The American Wisdom Series 
 http://www.americanwisdomseries.com

Presents 

MATTHEW

Chapter 7

Caution to students of God's Word - Please remember two things when using our studies: #1. Our commentary is not God's Word. It is only our interpretation or understanding of "His Word" and even though we try our best to be accurate we may or may not be correct. #2. The King James translation, or any other translation, of the original Hebrew text has some words which were given different translations at different places probably because of the interpreters preconceived ideas of what they think God meant to say. For example: According to the notes in the "Drake's Annotated Reference Bible" the Hebrew word hayah in the KJV is Trans. (became) 67 times, (becamest or came to pass) 505 times, (become) 66 times, and (come to pass) 131 times, but for some reason in Genesis 1:2 it is translated (was)! That sure changes the way a person perceives the original creation of the earth, doesn't it?  Gen. 1:2 And the earth was (became) without form, ... Having said that, let us continue with our "Key Knowledge" lessons. These are pamphlets containing knowledge, we believe, you must have to fully and accurately unlock and understand the Word of God.

John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:13-14
[13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. [14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

This Bible Study was originally written by Roger Christopherson,
 published at http://www.theseason.org/ 

You can view it at the season`s web site (address above) as originally published
or here, as now edited by people at
 
The American Wisdom Series  

Without the leading by the Holy Spirit, there is no understanding of the truths, for all the truth of the Scriptures are revealed to us by God's Spirit.

 Now here is our revised study of:

The

GOSPEL ACCORDING TO

MATTHEW 

Chapter 7

"Sermon on the Mount, Continued."

Matthew 7:1 "Judge not that ye be judged."

You choose the type of life that you will have by the way that you deal with others.

Matthew 7:2 "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."

This word judgment is better translated "criticized". The same degree that you level on others, is the yardstick that they will us use in their criticism of your actions. What ever you measure [however stingy you are] to others, is the same way they will use in their actions with you. What you give to others is what you will get back yourself.

This is God's way of doing things. If you try to take a good man down, then God will see to it that your taken down also.

Matthew 7:3 "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"

A "mote" is a real tiny spot of dust, and in the spiritual analogy used here, it is saying; why do you look at the very smallest sin that is in your brother's life, and you have a huge sin [beam] in your own life. This has a great deal to do with whether you have eyes to see the spiritual insight into God's word. One that has eyes to see, understands the plan of God, and will not be so critical of his brother, but will be out to help his brother.

It is human nature to overlook the sin in your own life.

Matthew 7:4 "Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, 'Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye;' and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?"

One of the greatest sins in the world is to judge someone for their sin, for that makes you the judge taking God's place, and you don't belong there. If you don't have spiritual eyes to see, there is really no way to help the other person. You must first clear your own eye, before you can help your brother.

Matthew 7:5 "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."

No person will except your help, until they are ready to be helped. You can caution them, and plant seeds of the Scriptures, but until that person asks you for help, and is open for your words, what you say just won't take root. Be very patient with those new converts that are in the process of learning.

Matthew 7:6 "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you."

This is referring to Proverbs 9: 7; "He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: And he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot."

blot - 3971 m'uwm usually muwm-
blemish, spot, defect 
a) used of physical defect 
b) used of moral stain

If you go out to some stiffed necked drunk, and try to give your pearls of wisdom to him, he is liable to set you back on your rear, and make your nose a blot. When you try to preach to a wicked man, he will mock you for even trying. He doesn't have any sense or knowledge concerning God's Word.

Proverbs 9:8; "Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee:" When we criticize a mocker of Scripture, he in turn, turns that scorn back on us. The purpose in God's plan is to convict and make the sinner condemn himself.; to see his own sin, and repent of those sins.

This is how it should be: Proverbs 9:9; "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning." Spend your time where it counts, and the Scriptures are ready to be received.

Proverbs 9:10; "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: And the knowledge of the holy is understanding." Applied common sense is what most of the understanding of God'sWord consists of.

Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened ."

The subject is God's Word, and your eye being able to see, or understand what is written in that Word. This is describing how you gain wisdom, and knowing God and His plan is wisdom. You have to go to that Word, before you can seek, and the knocking is the asking for help by the right sources. It is keeping the Word in true perspective, and rightly dividing it for the message God is relating to us.

