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 or 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 your righteous
teaching to faithful people who will teach others in an ongoing progression
after you 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 in 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 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 in 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 of an inward reality). 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). *Application* Build your house (life)
upon the rock (Jesus, the firm foundation, 2 Timothy 2:19). His anchor holds
and will keep you safe in His security leading you home to be with Him in
paradise in the end (Hebrews 6:19).
-Jesus teaches that we can know whether or not a person is
righteous and walking in the narrow way by observing their fruits (out
manifestations, deeds, works). He talks about the tree in correlation to our
inward man (soul, heart). This is where the work of salvation and restoration
from corruption is performed. 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). *Application*
“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 you
align yourselves in your 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.
-Jesus teaches here 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. *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. Count on it like you count on the sun coming
up tomorrow.
Verses to Memorize:
Matthew 7:1, 7-8, 12, 16-21, 23
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