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Chapter Summary
We're continuing our overview of the Sermon on the Mount. Chapter seven contains almost a dozen rapid fire, seemingly unrelated teachings. It's hard to find a pattern, but we can see three distinct aspects:
PROHIBITIONS:
Do not judge;
Do dot throw to the dogs or pigs what is sacred (In other words, don't waste the gift of salvation);
IMPERATIVES:
Take the plank out of your own eye so you can help your brother remove his;
Ask, seek and find;
Do unto others what you would have them do to you;
Enter through the narrow gate;
Watch out for false prophets;
You must both hear and put into practice the words of Jesus.
PROMISES
You will be judged in the same way you judge others;
The dogs and pigs will trample what you throw to them and tear you to pieces;
Everyone who asks receives, seekers find, doors are opened to those who knock;
Your heavenly Father will give good gifts to those who ask Him;
You will recognize the wolves by their deeds;
Only those who do the will of God the Father will enter the Kingdom;
A house built on the rock will not fall, but a house built on sand will;
OLD TESTAMENT REFERENCE:
Yesterday we looked at how Solomon, who was invited by God to ask Him for anything, asked Him for wisdom, so God made Solomon wise and also gave him great riches. Here are the prohibitions, imperatives and promises God makes to Solomon through his father David:
1 Chronicles 28:8–10 (NIV)
“So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel and of the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the commands of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever.
“And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house as the sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.”
Discuss:
Use the comment box below to discuss one or more of these questions:
EYE FOR DETAIL—From what you recall seeing in this chapter, try answering the following question without looking at your Bible: What is it that made the crowds of people so amazed or astonished by the teachings of Jesus? (See verses 28–29.)
Pick one of these prohibitions, imperatives or promises and describe how it is consistent with the 'narrow road.'
Question 1 taken from The Complete Bible Discussion Guide: New Testament
Follow the AAA Prayer Pattern:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Your Father in heaven, who gives good gifts to those who ask him! (v10)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray for the wisdom and strength to stay on the narrow road (v13)
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
As we've gone through the book of Revelation, we've been concentrating on the main message, which is that we can have No Fear for the Future because Jesus has been, is now, and will be victorious. But there are certainly lots of confusing details, and we can't cover everything in our morning sermons, so on October 17 in our 6 PM evening service, we'll discuss the questions you have. Let Pastor Chad know if there's a particular verse, image, or idea that you'd like more insight on. The best way to submit your questions is by using the form below:
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