When you knock on His door, and ask Him, the Holy Spirit of God, will come in and open your eyes of understanding, and He will reveal Himself to you.

Matthew 7:8 "For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall open."

If you ask for understanding and wisdom, you will get it. The level of understanding will be at the level that God sees your ability to understand. God will give you what He wants you to have, and it is His Spirit that will allow you to see the truths. What you see, is what you will be accountable to Him for. This is a promise from God, and it comes from Proverbs 8:17; "I love them that love me; And those that seek me early shall find me."

Matthew 7:9 "Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?"

This verse can be applied in the physical sense and it is true. We can understand the love between a man and his son. However in the spiritual application, the bread is Jesus Christ, and the eternal life that Christ offers. The "stone" is the stumbling stone, that keeps the son for receiving the bread of life. A stone of stumbling could be many things that the son just could not handle, and could in the long run lead him astray. A freedom in the Lord to you, may be something that if practiced, would destroy your son.

Matthew 7:10 "Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?"

Again in the spiritual application; the fish is the the symbol for Christ and Christianity, and the serpent is the symbol for Satan.

Matthew 7:11 "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father Which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?"

All mankind knows how to do good things for their children, and care for them. If you know how to take care of your own, think of how much more God will give to His own that ask Him and seek early to do His will. We must ask for wisdom. God said that if you ask, then you will receive, and this isn't foolishness that He is referring to, but the things that are necessary in your journey in life. God will Give you only what you are able to handle, and sometimes that isn't too much.

Matthew 7:12 "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."

Jesus is putting a summary to His sermon, He says that considering all things that you do to other people, and the way you talk to them and act around them, that is the way that they will react to you.

If a man moves into a new neighborhood, and asks the neighbor, "How are the people here?" Well the answer would be, "exactly as they were in the neighborhood that you moved from." For those neighbors were only responding to the actions and deeds of the man, and that is just as the new neighbors would. This is also what was taught from the very beginning by the law, and the prophets of old. If you were a trouble maker and selfish there, you will be the same in the new neighborhood.

If things are rough, then it is time to knock and seek the wisdom from the Lord, it will change the way you look at people, and the way that they look at you. Jesus is asking us to set our ways as is taught by the law and the prophets. The law is what governs you in the community, and around people, while the prophets instruct us in the ways of the Lord.

Matthew 7:13 "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:"

We are talking about entering into the gate of the kingdom of God. This is an analogy of entering into a city, and at the entrance of the city the road is very wide, and the more you go into it, the narrower it becomes. Until it becomes a narrow walk at the door leading into your own home. Hopefully Christ's kingdom is your home.

However, the key is the phrase, "broad is the way. Remember Jesus said, "I am the way", the way is the path, and Jesus walked that path, and set the examples that we are to follow. Most of the examples that Jesus gave to us are just plain common sense, and it doesn't matter how wide the gate is, for the path is well marked. That path will lead right up to the door.

Jesus said in John 10:9; "I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." The term, "go in and out, and find pasture;" is an idiom used for "life in general". We are to follow Christ in all of His teaching, and we will falter in places, and that is why we must repent when we fall, and get right back on track.

Jesus tells us in Revelation 3:19; "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. [19] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." [20] The handle on the door of your heart, or mind is only on the inside. Only you can open that door, for Jesus will not enter your heart unless you invite him in. You open that door by repenting of all your sins in Jesus name, and turning from your sins.

Matthew 7:14 "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that fine it."

When a Bible teacher teaches man's traditions, or the system of their church house, the path leads in another direction. In these end times this is very common, sad but true. The path that leads to our Lord Jesus Christ [the door] is narrow, but well marked by the record of His life, and that record is in our Bible. Though these righteous men are well meaning, no man can substitute a way different then is recorded in God's Word.

Matthew 7:15 "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."

The clothing of the modern day prophet may look very righteous, and holy, and the sound of his voice like it came direct from God; but listen to what he is saying. Is it the word of God, chapter by chapter, and verse by verse, or is it the social calendar of local social clubs and the words of the well know men in world affairs. Does what this modern day prophet say come from, and bear out what Jesus and the prophets say, or not.

