BRBC Bible Notes
Week by week, we post notes based on the theme of the Sunday service, so that people can follow them in their own personal devotions, in prayer triplets, or in the church life groups.
Parables Bible Studies
Bible Study # 11 : "The Final Separation"
– Living for Eternity Today
Main Passage:
Matthew 25:31–46 (The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats / The Last Judgment)
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Purpose of the Study
This Bible study is designed to:
· Encourage the church to live with eternal perspective and readiness.
· Strengthen the link between genuine faith and compassionate action.
· Challenge believers to examine how they treat “the least of these.”
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Opening Prayer
“Lord Jesus, help us to live in light of Your return. Give us eyes to see You in the hurting and needy. Awaken our hearts to love as You have loved us—with sacrifice, compassion, and truth. Prepare us to stand before You with joy. In Your holy name, Amen.”
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1. Read the Passage: Matthew 25:31–46
Have someone read the passage slowly and clearly. Encourage the group to picture the scene—Christ on the throne, the nations gathered, the separation taking place. What feelings or realisations might be experienced?
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2. Context and Summary
This parable is part of Jesus’ teaching about the end of the age. Here, He describes a future judgment where people are separated like sheep and goats based on how they treated others—specifically “the least of these.” The sheep are welcomed into eternal life, having served Christ through acts of compassion. The goats are turned away, having failed to recognize and respond to the needs of Christ’s brothers and sisters.---
3. Key Themes and Reflections
A. Jesus Will Return as King and Judge
· This is not a metaphor—Jesus speaks of a real, coming day of judgment.
· He will return in glory and sit on His throne; everyone will give account.
· Reflection Question: How often do you think about Jesus' return? How does it affect how you live today? Why?
· Quote: “Only one life, ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” — C.T. Studd
· Related Scripture:
o 2 Corinthians 5:10 – “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…”
o Hebrews 9:27 – “Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…”
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B. Loving Jesus Means Loving the Least
· Jesus identifies Himself with the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned.
· The difference between the sheep and the goats wasn’t belief—it was how their faith expressed itself in love.
· Reflection Question: Who in your life might Jesus call “the least of these” today? Are you or have you ever regarded yourself as “the least”? Why?
· Quote: “You have never looked into the eyes of someone who does not matter to God.” — Anonymous
· Related Scripture:
o James 2:14–17 – “Faith without works is dead…”
o 1 John 3:17–18 – “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
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C. Eternity Is Shaped by Our Response
· This is one of Jesus’ clearest teachings on eternal separation—He speaks of eternal life and eternal punishment.
· Our eternal destiny is tied not to mere profession, but to the transformation of our lives through Christ.
· Reflection Question: Is there anything in your life today you would change if you knew Jesus was returning tomorrow? What is preventing the change you would like to see?
· Quote: “The best way to prepare for the return of Christ is to live like He’s already here.” — Leonard Ravenhill
· Related Scripture:
o Romans 2:6–7 – “God will repay each person according to what they have done.”
o Galatians 6:9–10 – “Let us not grow weary in doing good…”
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4. A Word to the Church: Live Ready, Love Deeply
This passage calls the church to eternal awareness and earthly compassion:
· We are not saved by works—but we are saved for good works (Ephesians 2:10).
· Jesus is deeply concerned with how we treat the poor, the broken, and the marginalized.
Challenge:
· Is our church a place where Jesus would say, “You clothed Me, welcomed Me, visited Me…”? Why or Why not?
· How might theological ‘accuracy’ and Christ-like action work hand-in-hand?
Group Discussion:
· How can we cultivate a lifestyle of practical compassion as a church?
· In what ways can we become more aware of Jesus in the faces of “the least of these”?
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5. A Call to Action: “Whatever You Did for One of the Least…”
We don’t know the day of Christ’s return—but we can choose today to live in such a way that we’re ready.
Personal Application:
· Choose one act of mercy to carry out this week—something simple, specific, and sacrificial.
· Begin each day asking, “Lord, show me where You are in the people around me today.”
Church-Wide Application:
· Identify one group in your community that represents “the least of these” and commit to serving them regularly as a church.
· Let your outreach ministries reflect Jesus’ heart for justice, mercy, and love.
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Closing Scripture Meditation
Micah 6:8 – "He has shown you… what is good: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God."
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Final Prayer
“Jesus, we want to be found among Your sheep—not for our glory, but for Yours. Forgive us for where we’ve ignored the hurting and overlooked the broken. Teach us to love as You love. May our faith be active, our hearts be tender, and our lives be ready for the day You return. In Your name, Amen.”
For a printable version of this, and previous editions, please click here.
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