Sermons

How To Do The Right Thing, Even When You Don’t Have To: Matthew 17:22-27 – 1/26/25 (Week 50)

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Sermon Series: We are currently going through a sermon series in the Gospel of Matthew. Today, we’re talking about a moment where Jesus teaches Peter an important lesson on doing the right thing. 

 

Jesus Again Foretells Death, Resurrection

22 As they were gathering[a] in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed.

The Temple Tax

24 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” 25 He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” 26 And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel.[b] Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”

Have you ever been in a situation where you didn’t have to do something, but you knew you should anyways? What did you do? Many times, our tendency is to just take the easy route, instead of doing the right thing. In this part of God’s Word, we see Jesus in that very situation. By taking a look at it, we can learn…

How to do the right thing, even when you don’t have to:

 

  1. Consider the outcome

James 1:5, 3:17, Prov. 2:6, 12:15, Eph. 5:15-17, Col. 3:16

  1. Consider how others will view your decision

Rom. 14, 1 Cor. 8, Luke 17:1-4

  1. Consider the example you’ll give

1 Cor. 11:1, 1 Thess. 1:6-7, 1 Tim. 3:14-15

  1. Consider how your decision will point people towards, or away from, Jesus

Matt. 5:16, 28:19-20, 2 Tim. 4:2, 1 Tim. 4:10

  1. Consider God’s provision

Phil. 4:19, 2 Cor. 9:8, Matt. 6:31-33, 7:11, 2 Pet. 1:3

  1. Consider God’s leading and follow it!

John 10:27, Prov. 3:5-6, Phil. 2:13, Rom. 8:14

  1. Consider how God gives

Rom. 5:6-10, 8:32, 2 Cor. 2:12, 5:21, Luke 22:41-42

Reflecting on God’s Word

Getting Started

  • Take some time to read over Matthew 17-13 and pray. 
  • Have you ever read or heard about this before? What stood out to you as we were talking about it? 
  • What surprised you as we talked about it?
  • Have you ever been in a situation where you didn’t have to do something, but you knew you should anyways? What did you do?

Diving In 

  1. Of the 7 things to consider, which one is the most difficult for you to consider? Why?
  1. If you were able to consider all 7 of these things, how would it change the way you make decisions?
  1. Who around you is most affected by the example that you’re leaving? What example are you leaving to them?
  1. Read Romans chapter 14 and 1 Corinthians chapter 8. Is there anything that you do that could be considered a stumbling block to others? Take some time in prayer, asking for God’s wisdom in this matter, and jot down anything that He brings to your mind.
  1. Consider what you jot down above. How can you avoid being a stumbling block for others, and instead, better point them towards Jesus?
  1. How often do you consider God’s provision (finances, time, resources, energy, ect.) when you’re making a decision? How would considering God’s provision help you to make more God-honoring decisions?
  1. Even though God didn’t have to, He came and died for your sins. How would remembering the sacrifice that Christ made on the cross help you to do the right thing?

Applying the Scripture

What are your biggest takeaways from this passage of God’s Word? 

  • What practical step(s) do you need to implement in your life to apply what God has taught you in this passage of Scripture? 
  • How would applying this affect your life and your relationship with the Lord? 
  • Who can you ask to keep you accountable to applying this to your life?

 



Small Group Guide:

Open with prayer.

Go around and give everyone a chance to share about how the past week has been. What’s one highlight? What’s one lowlight?

If your small group has talked about it before, feel free to use this time to hold people accountable to what they’ve asked to be held accountable for previously, and go through the “missional” part of this discussion guide.

Prayer Time:

Pray for each other in your small group to be faithful take the step(s) that you shared above. Pray for each other and the interactions that they have with those who don’t know Jesus. Pray that God would soften the people’s hearts to what He has for them. Pray that God would give everyone opportunities to share the Gospel.

Staying Missional:

Share spiritual/missional conversations you’ve had where you live, work, and play:

Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
Who in your life do you think could be discipleable or open to spiritual/missional conversations?

What’s next?

Discuss the next step for your small group. When will we gather again and what purpose will it fulfill?