Jesus is telling us that they will look like one of His sheep, and dress like they come from Christ's sheepfold, but they are wicked wolves. Many times their ministry is centered around money, or just the vanity of ruling over many people. It is called pride, and with it comes the whitewashing of the Scripture to please the flock's vanity. Sometimes it is even the pension fund that keeps the false prophet in line with false doctrine, or it could be just plain ignorance of God's Word.

How then do you know which one to follow? Follow the one that teaches wholly from the Bible, chapter by chapter, and verse by verse; line upon line, and precept upon precept. Check him out, and take notes. Use the Strong's dictionaries and verify what he says. In time you will know whether you can trust him, or not. If you can, pray for him and stand by him. There are many good churches.

Matthew 7:16 "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"

Jesus is now telling us how we can know them. Their fruits are the things they say and the things that they do. Does it conform to Christ's teaching.

Notice the spiritual application applied here. Today the grape is used in remembrance of Christ in the communion, while the fig is used to represent both the Kenite (bad fig), or the offspring of Cain, the son of the evil union between Satan and Eve, as well as the true tribe of Judah (good fig). The fig leaf stands for things hidden, as it did when they covered their private parts with fig aprons in the garden of Eden.

Do you know the difference? Jesus is telling us very simply, if you want an orange, then don't go to an apple tree. If you want grapes, they are not found on the thorn bush, and figs do not grow on the thistles. If you want God's truth, then you won't go to one of these ravaging wolves. If you want God's Word you go to where God's word is taught, by chapter or by subject.

Matthew 7:17 "Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit."

If the tree is corrupt, and the Word of God does not come from that tree, then you have problems. It's time to look around for another pastor the teaches the Word. The tree is an analogy for man, and the fruit is the words and actions that come from that man.

Matthew 7:18 "A good tree can not bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."

Jesus keeps talking about trees, and this isn't the first time it is mentioned in the Bible. There were two trees in the Garden of Eden that gets our attention. One was the "Tree of life", and the other was the "tree of good and evil". Can you look at those trees and tell the difference today. Those trees were symbolic of men. The "Tree of life" was Christ, and the "tree of good and evil" being Satan. The tree of life, Christ, cannot bring forth evil fruit, if taught correctly. On the other hand, the "tree of good and evil" is Satan.

Jesus Christ is asking you, can you tell the difference in the trees? The tree of Life wasn't only for the Garden of Eden, but in Revelation 22:1; Christ the Lamb is the pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, and proceeding from the throne of God. The tree of Life, Jesus Christ becomes our sustaining life for our soul eternally.

My fellow Christian, the false evil tree returns to earth first, before the good tree returns. There is a difference between the trees, and there is also a big difference between the seed of each. The seeds of the evil tree are the Kenites. Do you know who they are? Do you know how they will affect you in these latter days? We see in Matthew 24:32 that Jesus commanded us to learn the difference, for if we do not, we will be deceived. That command is direct to you?

There are seven end time churches mentioned in the second and third chapters of Revelation, and there were only two that Christ found no fault with. They were the church of Smyrna and the church of Philadelphia. The fruit of those two churches then should be the pattern of the church that we should follow. There was only one thing that they had in common, and that is that they knew who the Kenites were, those that called themselves Jews, but lied, and were of the synagogue of Satan. They both taught and identified the good fruit and the bad fruit [Kenites]. When a Kenite accepts Jesus Christ, they are no longer Kenites, but sons of the Living God. It is the power of God that can make that change in that man's life.

Matthew 7:19 "Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire."

Matthew 7:20 "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

The only way that we can tell the man's heart is by what comes forth from the person. If one claims to be of Christ, and there is no change in His life, then serious doubt comes. If one is of Christ he will be trying to follow the path that our Lord Jesus Christ is laying down in this Sermon on the Mount. He will demonstrate the traits and character of Christ. Sure, everyone will falter, but he will pick himself up, repent and keep right on the same course. The one thing that will mark him as Christ's, is the love of Christ coming from him.

Matthew 7:21 "Not every one that saith unto Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father Which is in heaven."

