20 Aug (Matt 7)

The Gospels: Live The Golden Rule

Matthew 7

(v.1) This verse is used by nonbelievers when we confront them with their sins. We are not judging them...only God can judge and punish. But we can and should be fruit inspectors, in other words, we are to look at our family and friends' actions, and let them know if they are falling short of God's will for them.

(v.5) The word hypocrite in Greek means actor, or two faced. We should always look at ourselves before we try to help another. Of course, all of us are fallen sinners, and we're not perfect, but that is more the reason we should encourage and exhort our loved ones to strive to follow God's will.

I teach my kids that often, bullies who mock or make fun of you, are really insecure themselves. They are hurting and feel the need to feel better about themselves, so they bring you down, to do that. I pray that my kids find it in their heart to reach out to that bully, and give them love and kindness, and perhaps that bully will change their ways.

(v.7) This is a powerful verse, but it's also misapplied quite often. God is not telling us, that if we want a new expensive car, that all we have to do is ask God for it, and He will give it to us. No, we need to pray in His will, which means that we should pray for things in our lives that we know God would want us to do.

(v.13) Life is not easy, and God never said that once we're born again, it would be easier. In fact, in some ways, it will be harder. In sports, in business and in life in general, the easy way is never fulfilling. When we do the hard work, and go on our own path (led by God), we are on the narrow path towards heaven.

(v.14) Being a Christian is not easy, and many don't take the ride because of that. But in the end, it's well worth it!!!

(v.16) We are not to be Faith Inspectors since only God know the heart of everyone. But we are called to be Fruit Inspectors, which means we are to associate and congregate with others who we see are following the LORD. When someone we love is falling short of God's will, it is up to us to tell them in love and compassion, and to encourage them along the way back to that narrow path towards God!

(v.23) This is a sobering part of the chapter...no one wants to hear Jesus say this to them if they love Him. But that is the issue, for if one truly loves and serves Jesus, then He wouldn't say this, because they have a personal relationship with Him. Many people call themselves Christians, but they don't seek a personal relationship with Him...it's all about rituals and works. God wants our hearts, and nothing else.

(v.24) The Rock is Jesus, and we should build our lives and our households upon Him. Jesus uses this metaphor with Peter in Matt 16:16-18 where Jesus is referring to the statement that Peter made, not Peter's name. More on that in Matthew 16!