IS JESUS LORD OF YOUR HEART?
Luke 6:43-49
Key Verse: 46
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
1.How can we recognize a tree’s true nature (43-44)? What principle did Jesus teach through this parable of a tree and its fruit? (45a) What makes a person good or evil? What is the Biblical view of the heart, and how can we have a good heart (Gen 6:5; Mk 7:21-22; Heb 9:14; 1Jn 1:9)?
2.What do our words, especially, reveal about our heart (45b; see footnote)? How can we “store up” good things in our hearts?
3.Read verse 46. What was the contradiction between the words and actions of those listening to Jesus? How must we respond to Jesus’ words if we call him ‘Lord’ (47)? What are some of the hindrances to people not putting his words into practice?
4.How does the wise builder build his house and with what result (48)? How can we dig deep and lay a solid rock foundation in our lives (Ps 1:2; 1 Pe 2:2-3; Jas 1:25)?
5.What is one like who hears Jesus’ words but does not put them into practice (49)? What does the flood and torrent represent? What will be the result?
[1] The word “stored up” in NIV is literally out of the “treasure” or “treasury” of their heart.
[2] Many translations drop the connective word γάρ (gar), but over half of major translations begin verse 43 with the word “For” Indicating that this teaching does not stand alone but is a continuation of Jesus’ teaching about hypocrisy in those who would teach others, emphasizing self-examination (42b).