This is a stern warning to those that think they can play church. Many call themselves Christians, they dress right and talk right, but they are not going to heaven. It doesn't matter what you say and your actions before the public, but it takes more then that. You must do the will of God. The will of God is God's plan, and it is written in His Word, the Scriptures. What is that plan? We just read it, and are reading it. It is Jesus instruction as to what you must do.

Just going to church and uttering some words doesn't mean that you have salvation. You must do the will of God. That is where repentance comes in, for each time you fall you must repent. Paul stated we must die daily to ourselves, in I Corinthians 15:31. This is done by repentance of the sins we commit in everyday life.

Matthew 7:22 "Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works'.

Many ministries today are built around their fund raising, they quote Scripture to back every what they say, and even have their healing ministry. They cast out devils like the neighbor's dog, and think that every act they do is for God. They support hospitals, the sick, the poor and the widows, and they say they do all of it in our Lords Name. But they do not the will of My Father which is in heaven. They teach another gospel then the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They teach traditions, and doctrines that are not in the Scripture.

Matthew 7:23 "And then will I profess unto them, 'I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity' ."

Jesus Christ is saying here, and you had better get this now, when there is time. If you do not follow the path that Jesus Christ is teaching you in this sermon on the mount, Jesus response to you will be, "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity".

This is the generation that better know the difference between God's doctrine and the doctrines of demons. They both sound very good, and they both sound right and true. However, any doctrine that isn't one hundred percent backed by the Word of God is a fake. So the time is here to get down and know what is in the Scriptures.

Both Christ and the devil offer peace, and prosperity, however, only Jesus Christ can offer eternal life. The eternal life should be foremost in the doctrine. Why does Jesus not want them? They worship the traditions of Men, and their church system, and they in fact do not even teach God's letter to His children. What they do quote from the Bible is twisted to satisify their own desires.

Matthew 7:24 "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house up a rock."

Jesus is telling each of us that if we are to be His, then we will listen to each thing that He has taught, and then go and put them into practice in our lives. Those instructions will sink into our hearts and minds, and we will be open to the Holy Spirit of God to lead us in our lives. We will strive to be like our Lord and Savior, and pattern our lives after Him. We will learn and practice the love that Christ showed to us, and give that love and kindness to our neighbor. We will learn all about the Kenites, and the laws and commandments of God. We will learn discernment of spirits and the good and bad teachers. We will learn it all; and then we will do it.

That "Rock" is Christ Himself. The victors will sing the "song of Moses" in the Millennium age as recorded in Deuteronomy 32. In verses 3, 4; "Because I will publish the name of the Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto you God. He is the Rock, His work is perfect: For all His ways are judgment: just and right is He." Those that love the Lord know the difference between the Rock Christ, and the spotted crooked rock of the devil. This generation will be tested by the little rock, Satan, the Antichrist, and many will leave Christ, and run in ignorance to the false Christ.

Matthew 7:25 "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock."

When Christ's teachings are part of you, firm in your heart [mind], then when the floods of Satan's lies and deceptions come, and they will very soon, you will see right through them.

Matthew 7:26 "And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:"

Many people sit in Church and under the teaching week after week, and their spiritual eyes are closed. Their mind is off on a business deal, or the meal to be served later, instead of accepting Christ's teaching. They then go about their life's work, and completely forget the path that Christ has taught us to follow, and they don't understand why God isn't blessing them. These are the ones that hear Christ's sayings, and do them not. He [she] is the foolish man [woman].

Matthew 7:27 "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."

The flood that will cover the entire earth is coming very soon, it is the flood of lies and deceptions that Satan, the Antichrist will bring on the entire earth, and many Christians will fall at his feet and worship him in ignorance. They will be taken by Satan because their rapture theory has taught them to do this act.

When they do this, the floods of deception will totally wash away every part of a foundation that they thought they had. For in their act of giving allegiance to the Antichrist, they will have given over to Satan any rewards and acts of righteousness they have done, as well as turned their backs on the grace that God has extended to them.

Revelation 12:6; "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days." The woman is the "elect" of God, that are sealed in their minds [foreheads], and they are prepared for the lies, deceptions and evil wonders that is about to happen.

