October 3
Read Matthew 7
In Today's
Conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount; preaching and miracles of Jesus; call of Matthew
Jesus warned: Beware of false prophets . . . in sheep's clothing (Mat\-thew 7:15). Without a doubt, eternal life is a free gift from God — For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Teaching is false when it offers eternal life without a changed life. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. . . . We then, as workers together with Him, beseech you also that you receive not the grace of God in vain (II Corinthians 5:17; 6:1). To clarify one difference between a true Christian and one in name only, our Lord said: Not every one that says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father who is in heaven (Matthew 7:21).
Our Lord spoke a parable saying: Whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him to a wise man, which built his house upon a rock . . . and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened to a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand . . . and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it (7:24-27). Obviously the proof of being a true Christian is being obedient to His Word.
Obedience is twofold: First, one hears these sayings of Mine and then acts on these sayings of Mine. The wise and the foolish are both giving much thought and labor to their activities — some to laying up eternal treasures in heaven while the others ignore their opportunities to serve the Lord, revealing that his real desire in life is seeking to achieve human goals. When our desire is to please Christ, His Word will be our supreme rule of life and will lead us to avoid the snares of self-will, pride, and greed.
It is impossible to relive wasted years, but it is always possible to turn from sinking sand to build upon the eternal rock. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Everyone is building upon a foundation gold, silver, precious stones (treasures in heaven) or wood, hay, stubble (worthless accumulation of material possessions); Every man's work shall be made manifest . . . because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try (test) every man's work of what sort it is (I Corinthians 3:11-13).
Word Studies:
7:2 ye mete = you give; 7:3 mote = illustrates something insignificant; beam = such as self-righteous, pretending to have a character one does not possess; 7:6 rend = to tear apart; 8:31 suffer = permit; 9:9 receipt of custom = tax collector's office; 9:10 meat = meal; 9:36 fainted = were exhausted, fatigue; scattered = physically couldn't continue.
Cross References:
For Matthew 7:23: See Psalm 6:8. Matthew 8:4: See Leviticus 13:49; 14:2. Matthew 8:17: See Isaiah 53:4. Matthew 9:13: See Hosea 6:6.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Henry Rogers · Staff: Dr. John A. Hash · Government Officials: Sen. Jeff Bingaman (NM), Rep. Charlie Melancon (LA), Rep. David Obey (WI), Gov. Bob Riley (AL), and Rep. Allyson Schwartz (PA) · Country: Russia (150 million) northeastern Europe and northern Asia · Major language: Russian · Religious freedom · 55% Russian/Armenian/Georgian/Old Believers Orthodox; 9% Muslim; .8% Shamanist/animist; .7% Protestant; .6% Buddhist; .5% Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to bring our nation to repentance (I Kings 8:33-36).
Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 2:1