Bible Commentaries
Matthew 7

Introduction

1. Introduction:
   1. So far in the beatitudes we have looked at:
      1. The Methods of the Heart (Matt 5:1-16)
      2. The Issues of the Heart (Matt 5:17-45)
      3. The Wrong Motives of the Heart (Matt 6:1-18)
      4. The Right Motivation of the Heart (1Cor 13:1-8)
      5. The Affections of the Heart (Matt 6:19-34)
   2. Today we will look at the “Our Heart Towards Men” as we begin Matthew chapter 7.

Introduction

1. Introduction:
   1. So far in the beatitudes we have looked at:
      1. The Methods of the Heart (Matt 5:1-16)
      2. The Issues of the Heart (Matt 5:17-45)
      3. The Wrong Motives of the Heart (Matt 6:1-18)
      4. The Right Motivation of the Heart (1Cor 13:1-8)
      5. The Affections of the Heart (Matt 6:19-34)
   2. Today we will look at the “Our Heart Towards Men” as we begin Matthew chapter 7.

Verses 1-11

2. How We Look at Others
   1. Don’t Judge Others
      Matthew 7:1-2 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
      1. Salvation
         1. This is the backslider’s favorite verse: “Don’t judge me…Christians are supposed to judge!”
         2. Judge not…means condemning to hell – God alone is judge!
            1. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
         3. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged…Jesus paid the price for our sins – this isn’t eternal condemnation, rather people will tend to deal with us just like we treat others…they’ll be critical and judgmental towards us if we are that way towards others.
      2. Fruit Inspection
         1. Not being “Judgmental” doesn’t mean, however, that we ignore others behavior when it is contrary to the Bible…
         2. We are to inspect fruit with a heart for identification and restoration.
            1. Luke 6:43-45 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
         3. We are to inspect fruit with a heart for identification and restoration.
         4. Leviticus 19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him.
         5. ​​​​​​​Galatians 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
   2. Pointing Out Other’s Sin
      Matthew 7:3-5 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
      1. Pharisee?
         1. Luke 6:39-42 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? 40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. 41 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.
         2. The text indicates that the material that the speck is made of is the same material that the beam is made from…thus implying that we see our own sin best!
            1. ​​​​​​​2 Samuel 12:1-9 (David and Nathan the prophet…eating the little lamb of the poor neighbor)
      2. Brother?
         1. ​​​​​​​As we seek to come along side our brother or sister in Christ…we are reminded:
            1. ​​​​​​​Philippians 2:3b-4 in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
            2. Romans 15:1-3 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
            3. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
         2. ​​​​​​​2 Corinthians 5:17-18 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
   3. Discernment Is Necessary
      Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
      1. “Behavior Correction” is unwise towards unbelievers.
      2. 1 Corinthians 1:19-20 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
      3. Don’t share your treasure (the Gospel) with those who are unwilling to receive!
   4. Help is Available
      Matthew 7:7-11 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
      1. The help we need to not be judgmental, to be ministers of reconciliation and to be discerning is immediately available from our source of strength…we just need to:
         1. Ask (and keep asking) / Seek (and keep seeking) / Knock (and keep knocking)
      2. God desires an intimate relationship with us…to have that we need to talk with Him and listen to Him more than once in a “blue moon”.
      3. He’s our “Heavenly Father”!