In Revelation 12:7 "There was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels." This war is going to be over very soon, and this war is between Satan and the fallen angels, and Michael, and God's children. The false preachers are preparing you for what is coming next. They are teaching you to meet this first Christ at his arrive in their rapture theory, and fly away with him. However, the only place that he is going is to the pit, after his five months stay [Revelation 9:5, 10].

Lets go to the Revelation 12:15; "And the serpent [Satan, the Antichrist] cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood." That mighty flood that is cast forth is a flood of lies, deceptions, and supernatural wonders, that will cause all the people of the world to be swept away from their foundations that are built on the sand. Do you know the difference between the coming of the two Messiahs, and which one you will see first? You had better know for your very soul depends upon it.

Matthew 7:28 "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine:"

Matthew 7:29 "For He taught the as one having authority, and not as the scribes."

The statements that came out of Jesus Christ's mouth were absolute, and Christ had power and authority to present them. Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit, which gave understanding to those listeners, and when the Word of God is understood with spiritual eyes open, that Word moves people. There was no doubt in Christ's instructions, and no clouds over what was right or wrong. The difference between the scribes teaching and Christ's teaching is the scribes taught the traditions of men that does not conform with God's Holy Word. They teach what men say, and allow the listener to pick and choose the authority that best fits their needs.

The only authority that anyone can use in their teaching is the authority that comes from the Word of God. All other speaking is tradition. When you speak and it comes from the Word of God, then you have authority.

Lets close this sermon on the mount with John 1:1-5; "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [1] The same was in the beginning with God. [2]All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. [3] In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. [4] And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. [5]"

My fellow Christian, Jesus Christ is the spoken Word, and the written Word, and the darkness that comprehended Christ not is the world. When you are of Christ, that light shines in you, and when you are in the world, it just won't make any sense to you.

Editor's Note::: We are going to stop here in our "Book of Matthew Study" to review some commentary from chapter7 in an earlier study we published of Matthew.  I don't believe you will find much difference in the general opinion of these two authors, but to read another person's perspective of events that took place may prove helpful in your understanding of the gospel of Matthew.


Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Jesus Christ said numerous times in the last chapter (6) to "be not as the hypocrites" for they merely pretend to be disciples of Christ but are in reality false prophets and play-actors indeed. He also told us to "seek first the kingdom of heaven" and our heavenly Father would see to it that we are blessed in such a manner that we would not have to anxiously worry about where our next meal is going to come from.

Christ now continues His instructions to His disciples who went up the mount to hear His voice. The subjects are "seeking the kingdom" and our conduct in teaching our brothers and sisters the precious truth of His Word, i.e. declaring His righteousness, which is the commission of the sons and daughters, the brotherhood, in this final generation.

Matthew 7:1
Judge not, that ye be not judged.
This verse is often misunderstood and wrongfully used to teach that Christians should not even use righteous discernment, so let's first understand what the word "judge" means. It come from the Greek word "krino" which means to divide, to separate, to make a distinction.
judge = G2919 krino  kree'-no
Properly to distinguish, that is, decide (mentally or judicially); by implication to try, condemn, punish:—avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.
You see, if you claim to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and yet you set yourself up to be better than others and take it upon yourself to judge or criticize your brothers and sisters, you are asking for big trouble! We are not to speak evil of our brothers nor condemn nor criticize other ministries, denominations, or churches. To that end, you will never see this ministry nor any other ministry which teaches the truth of God's Word, put down our brothers and sisters nor speak evil of them. A wise Christian knows that we were all born naked and spiritually "blind" so we can all say concerning the traditions of men, "There but for the grace of God go I." We are to let God be the judge. James, the brother of Christ, spells it out pretty good for us:
James 4:11-12
Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
We do NOT show the love of God by criticizing other Christians or churches or ministries. The question is, "Who made us judge to criticize and condemn others?" The answer is, "No one, certainly not our Father"! If we go around criticizing our brothers and sisters for what they believe or the church they belong to, etc., we are in grave danger of the judgment ourselves! There are already far too many individuals and "elite" groups who spend the majority of their time judging and criticizing others when they should be teaching their Father's Word and letting their light shine before men that others might see their good works (of teaching the truth, etc.) and glorify their Father which is in heaven.

Again, let God be the judge! Teach His Word as it is written chapter by chapter and line by line and let God take it from there.

