{Understand: the Sermon on the Mount is chock full of superior and riveting teaching by the Master Teacher. What I’m about to suggest in no way exhausts Jesus’ words. I leave you with 4 (although there are more) highlights from Matthew 7:
#1. 7:1-5. Judging. These verses are often used by people who want to live life their way. When their sin is pointed out and/or condemned, “You have no right to judge me” is the go-to saying from their mouth. Inherent in this verse is “I have the right to judge because you sin greatly. Your sin is worse than mine.” Let’s face it: we see someone else’s sin much graver than our penchant for gossip. Self-righteousness stinks.
#2. 7:7-8. The proper rendering of this verse is how the NLT does it: “Keep on asking…seeking…knocking.” You have to notice the “keep on.” It is continual (Linear action in the Greek), not a one-off.
#3. 7:15. Keep the eyes sharp, radar constant and antenna alert. Things taught is often Satan’s way of infiltrating our lives and the church. If he can convince us of an untruth being the truth, or the opposite (truth being a lie), he can win the battle against us.
And that begs…
#4. 7:20. Be careful who you listen to and who you follow. There will be many who will claim to be Christ-followers, but are not.
Wrap up: Be discerning. Be wise. What you hear or read, always check with the Word. Reject lies and falsehood. If it’s too good to be true it probably is. Write off shysters and hucksters who make claims based on their own truth. Build on the Rock not sand.
Amen and amen, again!
Blessings, Bill!
May I add an AMEN to that? 🙂
Totally agree on all points. I have been talking with a friend of mine on how to use the Bible for discernment, and how to look up verses that God provides, and how God will reveal His answers to you on decisions. I would love to sit down and discuss that with you Bill, and learn from you your thoughts. I am still learning, and I love that. The one lesson I have taken away is that God, being perfect does not leave us hanging, when we truly pursue His counsel. God will guide us, mold us, teach us, but first we have to be willing to be taught, guided and molded through His word.
You are already on your way there Gail. I can’t add much to your last sentence. Keep learning. Keep an open heart and eye. But I would be willing to sit and talk some day.