Matthew 25:41-46
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Main Idea
Hell is the ultimate horror, reminding us that our actions really do matter.
Outline
1. ...because the judge is Jesus Christ. (v41-45)
2. ...because the punishment is eternal. (v46)
Pre-Questions
1. What's a way that the world talks about Hell, that isn't true?
2. The topic of Hell can be uncomfortable. Why do you think that is?
Discussion Questions
1. How does Matthew 10:28–33 help our perspective?
28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
2. Read Revelation 20:10. Even though the image of the lake of fire is most likely imagery, what does this tell us about Hell?
3. Can you be a Christian and deny the existence of Hell? Why not?
4. How does God's act of pouring out his wrath - on sin and sinners - point us to the Gospel? How does this direct us to worship?