[12] There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
Go ahead and set yourself up as judge and see where it gets you in the end!
Matthew 7:2
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Do you have "ears to hear" what Christ is telling you?
Mark 4:24
And He said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
In other words, if you judge others and put your brothers (those of the house of Israel) "down" (hupo, under) when you yourself are no better than they are, perhaps even worse, then you shall pay dearly for it.
Matthew 7:3
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Work on your own problems and quit finding fault with others so as to make yourself look good. Who do you think you are that you can fix or change other people anyway?
[4] Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Did you know that hypocritical self righteousness is visible even to many non-believers? It turns them off!
[5] Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
A hypocrite is a person pretending to be something that he or she is not, like more righteous than everyone else... a goody-goody-two-shoes! Here is Strong's definition of a hypocrite:
hypocrite = #G5273  hupokriteôs  hoop-ok-ree-tace'
From G5271; an actor under an assumed character (stage player), that is, (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite"):—hypocrite.
Notice that the word hypocrite comes from Strong's # G5271 which is a compound word, hupo-krinomai. Hupo is:
hupo = #5259 is a primary preposition; under, that is, (with the genitive) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative) of place (whither [underneath] or where [below]) or time (when [at]):—among, by, from, in, of, under, with. In compounds it retains the same genitive applications, especially of inferior position or condition, and specifically covertly or moderately.
And "krino" is the same word translated "judge" in verse 1. So as a true disciple of Jesus Christ be careful not be as the hypocrites, play-actors, who set themselves to be "spiritually" above other people and then criticize or condemn them for what they believe.

Next Christ teaches us that we need to exercise wisdom in teaching the precious Word of God.

Matthew 7:6
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
This verse is quite self explanatory. Just remember once again that Christ is speaking to His disciples, those who are "disciplined" in the Word of God and who will go forward and plant seeds and teach His precious holy Word to others. So if you are one of His disciples and you find yourself standing in a "pig pen" surrounded by a bunch of unclean swine, remember Matthew 7:6 and exercise the wisdom contained therein. If you forget and get good and stomped on, perhaps the unpleasant experience will serve as reminder the next time!

Now here is another extremely important thing to understand and teach to others regarding "seeking first the kingdom of heaven".

[7]Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
You must do some work to seek the kingdom of heaven and unfortunately there seems to be but few people who are willing to do that! Remember, it is not the multitudes who go privately to Christ to hear His voice, but rather His disciples who hunger and thirst after righteousness, i.e. truth. You see, there are many people (multitudes of them) who go to church, but there are actually few of them who seek and study the Word of God (2 Tim. 2:25) on a daily basis and ask Him for their daily bread that they might receive pearls of wisdom.

But the good news is that our Father is not a respecter of persons and He promises that whosoever will come to Him and "ask, and seek, and knock" shall receive those pearls of wisdom and find the true path that leads to life and the door to the kingdom of heaven shall be opened to them.

