Jesus --- Cleaning House! 8 Days One Spring
Matthew 21:12-22
Jesus performs two acts of judgment on the nation Israel right after his triumphal entry: He cleansed the temple and he cursed a fig tree.
What does God want in his house? (not the building but in the hearts of his people)
- God wants Prayer in His House vs 12-13. Prayer shows that we really do depend on God and that we really do believe in His Word! I Timothy 2:1-8
- God wants People being helped in His House vs 14. There was no room in the temple for the hurting to be cared for.
- God wants His Power revealed in His House vs 14-15. "Stretch out your hand"
- God wants Praise in His House vs 15-17. Two judgments: prayerlessness and fruitlessness.
- God wants Productivity in His House vs 18-22. John 15 Bearing Fruit:
- Christlike character Galatians 5:22-23
- Good works Colossians 1:10, Ephesians 2:10
- Grateful praise Hebrews 13:15
- New disciples Proverbs 11:30
- God wants Believing Prayer in His house vs 21-22
Further Study and Discussion:
* What do you think Matthew 21:12-17 has to say to churches and ministries in the way they raise money?
* In what ways can caring for the church buildings and property get in the way of serving God and people?
* How can you put into practice #1-4 above?
* What impure habits or practices are taking place in your temple (i.e. your body) that you need to drive out?
* What are some ways Christians can look good to others from a distance and yet still be fruitless?
* What types of "fruit" does God grow in our lives when we yield to the Holy Spirit?
* What fruit have you seen in the last couple of months?
* What prayer of faith do you need to begin praying on a regular basis this week?