Matthew 7
Bible Passage: Matthew 7
Thus, in this chapter, Jesus finishes His sermon on the mount…
And indeed, those who were there listening to Him were astounded at His teachings, and the fact that He taught them as one with authority, and not like the scribes. And true enough, I’m sure His words still never ceases to astound us today.
I thought it might kinda difficult to encapsulate everything in this chapter in a sharing. But I think I’ll share with a certain take on this chapter.
Knowing Our Own Faults/Weaknesses…
From verses 1 to 6, Lord Jesus spoke about judging others without judging our own selves, that we quickly point out the wrongs of others without even realising our own shortcomings. Does this part strike us in any way? Can we dare say that we are so righteous such that we can judge others freely without being at fault?
Like when Jesus questioned the people who wanted to stone the adulteress in John 8, verse 7 (that is if any of them had never sinned before), everyone knew that they cannot deny that they’re without sin, and so they left. Therefore, we must always examine ourselves first before we speak out about something.
And then again, who are we to judge others?
Knowing What We Need And How To Ask…
As believers of the Lord, as a people who have the hope of eternal life, what do we need to be able to get there? I think we all know the answer to that. But for those things, only the Lord can give them to us.
But how do we ask from Him? Do we pray a while and then feel disappointed?
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you…
– Matthew 7: 7
We’re always told to be persistent in our prayers. And that is what the Lord wants from us. We have to know this and work on it.
Now, how are we going to ask from our Lord next time?
Knowing Which Way To Go…
There is a fork in the path of faith: The wide and “easy” way, or the narrow and more “difficult” way.
I guess it’s only human instinct and preference to take the easier path. After all, the wide way seems more fun and enjoyable, with less restrictions being placed on us. But, that route leads us to destruction, not to salvation. As they always say, enjoy now and suffer later (or was it the other way round?).
The correct path to salvation, the narrow road, can seem to be harder to go through. However, if we take this path, and obey our Lord’s instructions, I guess it won’t be so bad.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light…
– Matthew 11: 29-30
So which path should we take?
Knowing (Being Firm) In Our Faith…
For this part, I’d like to turn your attention to verses 15 to 20, and verses 24 to 27.
In the former, Jesus warned briefly about false prophets, and that we must know them by their fruits. In the latter, He speaks of building our house on the solid rock. That is to build up our faith such that it would be unwavering and steadfast.
Resist him, steadfast in the faith…
– 1 Peter 5: 9(a)
In these end times, there will be many dangers, among which are the surfacing of false teachings and prophets, which can easily prey on us if we are not rooted in the faith. How is our faith right now? Will we be able to resist these winds and waves that would strike us? Let us remain steadfast in the faith and that may the Lord give us strength to do so.
Have we built our house on the rock?
…So that our Lord may know us
In the end, the most important is that the Lord knows us. Not everyone who calls upon His name would be saved, and they are those who do not remain steadfast in the faith and do not obey and keep His commandments.
We have to know where we stand in our faith right now. If we are standing in a bad spot, we have to move, repent and seek change, relying on God for His guidance.
Do God and us know one another?
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biblereadingcompanion
At the start of the Sabbath
I decided to once again sit
At the feet of Jesus
To listen to Him speak on the mount.
As Jesus spoke my heart sank
How was it that I have heard all these words before
But it was as if I am hearing them for the first time
For my life at the moment, is not quite what Jesus preached.
Blessings in the beatitudes He promised
None of them am I claiming
Salt and light of the World?
Sad to say I’m not even sure, if others can even catch a sliver of light from me.
Murder, Adultery, Divorce, Oaths and Revenge
Not in my vocabulary I say
But my thoughts and mind clearly betray
Jesus clearly knows my heart
My love I freely give today
To those who love me too
To pray for and love my enemies?
Something for others not me.
The Lord’s Prayer I can recite
In two languages or more
And yet I expect my Heavenly Father to forgive me
When I cannot even forgive my fellow men.
Treasures should be stored in heaven
But why is it that my heart is still set on things on earth?
Don’t worry! Be happy! For the Heavenly Father watches over me
Yet I fret and worry, and forget to seek first His kingdom and righteoueness.
There is something wrong with me!
I can see the small speck in others but never the log in me!
I like to walk on the wide and broad way, not the small and narrow way
I know I should bear fruit… yet I am never sure if I am bearing the right ones
I know I should build on the rock… yet I feel I am standing on sinking sand.
I’m far from what you want me to be
But to be like YOU is what I truly want to be
So help me Lord from this Sabbath day
To be perfect as YOU are everyday.
PS
A Story of “u”
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged;”
God is the only Almighty who has the sovereignty to judge.
“and with what measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” (you=”u”)
Does “u” really know God? Does “u” measure up to His standard? know His standards which are embedded in His word?
“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eyes?”
If there is a plank in “u” ‘s eye, “u” can’t see clearly right?
“Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?”
Is “u” reading the word of God correctly?
“Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
When “u” read the word of God correctly under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, then “u” can see clearly the exact spot of the speck in the brother’s eye.
Then “u” can remove it swiftly and not cause undue injury to or, worse, blind the bro’s eye.
“Do not give what is holy to the dog;”
Who is a dog? a person who “u” perceives as “no lah, he will not believe”? When “u” preach the gospel, it is God who gives the growth, isn’t it?
“nor cast your pearls before the swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.”
The kingdom of God is a priceless pearl. How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
With what attitude do “u” share the gospel of God with friends? A careless casting attitude?
How well does “u” understand the gospel of life he is sharing? Is “u” giving others a chance to believe in God or a chance to trample the pearl?