[8] For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Again, this is how one seeks the kingdom of God, not how one petitions God to obtain material things? If you are too lazy or not at all interested in asking, seeking, and knocking, then you will eventually find that Christ will close the door in your face when He returns. In fact, we will document that in our next study! You see, there are "wise virgins" and there are "foolish virgins" (Mat. 25) who lack "wisdom" because they lack the knowledge of His Word. They don't ask, seek, or knock!
James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
God PROMISES to give you wisdom liberally if you are willing to do some labor in the field. Christ now gives us two examples of what to ask for, bread and meat.
Matthew 7:9
Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
This is obvious in the natural sense where even a non-believer would not give his son a stone if he were hungry and asked for bread to eat! On the spiritual level, which is what Christ is talking about, if you (a son of God) ask your Father for the true "bread of life", Jesus Christ, the Word of God, He will give you that bread and will not place a "stumbling stone" before you that will cause you to stumble and fall in these last days, which "falling" is called the great apostasy (2 Thes. 2).
stone = G3037 lithos lee'-thos
Apparently a primary word; a stone (literally or figuratively):—(mill-, stumbling-) stone.
[10] Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
A fish is symbolic of Christianity and also of meat. If you ask for your Father to show you the deeper truths of His Word, He will not give you a serpent who will bite you! You see, the serpent is symbolic of the old serpent, the dragon, the devil, who is Satan the false messiah. Those who have the "seal of God", the knowledge of His Word, in their foreheads in this final generation shall not stumble but shall overcome the beast, i.e. Satan and his New World Order.
[11] If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?
Our Father loves to pour out His blessings upon His children... and if we know and understand that, then as His children and His servants we should be generous and liberal in the same pouring out of His spirit to others!
[12] Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Christ now "sums up" the Sermon on the Mount beginning with what we call the "Golden Rule" which sums up the last five of the Ten Commandments all of which He covered in this Sermon on the Mount.
Romans 13:9
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
James calls it the "Royal Law" and how "honorable" it is indeed.
James 2:8
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
Are you able to "see" and "hear" all the things Christ has taught His disciples on the mount? He has compared the attitudes, the doctrines, the methods of conduct and methods of teaching between those who claim to be His disciples and teachers and those who actually are! The distinction clearly shows the difference between "religion", which is what churchianity is, and "reality", which is what Christianity is. You "see", they are two different paths altogether!
Matthew 7:13
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Yes, there are two gates and two paths to follow! Churchianity and the traditions of men is the broad way which the multitudes follow and the Word of God, true Christianity, is the narrow way which leads to life. The fact is, if you don't "ask and seek and knock", but rather just listen to men, then you are going to stumble in the great apostasy.
way = G3598 hodos hod-os'
Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively a mode or means:—journey, (high-) way.
[14] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
The majority of Christians think that they are on the right path. The problem is that they have allowed themselves to be deceived by the many false prophets Christ warned us about in Mat. 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21 who would come in this final generation. In fact, in our next study we will see that He also warns us right here in Mat. 7 about those same false prophets, those hypocritical teachers who are not really teachers of God's Word at all... for they follow the broad path of the traditions of men and never quite get around to teaching our Father's Word whereby our people can enter in at the straight gate. Remember, ALL wisdom comes from the Word of God.  How much of it have you studied? Are you among the few "wise" virgins who study and understand our Father's ways and walk in them or are you on some other path along with the multitudes who will stumble in darkness for lack of "wisdom"? Think about it.
Hosea 14:9
Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
In our next study we are going to see that those who follow the broad path of the traditions of men are indeed shut out of the kingdom.


In other words, if what you have plucked are nothing but the traditions of men, like stories about snakes and apples, and rapture theories, and Easter bunnies, etc., then you are barking up the wrong tree!

In our last study Jesus Christ explained to us that the gate is wide and the path is broad which leads to destruction and there are many which go in there  (Mat. 7:13). You see, there is only one true Shepherd and one gate into His sheepfold and that way, that door, is Jesus Christ, the Word of God (Jn. 10:9). In other words, you cannot get there simply by going to church or participating in religious ceremonies or worship services or by following any other path such as the broad gamut of the traditions of men. Therefore, the very fact that we are a nation of Biblical illiterates documents that Christ words are true, for "the many" are led astray from the true, lush, green pastures of His word to be taken prey by the wolves, the false prophets, who rob and steal for self gain while causing the spiritual death of our people.

John 10:9-10
I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

[10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

And so it is that as Jesus Christ concludes His "Teaching on the Mount", He gives a stern warning to His disciples concerning fake preachers and then closes with a few words of great wisdom about how to be one of the "wise" in this final generation who shall be able to withstand the onslaught of the great spiritual tribulation of Satan as the false-christ!

Here is that most important warning:

Matthew 7:15-29
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Did you know that the very first sign and warning Christ gave to His disciples when they asked Him on Mount Olivet what signs to look for and how to determine the "when" of the final generation just before His return, was to beware of false prophets (Mat. 24:4-5, Mark 13:5-6, Luke 21: 8)?
Matthew 24:4-5
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

[5] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

So "Take Heed" and stay away from "pseudopreachers" who are would-be teachers of God's Word! They have the appearance of being Christian ministers and preachers, etc., but they have another agenda which is usually to devour the flock for profit or self-glorification. You can usually tell their intent after listening to them for a little while because it seems they always get around to talking about what is foremost on their minds.
G5578 pseudoprophetes  psyoo-dop-rof-ay'-tace
From G5571 and G4396; a spurious prophet, that is, pretended foreteller or religious impostor:—false prophet.
So do NOT let appearances, one's outer garment, deceive you.

