Good morning,
This week we conclude our study of the Sermon on the Mount. In chapter 7, Jesus continues teaching His disciple about judging others, the golden rule, entering in at the strait gate, false prophets, false believers, solid foundation, and His ability to teach with authority.
The golden rule (12)
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
“Jesus concludes this section with what some have called the golden rule, “whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” (7:12). This is a great principle to operate with, but remember it’s part of a more complete package.” (Through the Bible, Matthew Bible Companion, pgs. 38-39)
The strait gate (13-14)
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
“Finally, Jesus compares our path to eternity to, first, two roads and then to two buildings. First, He describes two ways—a wide way and a narrow way. Think of a funnel. You enter the funnel at the broad way, but it keeps narrowing down until you come to death and destruction and hell. On the other road you begin at the narrow part, and that’s where Jesus Christ is. He’s the Way, the Truth, and the Light. When you enter through Him you have life, even “more abundantly” (John 10:10). The more you walk with Him, the wider it gets. When you are a child of God, life gets better every day.” (Through the Bible, Matthew Bible Companion, pgs. 38-39)
False prophets (15-20)
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
“Jesus then warns us of false teachers—but look at the fruit of their lives, He says. The kind of people who heed what Jesus says are like wise men who build their house on a rock foundation that withstands all weather. When you come to Jesus Christ and rest in Him, you can build a life of fruitfulness. If you build a house based on your human goodness and effort, that’s like building on sand. You need something better than what you have to offer. The fruit that endures is produced by the Holy Spirit.” (Through the Bible, Matthew Bible Companion, pgs. 38-39)
We are warned throughout the Bible to be aware of false teachers. As we will see tomorrow, they can seem to be real Christians. So we have to be able to discern between what is true and what is not.
Go back to last week’s lesson. Remember all those folks who were in it for themselves. Jesus called them hypocrites. That is one indication that one may not be a true Christian. Do what they correctly teach God’s word? Do they even teach God’s word?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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