Matthew 7
Matthew 7:1-6 – Judging
- If judging here is the same as being critical, explain:
- John 7:24 – “judge righteous judgment”
- “hypocrite, dogs, swine”
- Some people don’t appreciate truth. We must make a judgment in this regard.
- Your criticism of my criticism
- “You shouldn’t judge.” “Are you judging me?”
- John 10:26 – “you are not of my sheep”
- Side note: This verse would have taken place during what we now call Hannukah.
Matthew 7:7-12 – Prayer
- Matthew 7:7-8 – “ask,” “seek,” and “knock” are all action words.
- If we are guaranteed a “yes” answer to all prayer, explain:
- “Ask in my name” – John 14:13-14; 16:23
- I Corinthians 12:7-8
Matthew 7:13-14 – Narrow way the only way
- If there are many acceptable ways to choose from, explain:
- John 14:6 – “I am the way, and the truth and the life.”
Matthew 7:15-23 – False teachers
- Prophets sometimes were foretellers and sometimes “forthtellers” who simply brought the message of God.
- If we should never call men/women false teachers, explain:
- I John 4:1-6
Matthew 7:24-27 – Hearing vs. doing
- If “doing” on our part is excluded as a “work,” explain:
- Verbs in the text
- James 2:14-26
- Hebrews 11
Matthew 7:28-29 – Conclusion
- If acceptable teaching is entertaining, theater, joke / story-telling, explain:
- Galatians 1:10 – “For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people?”
