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?”