians this week?
Pray that non-Christians will be convicted of their need for Christ this Sunday. Pray that Christians will be adequately equipped and prepared to serve each other and our communities this week as a result of our time together Sunday.
Pray that those who lead our gathering on Sunday morning will edify the congregation in the best possible way: Dawson Bryant, music; Rob Stouffer, Elders’ prayer and Scripture reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
Listen to the songs we will sing Sunday morning and prepare your heart to sing with zeal and understanding together.