Verses 1-11

2. How We Look at Others
   1. Don’t Judge Others
      Matthew 7:1-2 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
      1. Salvation
         1. This is the backslider’s favorite verse: “Don’t judge me…Christians are supposed to judge!”
         2. Judge not…means condemning to hell – God alone is judge!
            1. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
         3. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged…Jesus paid the price for our sins – this isn’t eternal condemnation, rather people will tend to deal with us just like we treat others…they’ll be critical and judgmental towards us if we are that way towards others.
      2. Fruit Inspection
         1. Not being “Judgmental” doesn’t mean, however, that we ignore others behavior when it is contrary to the Bible…
         2. We are to inspect fruit with a heart for identification and restoration.
            1. Luke 6:43-45 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
         3. We are to inspect fruit with a heart for identification and restoration.
         4. Leviticus 19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him.
         5. ​​​​​​​Galatians 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
   2. Pointing Out Other’s Sin
      Matthew 7:3-5 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
      1. Pharisee?
         1. Luke 6:39-42 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? 40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. 41 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.
         2. The text indicates that the material that the speck is made of is the same material that the beam is made from…thus implying that we see our own sin best!
            1. ​​​​​​​2 Samuel 12:1-9 (David and Nathan the prophet…eating the little lamb of the poor neighbor)
      2. Brother?
         1. ​​​​​​​As we seek to come along side our brother or sister in Christ…we are reminded:
            1. ​​​​​​​Philippians 2:3b-4 in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
            2. Romans 15:1-3 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
            3. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
         2. ​​​​​​​2 Corinthians 5:17-18 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
   3. Discernment Is Necessary
      Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
      1. “Behavior Correction” is unwise towards unbelievers.
      2. 1 Corinthians 1:19-20 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
      3. Don’t share your treasure (the Gospel) with those who are unwilling to receive!
   4. Help is Available
      Matthew 7:7-11 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
      1. The help we need to not be judgmental, to be ministers of reconciliation and to be discerning is immediately available from our source of strength…we just need to:
         1. Ask (and keep asking) / Seek (and keep seeking) / Knock (and keep knocking)
      2. God desires an intimate relationship with us…to have that we need to talk with Him and listen to Him more than once in a “blue moon”.
      3. He’s our “Heavenly Father”!

Verse 12

3. The “Golden Rule”
   Matthew 7:12 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.
   1. Therefore…
   2. Confucius, the great Chinese teacher, said, "What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others."
   3. Jesus is telling us that instead of the negative, instead of judging and being critical…
      1. be actively LOVING!
      2. James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
   4. What does this look like??
      1. James tells us to help the widow and the orphan…those without coats…
      2. He also tells us to take care with our “tongue” – meaning our speech! (The women talked about this at the Mothering get-together).
      3. Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
      4. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
   5. This means not just NOT saying hurtful or prideful things, but it means that ARE to say those things which EDIFY.
      1. Walmart – (our kids) “Are they all yours?” // “do they all have the same father?” // “Don’t you know what causes that”
      2. Walmart – (us) “Children are a blessing” – (them) “I don’t want that many blessings!”
      3. Homeschooling – “How can you take it?” // “They’ll not be able to cope in society”
   6. James also says we are to walk humbly with each other & with God & to “PRAY” for each other.
   7. Remember, Love is...
      1. Patient:
      2. Kind: (active kindness)
      3. Rejoices in the truth:
      4. Bears all things:
      5. Believes all things:
      6. Hopes all things:
      7. Endures all things:
      8. Never Fails:
   8. Love is NOT:
      1. Envy:
      2. Vaunt itself:
      3. Not Puffed up:
      4. Doesn’t behave itself unseemly:
      5. Doesn’t seek her own:
      6. Is not easily provoked:
      7. Thinks NO evil:
      8. Rejoices Not in iniquity:
   9. 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
   10. 1 Peter 3:8-9 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
4. Conclusion
   Galatians 5:13-16 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Verse 12

3. The “Golden Rule”
   Matthew 7:12 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.
   1. Therefore…
   2. Confucius, the great Chinese teacher, said, "What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others."
   3. Jesus is telling us that instead of the negative, instead of judging and being critical…
      1. be actively LOVING!
      2. James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
   4. What does this look like??
      1. James tells us to help the widow and the orphan…those without coats…
      2. He also tells us to take care with our “tongue” – meaning our speech! (The women talked about this at the Mothering get-together).
      3. Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
      4. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
   5. This means not just NOT saying hurtful or prideful things, but it means that ARE to say those things which EDIFY.
      1. Walmart – (our kids) “Are they all yours?” // “do they all have the same father?” // “Don’t you know what causes that”
      2. Walmart – (us) “Children are a blessing” – (them) “I don’t want that many blessings!”
      3. Homeschooling – “How can you take it?” // “They’ll not be able to cope in society”
   6. James also says we are to walk humbly with each other & with God & to “PRAY” for each other.
   7. Remember, Love is...
      1. Patient:
      2. Kind: (active kindness)
      3. Rejoices in the truth:
      4. Bears all things:
      5. Believes all things:
      6. Hopes all things:
      7. Endures all things:
      8. Never Fails:
   8. Love is NOT:
      1. Envy:
      2. Vaunt itself:
      3. Not Puffed up:
      4. Doesn’t behave itself unseemly:
      5. Doesn’t seek her own:
      6. Is not easily provoked:
      7. Thinks NO evil:
      8. Rejoices Not in iniquity:
   9. 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
   10. 1 Peter 3:8-9 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
4. Conclusion
   Galatians 5:13-16 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Verses 13-14

