Matthew 7
-Jesus points out the fact that often people who are making
judgments on others are imperfect themselves and should first do some intensive
self-evaluation. Hypocrisy is the issue here and it has many applications in
life. For instance, the dad who tells his son not to drink alcohol out with his
friends while he himself comes home drunk will have little if any effect in
providing a proper standard or role model for his son. This is the point of
taking “the log out of your own eye” to see clearly with accurate and just
judgment (Matthew 7:5). Further, Jesus speaks of those who we entrust ourselves
to in the matters of instruction and judgments. After we have cleaned up our
act and can be discerning in offering advice and counsel, it is wise to assess
the recipients. Jesus illustrates how we can waste our time and be unjustly
persecuted when we offer wisdom to the unholy (dogs) and unrighteous (swine or
pigs) (Matthew 7:6). These were unclean animals according to God’s Law and
their natural instincts (Deuteronomy 14:8, Proverbs 26:11, 2 Peter 2:22).
-*Application*
Jesus is stating that we have to be careful with who we teach and lead. Because
if we don’t, it can be very unproductive and even detrimental to us. Instead,
entrust our righteous teaching to faithful people who will teach others in an
ongoing progression after we have repented and lived in a manner worthy of
leadership (2 Timothy 2:2). Only God is the ultimate Judge, and we should be
ultra-careful to point people in His righteousness knowing that we are
imperfect and need His cleansing purity, which is only found in Jesus’ atoning
sacrifice by His blood.
-The principles of asking, seeking, and knocking are
expounded upon here in verses 7-12. If we ask God, seek only Him and knock
reverently upon His door, He will make sure that we receive, find, and have the
door open (Revelation 3:20). God is good and knows how to give every perfect
and righteous gift to mankind (James 1:17). We can place our trust in that
fact.
-*Application*
This should help us consider how to treat others also. We fulfill the Law and
the Prophets when we treat others as we would want them to treat us.
-We see the authority of Jesus with His teaching here in
this next section. He is making a distinction between the two ways that mankind
can go in life towards his/her eternal destination. God’s way is narrow (not
the majority, not popular, Matthew 7:13-14) and must be chosen with accuracy free
from deception that the enemy and this world attempt to bring (Matthew 7:15).
Jesus claims that we will know the righteous by their fruits (outward
manifestations through deeds and works of an inward reality, i.e. “the soul, or
heart, of man,’ Matthew 7:16-20). He warns that there are those who profess
Christ outwardly, but actually do not “know” Him and therefore practice
lawlessness (Matthew 7:23). The will of God is to act in faith on His words for
hidden wisdom and the eternal hope in Him (Matthew 7:21, 24). Jesus also spoke
of the well spring of life flowing with living water (John 4:14). He alone is
the Originator of transformation and this is His point. The inner wellness will
produce good fruit in its dispensation (distribution of things, giving out of
something). If one is producing bad fruit there is sufficient evidence that the
tree is rotten inside and, in reality, not part of God’s Kingdom (in other
words saved, righteous, redeemed). His
will is for complete transformation by the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:1-2).
-*Application* We
must build our house (life) upon the Rock (Jesus, the firm foundation, 2
Timothy 2:19). His anchor holds and will keep us safe in His security leading us
home to be with Him in paradise in the final analysis (Hebrews 6:19). “You will
know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:20)” seems to stand in stark contrast to
the comment just nineteen verses earlier, “Do not judge so that you will not be
judged (Matthew 7:1).” While we are not the ultimate Judge, Jesus tells us that
it is ok to be fruit inspectors. This is a warning for our discernment as we do
Kingdom work here on this earth. Be careful with whom we align yourselves in
our ministry. If things are not being followed according to the Lord’s command,
it is perfectly ok to inspect that and deal with it appropriately under God’s
direction, supervision, and counsel. God tells us to be observant and notice
things that will help us detect false motivations and intrigue (schemes) that
are at best carnal and may possibly be totally not of God at all. “Beware of
the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are
ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:23).”
-Jesus teaches next that the foundation is crucial upon
which we build. Christ Jesus is the firm foundation, the Rock, which is stable
and can withstand the storms of this life compared to the foolishness of people
who build their lives on shifting sand. As Jesus finished these words, the
crowds that followed Him were absolutely amazed at His teachings because He
spoke with authority, which was totally different from their experience with
the religious scribes of their day (Matthew 7:24-29).
-*Application*
For this firm foundation to be ours the Lord says we must hear His Word and act
on it (Matthew 7:24, Luke 6:47). His Word is true and reliable, able to hold up
under any circumstance and trial. We can count on it like we count on the sun
coming up tomorrow.
Verses to Memorize:
Matthew 7:1, 7-8, 12, 16-21, 23
No comments:
Post a Comment