63-67. Kingdom Living - Part III

LINK: Matthew 7; Luke 6:37-49  (Read over the next two days)

BACKGROUND

Jesus teaches about . . . 

63. Judging others: Matthew 7:1-6, Luke 6:37-42

Jesus builds upon what He said about loving our enemies by telling us that we always reap what we sow. We will be judged and condemned ourselves if we judge and condemn others. When we pardon and give, it will lead to pardon and giving in return.

64. Asking, looking, knocking: Matthew 7:7-12

It is important to note that the Greek tense in these three verbs implies to "keep asking, keep seeking (looking), and keep knocking." 

65. The way to heaven: Matthew 7:13-14

Luke 13:24 is a cross-reference for these verses even though it is not considered the same instance of Jesus saying this. Jesus' way is very narrow in that it comes one way, through belief in Jesus (John 10:7-9; John 14:6, 1 Timothy 2:5).

66. Jesus teaches about the fruit in people's lives: Matthew 7:15-20, Luke 6:43-45

Just as we can identify a tree by the fruit it bears, people will know what kind of person we really are by the fruit that we bear.  The fruit of our mouth will reveal what is in our hearts! 

67. Jesus teaches about building on a solid foundation: Matthew 7:21-29, Luke 6:46-49

Jesus gives an illustration of the house built on the rock versus the house built on the sand (Matthew 7:21-29) to illustrate that we must act upon what we believe. We cannot just give lip service to what we believe. We have to act on our beliefs. This is the first parable mentioned in the book of Luke.  See James 1:22-27.

Today concludes the first of six long discourses Jesus makes in the book of Matthew:

1. Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5-7) 
2. Charge to the Twelve Disciples (Chapter 10) 
3. Kingdom Parables (Chapter 13) 
4. Greatness teachings (Chapter 18) 
5. "Woes" to the Pharisees (Chapter 23) 
6.  Discourse on Mount of Olives (Chapters 24-25)

REFLECTION

It is not enough to know God's will. We must obey it too.

Selective obedience isn't obedience at all; 
it's only convenience.

(The Daily Walk, October 2008, p. 7)

Many of us check Bible reading off our "To Do" list and go on with our day not responding to anything we have read. That is why we have emphasized listening to God and applying what He tells you to your daily life as you read in the Gospel Harmony Book Club and the Bible Book Club. It does not have to be my specific application, but we need to pray through how God would have us respond by talking to Him about how the Holy Spirit is speaking to us in the passage. Then, we can respond. 

APPLICATION

I have shared this before, but some of you are new to the Gospel Harmony Book Club and/or the Bible Book Club. So here is a handout I created about making specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely (S.M.A.R.T.) applications from Scripture.

Tools for Meditation and Study

Let us be like the wise man who built his house upon the rock, not the sand, by applying what we learn from reading the Sermon on the Mount. Translate this spoken sermon into a living one today!

PRAYER

Lord, teach us to be doers of the Word rather than just hearers who delude themselves (James 1:22-25). We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.