1. Introduction:
   1. So far in the beatitudes we have looked at:
      1. The Methods of the Heart (Matt 5:1-16)
      2. The Issues of the Heart (Matt 5:17-45)
      3. The Wrong Motives of the Heart (Matt 6:1-18)
      4. The Right Motivation of the Heart (1Cor 13:1-8)
      5. The Affections of the Heart (Matt 6:19-34)
      6. Our Heart Towards Man (Matt 7:1-12)
   2. Today we will look at the “Our Heart Towards God” as we begin Matthew chapter 7.
   3. We left off with: (The Golden Rule) Matt 7:12 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
2. Take the Narrow Way
   Matthew 7:13-14 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.
   1. Strait means “Narrow”
   2. Narrow (in v14) means: “to press (as grapes), press hard upon” // looking at the concordance its used 9 other times and always as “afflicted, troubled or with tribulation”.
      1. It is NOT the easy way.
   3. Reread this passage with the exchange of words for meaning:
      “Enter in at the narrow 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 narrow is the gate, and afflicted and troubled is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
   4. *** Jesus is warning us that we need to follow the narrow way – the way of the Father – and NOT the way of the world.
   5. The world will tell us that the way is easy…”eat, drink & be merry”, they’ll say, “have another toke, snort or drink – it won’t hurt nothing”. Jesus is calling us to walk a different path!
   6. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
   7. Did your profession of faith in Christ cost you anything? If not, then it was not a true profession. Many people who “trust” Jesus Christ never leave the broad road with its appetites and associations. They have an easy Christianity that makes no demands on them. Yet Jesus said that the narrow way was hard. We cannot walk on two roads, in two different directions, at the same time. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition Comm. (Mt 7:6). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.)
   8. The way we are to go is not the way of the world – we’re to be in the world but not “OF” the world.
   9. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

*** Take Note: Jesus is telling us that only a few will find it – of all the population over the last 2k yrs, there are only a few (relatively) that find eternal life…there are many, however, who won’t make the sacrifice and only apply “LIP SERVICE” to their salvation. ***

The question becomes, to each of us, “What does the sacrifice at Calvary mean to me?”

Verses 13-14

1. Introduction:
   1. So far in the beatitudes we have looked at:
      1. The Methods of the Heart (Matt 5:1-16)
      2. The Issues of the Heart (Matt 5:17-45)
      3. The Wrong Motives of the Heart (Matt 6:1-18)
      4. The Right Motivation of the Heart (1Cor 13:1-8)
      5. The Affections of the Heart (Matt 6:19-34)
      6. Our Heart Towards Man (Matt 7:1-12)
   2. Today we will look at the “Our Heart Towards God” as we begin Matthew chapter 7.
   3. We left off with: (The Golden Rule) Matt 7:12 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
2. Take the Narrow Way
   Matthew 7:13-14 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.
   1. Strait means “Narrow”
   2. Narrow (in v14) means: “to press (as grapes), press hard upon” // looking at the concordance its used 9 other times and always as “afflicted, troubled or with tribulation”.
      1. It is NOT the easy way.
   3. Reread this passage with the exchange of words for meaning:
      “Enter in at the narrow 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 narrow is the gate, and afflicted and troubled is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
   4. *** Jesus is warning us that we need to follow the narrow way – the way of the Father – and NOT the way of the world.
   5. The world will tell us that the way is easy…”eat, drink & be merry”, they’ll say, “have another toke, snort or drink – it won’t hurt nothing”. Jesus is calling us to walk a different path!
   6. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
   7. Did your profession of faith in Christ cost you anything? If not, then it was not a true profession. Many people who “trust” Jesus Christ never leave the broad road with its appetites and associations. They have an easy Christianity that makes no demands on them. Yet Jesus said that the narrow way was hard. We cannot walk on two roads, in two different directions, at the same time. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition Comm. (Mt 7:6). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.)
   8. The way we are to go is not the way of the world – we’re to be in the world but not “OF” the world.
   9. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

*** Take Note: Jesus is telling us that only a few will find it – of all the population over the last 2k yrs, there are only a few (relatively) that find eternal life…there are many, however, who won’t make the sacrifice and only apply “LIP SERVICE” to their salvation. ***

The question becomes, to each of us, “What does the sacrifice at Calvary mean to me?”

