Matthew 7:1-24. Kingdom relationships: With other people; our Father; our Lord; our Teacher
Hypocritical judging, v.1-6 It is definitely wrong to level unfavorable criticism at the motives of others, and that is what our Lord was teaching His disciples. We don’t close our eyes to what is wrong, but we do need to judge ourselves and offenders of the moral teaching of scripture. A critical fault-finding spirit toward others is wrong. People usually respond to criticism with criticism, and to kindness with kindness. Before we criticize others, let us be sure we have no faults of our own. Instead of being critical, be discerning. We do have to warn others of the consequences when they do wrong, but that is pointing out to them what should have been obvious. If they will not accept sincere counsel and repent of what is sinful and wrong; leave them alone. There is no further benefit when all that counsel does, is create more antagonism. In fact, to continue to seek to bring correction may move them to attack you.
Persistent praying, v. 7-12 When we pray, we should pray in confidence, knowing that God will answer our prayer in a suitable way because He is our good and gracious Father. To ask simply means to express in words exactly what our request is. To seek is to not just make a casual comment at the throne of grace, but that our attitude is that of one who is sincere and real. Knocking indicates the importance we have regarding the requests we make. Persistence in prayer is not trying to coerce God in any way but is evidence of how real we are regarding the value and power of prayer. God will not give us that which seems like an answer but is really a counterfeit. He wants to bless His children, but we do not always want what is best for us to have. If He withholds giving what we wanted, it is for our good, not because He is tantalizing us. He is the example of one who loves his neighbor as himself. Grace gives what is right and best, not what is necessarily wanted. Real love is the fulfillment of the law.
Personal responding, v.13-14 The exhortation to enter the kingdom of God was not a casual suggestion to enter the narrow gate to the kingdom of heaven. The differences between the two gates and the two ways are very distinct. Those who enter the wide gate onto the broad way, live for self-interest and for themselves and what they can get. Living and dying on the broad way leads to hell. The narrow gate opens into the kingdom of heaven which is narrow and confined. The way of obedience and persecution for the kingdom of God’s sake is difficult, but it leads to eternal life. Only a few people want to enter that narrow gate which is our Lord Jesus Christ and walk that narrow way. Those who are willing to enter through that gate are saved when they believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. The narrow way is not popular but it is right. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the only way to the Father.
Careful discerning, v. 15-20 Sometimes we are not quite sure what to expect when we hear unknown preachers and teachers pass on to hearers their opinions and statements regarding Christianity. False prophets were quite common in the Old Testament times when Israelites were settled into the promised land. Kings wanted prophets around them who would tell them what they wanted to hear. In contrast to those false prophets were those faithful prophets who were true to God and passed on His word to the people. Often their messages were words of urgent warnings of the consequences of sin and idolatry that had become appealing to them. Associated with idolatry was the rejection of God and the covenant He had made with His earthly people. False prophets may look as innocent as sheep. The only way to deal with false teaching is to have nothing to do with it. We need to cut it down like a farmer would cut down a tree that bears poisonous fruit.
Counterfeit professing, v. 21-23 To call Jesus Lord is far different from doing His will as Lord. God’s will being done gladly is evidence of a person who knows Jesus as Lord, and they have a personal relationship with Him as an obedient servant. The Lord Jesus said some would use religious words and sound spiritual when they say, “Lord, Lord,” but they do not bear “good fruit.” Obedience to what the Lord taught is good fruit, but false guides who explain away what the Bible says, lead people astray. The reality of faith in Christ as Lord and Savior is testified to in life now. It will certainly be evident in “that day” yet to come. Unreality will be evident when counterfeit professors stand before the One who is Lord, Judge, and King and hear the words, “I never knew you.”
Wise building, v. 24-27 The two builders seemed to be doing the same things to those who would look on. The right foundation is absolutely essential even though it is not seen outwardly. One who is wise has heard and responded to the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ. Their testimony and life are not superficial and phony like that of the foolish man. There are only two ways and two endings to life. Two gates are where we begin. Two kinds of fruit reveal what we have to show for the years of living on earth, and the two foundations show what the end is like. We either accept or reject the Lord Jesus Christ. What we do with Him affects our destiny. It is the work of disciples who are learners and followers of Christ, to point people to the narrow gate and warn them of the consequences of going down the broad way.
Attentive listening, v. 28-29 The people who heard the sermon on the mount had listened attentively and with amazement at the clarity of thought and the understanding of the law seen and heard through the eyes of God. The words of the Lord Jesus were not merely suggestions or speculation. There were no quotations from others. He is the Originator of the Word of God because He is the Word that was at the beginning. He spoke with direct authority; “I say unto you.” If they were going to obey God, they would obey Him and declare their loyalty to Him as Lord, Judge, and King.