I. Introduction: The book of Matthew is one of the four Gospels in the New Testament that gives an account of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Matthew 7 is a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches about the high standards of the Kingdom of God. This chapter provides more understanding of God’s wisdom, and how we can apply it in our daily lives. In this outline, we will delve into each verse of Matthew 7, looking closely at its meaning and significance, and how it relates to other verses of the Bible.
II. Matthew 7:1-2 – Judging Others
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Jesus warns against the dangers of judging others, as it can lead to being judged in the same manner. This verse emphasizes the importance of showing mercy and compassion, as reflected in James 2:13, which says, “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” It also aligns with Romans 2:1, which cautions against judging others, as we are all accountable to God.
III. Matthew 7:3-5 – The Speck and the Plank
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?…You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
These verses use an analogy to teach the importance of self examination before criticizing others. It echoes the message in Luke 6:41-42, which also uses the same metaphor, and 1 Corinthians 11:31, which encourages self-judgment to avoid being judged by God.
IV. Matthew 7:6 – Pearls Before Swine
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
This verse teaches against sharing valuable truths with those who are not receptive or may even harm us in return. It reminds us of Proverbs 23:9, which says, “Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words,” and 2 Peter 2:22, which warns against returning to sinful ways like a dog to its vomit.
V. Matthew 7:7-11 – Ask, Seek, Knock
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you…If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
Jesus encourages persistence in prayer and faith in God’s provision. These verses align with Jeremiah 29:13, which promises that those who seek God with all their heart will find Him, and James 1:17, which states that every good and perfect gift comes from above.
VI. Matthew 7:12 – The Golden Rule
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
This verse, known as the Golden Rule, summarizes the essence of the teachings of the Old Testament. It is supported by Luke 6:31, which also presents the Golden Rule, and Romans 13:8-10, which emphasizes that love is the fulfillment of the law.
VII. Matthew 7:13-14 – The Narrow and Wide Gates
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Jesus contrasts the paths to destruction and life, urging believers to choose the narrow path. This imagery is echoed in Luke 13:24, which urges striving to enter through the narrow door, and Proverbs 14:12, which warns that there is a way that seems right but leads to death.
VIII. Matthew 7:15-20 – False Prophets
“Watch out for false prophets…By their fruit you will recognize them.”
Jesus warns against deception by false prophets and teachers, advising discernment based on their actions. This message resonates with 1 John 4:1, which instructs testing the spirits to see if they are from God, and Galatians 5:22-23, which lists the fruits of the Spirit as evidence of true faith.
IX. Matthew 7:21-23 – True Discipleship
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Jesus emphasizes that true discipleship is not just about professing faith but about living in obedience to God. This teaching aligns with James 1:22, which urges being doers of the word and not hearers only, and 1 John 2:17, which states that the one who does God’s will lives forever.
X. Matthew 7:24-27 – The Wise and Foolish Builders
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock…But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.”
Jesus concludes His teaching by comparing the outcomes of those who apply His words to their lives and those who do not. This parable reflects the wisdom in Proverbs 10:25, which says that when the storm comes, the wicked are swept away, but the righteous stand firm.
XI. Conclusion: Matthew 7 gives the Christian a wealth of wisdom to live our lives by. From the caution against judgment to the encouragement to seek God’s provision, the teachings of Jesus in this chapter are timeless and very relevant for living in our world today in year 2024. The chapter ends with a strong reminder to not only hear the words of Christ but to put them into practice, building our lives on a solid foundation. We should strive to live out these principles, showing mercy, discernment, and obedience to God’s will, knowing that in doing so, we will find the abundant life and contentment, peace, fulfillment and the salvation of our souls.
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