Verses 15-20

3. Beware of False Prophets
   Matthew 7:15-20 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.
   1. False prophets and teachers…you’ll know them by their fruit!
      1. Do people grow in the grace of God by their ministry?
      2. Do people grow in their knowledge of Jesus through their ministry?
      3. Do people grow in their depth of the Word and live it out?
      4. Or are people who follow their ministry superficial, lessened in faith and finances and wandering without direction or hope and disillusioned?
   2. Acts 20:29-30 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
   3. 2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
   4. 2 Peter 2:10, 14, 18 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

Verses 15-20

3. Beware of False Prophets
   Matthew 7:15-20 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.
   1. False prophets and teachers…you’ll know them by their fruit!
      1. Do people grow in the grace of God by their ministry?
      2. Do people grow in their knowledge of Jesus through their ministry?
      3. Do people grow in their depth of the Word and live it out?
      4. Or are people who follow their ministry superficial, lessened in faith and finances and wandering without direction or hope and disillusioned?
   2. Acts 20:29-30 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
   3. 2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
   4. 2 Peter 2:10, 14, 18 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

Verses 21-23

4. Beware of Self-Deception
   Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
   1. Jesus moves from the deception of others to the possibility of us deceiving ourselves!
   2. False prophets and teachers…we’ve seen that we will know them by their fruit!
   3. How do we know if we are self-deceived? Certainly not by our “WORKS” !!!
      1. Many will say Lord, Lord – talking the talk won’t do it.
      2. Many will have prophesied, cast out devils and done many wonderful works…but that won’t do it either!
   4. What does Jesus say? “…I never knew you”.
   5. Jesus desires an intimate, loving, active abiding relationship with us!
      1. Ephesians 5:31-32 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
      2. The intimacy that we find in a godly marriage: work side by side, best friends, talk about everything, lean on each other and look out for each other’s backs as well as desiring the best for one-another and the intimacy of know the other “intimately” …that’s what Jesus desires!
      3. Jesus desires the relationship described in Marriage and in John 15…
   6. And He doesn’t want to settle for anything less!

Verses 21-23

4. Beware of Self-Deception
   Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
   1. Jesus moves from the deception of others to the possibility of us deceiving ourselves!
   2. False prophets and teachers…we’ve seen that we will know them by their fruit!
   3. How do we know if we are self-deceived? Certainly not by our “WORKS” !!!
      1. Many will say Lord, Lord – talking the talk won’t do it.
      2. Many will have prophesied, cast out devils and done many wonderful works…but that won’t do it either!
   4. What does Jesus say? “…I never knew you”.
   5. Jesus desires an intimate, loving, active abiding relationship with us!
      1. Ephesians 5:31-32 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
      2. The intimacy that we find in a godly marriage: work side by side, best friends, talk about everything, lean on each other and look out for each other’s backs as well as desiring the best for one-another and the intimacy of know the other “intimately” …that’s what Jesus desires!
      3. Jesus desires the relationship described in Marriage and in John 15…
   6. And He doesn’t want to settle for anything less!

Verses 24-27

5. Where Will YOU Build Your House?
   Matthew 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
   1. Jesus now concludes the beatitudes with an analogy…
   2. Two men, a wise man and a fool – the wise man build his house on a solid rock foundation and his house (his life) is not moved.
   3. The fool builds the same house on shifting sand – on the wisdom and cares of this world and it fell in a hugely “bad” way…

Verses 24-27

5. Where Will YOU Build Your House?
   Matthew 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
   1. Jesus now concludes the beatitudes with an analogy…
   2. Two men, a wise man and a fool – the wise man build his house on a solid rock foundation and his house (his life) is not moved.
   3. The fool builds the same house on shifting sand – on the wisdom and cares of this world and it fell in a hugely “bad” way…

Verses 28-29

6. Conclusion
   1. Matthew 7:28-29 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
   2. The conclusion here says the people were astonished at His doctrine for He taught with authority…
   3. If Jesus is God, and if He loved us so much that He took our place and died for us…where will we build our house?

Verses 28-29

6. Conclusion
   1. Matthew 7:28-29 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
   2. The conclusion here says the people were astonished at His doctrine for He taught with authority…
   3. If Jesus is God, and if He loved us so much that He took our place and died for us…where will we build our house?