1. Entering God’s Kingdom
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Entering God’s Kingdom
Lesson 8

2. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Lesson Outline
Introduction A. “Getting In” Trouble B. Lesson Background

3. Copyright © 2017
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What’s the Difference?
The answers to the following questions are fairly obvious:
What do these two pieces of paper have in common?
What is the biggest difference between these two pieces of paper?
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4. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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What’s the Difference?
What would happen if you attempted to purchase something using the play money?
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5. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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What’s the Difference?
Today’s lesson deals with counterfeits in which people place their hope for Heaven.
Yet Jesus has something quite different in mind.
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6. Copyright © 2017
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Lesson Outline
I. Concern over the Kingdom (Luke 13:22-24) A. Question (vv. 22, 23a) B. Exhortation (vv. 23b, 24)

7. Expectations vs. Reality
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Expectations vs. Reality
Expectation #1: In Jesus’ day, many Jews believed their biological connection with Abraham would guarantee that they would be included in the kingdom of God.
Thus, many Jews would be able to enter Heaven.
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8. Expectations vs. Reality
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Expectations vs. Reality
Expectation #1: Many Jews would be able to enter Heaven.
Read Luke 13:22-24, where someone asks Jesus about that.
How does Jesus use the idea of a narrow entrance to Heaven to refute that expectation?
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9. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
Considering that we are not saved by works, what should striving to enter the kingdom of Heaven look like?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
In terms of actions of setting time and financial priorities, etc.
In terms of reactions to un-Christian influences that pull one away from the kingdom 9

10. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Lesson Outline
II. Citizens of the Kingdom (Luke 13:25-30) A. Those on the Outside (vv ) B. Those on the Inside (v. 29) C. Concluding Principle (v. 30)

11. Expectations vs. Reality
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
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Expectations vs. Reality
Expectation #2: Many who heard Jesus teach expected to be part of the kingdom of God.
Read Luke 13: What reason does Jesus give for saying the door may not be open to them?
Why doesn’t He know them?
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12. Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
What has to happen for us to know that we are not fooling ourselves with regard to being a genuine follower of Christ?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Regarding the talk we talk (specifics)
Regarding the walk we walk (specifics)
Regarding connecting points between our talk and our walk (specifics) 12

13. Expectations vs. Reality
Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Expectations vs. Reality
Expectation #3: Many Jews believed they would be in God’s kingdom and the Gentiles would not.
Read Luke 13:28, 29. How does Jesus picture the fate of Jews who reject Him?
Where will people come from who will be in the kingdom of God?
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14. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
How do you answer objections to Jesus’ statement regarding what awaits the wicked?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Answering the “surely a God of love would not” argument
Answering the “punishment doesn’t fit the crime” argument
Answering the “it’s all speculation” argument 14

15. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
What, if anything, does verse 29 say about your church’s current focus on cross-cultural evangelism?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
In global terms
In local terms 15

16. Expectations vs. Reality
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Expectations vs. Reality
Expectation #4: The Pharisees considered themselves entitled to be first in the kingdom of God.
Read Luke 13:30. By what criteria will the “first” (religious leaders) switch places with the “last” (sinners and Gentiles)?
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17. Copyright © 2017
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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What Do You Think?
What steps can we take to avoid the error of seeing ourselves as spiritually superior?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
When others speak well of us (Luke 6:26)
When our spiritual pedigree is lengthy (Philippians 3:5)
When experiencing a spiritual high (Matthew 17:1-5)
Other 17

18. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Lesson Outline
Conclusion A. Thinking in Reverse B. Prayer C. Thought to Remember

19. Modern Misconceptions
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Modern Misconceptions
What are some current popular beliefs about Heaven that don’t match up with what Jesus taught?
How might you use Jesus’ statements from today’s text to try to correct that wrong thinking?
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20. Modern Misconceptions
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Modern Misconceptions
“I believe that everyone who lives a good life will go to Heaven.”
How might you use Jesus’ image of a narrow entrance in your discussion?
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21. Modern Misconceptions
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Modern Misconceptions
“I’ve been around church people all my life. Some of my best friends are Christians.”
How might you use Jesus’ statement about many people knocking on the door and not being allowed in during your discussion?
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22. Modern Misconceptions
Copyright © 2017
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part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Modern Misconceptions
“Perhaps there is a Heaven, but I just don’t believe in Hell.”
How might you use Jesus’ description of the place of weeping and gnashing of teeth in your discussion?
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23. Modern Misconceptions
Copyright © 2017
Standard Publishing,
part of the David C Cook
family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
All rights reserved.
Photo: © joebelanger | iStock
Modern Misconceptions
“Our worship minister is always front and center in all our services. I’m sure he will have one of the biggest mansions in Heaven.”
How might you use Jesus’ statement about the first being last and the last being first in your discussion?
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24. Copyright © 2017
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Horizontal Visual
What deceptive labels does Satan put on these doors to tempt us to choose unwisely?

25. Copyright © 2017
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Colorado 80918
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Thought to Remember
We must abide by the King’s terms to enter the kingdom.

26. Parable of the great dinner
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family, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80918
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Next Week’s Lesson
Parable of the great dinner