A true teacher of God's Word will always tell you to stay in the Word of God and document and test the things that you hear taught by man, because unfortunately there are many more false teachers than there are true in this final generation. 1 John 4:1 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." A teacher of God's Word will also explain to you the difference between the holy and the profane and how to discern between the clean and the unclean.

Ezekiel 22:26
Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.
Even in the Millennium God's elect will teach these differences and cause people to exercise spiritual discernment: Ezekiel 44:23 "And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
[27] Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.

[28] And her prophets have daubed them with untempered morter, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken.

If after you have done your due diligence and found that what you heard was written in God's Word, then you know with certitude that He has spoken it and only then can you "go with it"! Otherwise, be very wary of those who tell you God told them this or that!

So how do you tell a true "shepherd" from a look-alike "wolf". How do you tell one who is sent from God and one who isn't? John 3:34 "For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him." So take heed, for if you are one of His disciples you not only need to know how to tell the difference for yourself but also how to teach others to "beware of false prophets". To that end, Jesus Christ, the greatest teacher of all time, makes it very simple for us as He begins with an analogy of nature itself. Fruit! Hey, you simply test the "fruit" and then you will know what kind of tree it came from!

Matthew 7:16
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
The point is, the fruit that you "pluck" from a tree tells you what kind of tree it is and you know what else? If you can discern the fruit you don't even have to see the tree itself to know what kind it is, do you?
G2590 karpos kar-pos'
Probably from the base of G726; fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively:— fruit.
[17] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
One of the very first lessons we learn in the Word of God is that there are two different trees from which one can obtain "fruit" to eat. However, one of them you need to beware of and stay away from.
Genesis 2:9
And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life (Jesus) also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Satan).

Genesis 2:17
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Both the Tree of Life, who is Jesus Christ, and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, who is Satan, were in the midst of the garden. Yes, the story from the beginning, which is a matter of life and death, is to make sure you do not eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil unless you want to lose your spiritual virginity in like manner as Eve lost her physical virginity to the old serpent, who is Satan, the devil (Rev. 12:9), the false messiah, the fake (other) Jesus, the corrupt tree that shall be hewn down and cast into the lake of fire. To wit, false prophets stem from that false tree and the Jesus they preach is not our Jesus but "another one" (see below), the false one, the false messiah. Paul warned us about this same thing:
2 Cor. 11:2-4
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

[3] But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

[4] For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Paul was concerned that some might put up with those who preach "another Jesus". Don't receive spirits (doctrines) without first testing the fruit... which is what Christ is explaining to us.
Matthew 7:18
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Remember, in the Bible Trees are symbolic of and represent people!
Jesus Christ, the Word of God, is that good tree, the Tree of Life. Satan, the other Jesus who is preached, is the corrupt tree and no good fruit can come from him. And Satan's ministers who only appear as messengers of righteousness, even as Satan appeared to Eve as a knowledgeable one who could explain what God really meant when He said "Thou shalt surely die!", also often misquote the Word of God or twist it to conform to the traditions of men. What shall their end be?
2 Cor. 11:14-15
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

[15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Their end is this:
Matthew 7:19
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Such is the fate that awaits the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil which deceives the whole world. Rev. 20:10 "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone...". Again, how do you tell the difference between the holy tree and the profane tree?  Test the fruit of the tree with the fruit detector, the Word of God.After awhile, you'll notice there really are a lot of fruitcakes running around.
[20] Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Isn't that a very simple thing? When you listen to a tree and you pluck the fruit from it, squeeze the fruit by checking it out in God's Word before you eat itThen you will know if it comes from the Tree of Life or the poisonous Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

In other words, if what you have plucked are nothing but the traditions of men, like stories about snakes and apples, and rapture theories, and Easter bunnies, etc., then you are barking up the wrong tree!



Question from the Editor: Does your church teach and/or celebrate these things?  If so, why do you continue to attend that church?


Again, be very careful and take heed! Just because someone calls himself or herself or his or her work "Christian" doesn't make it so anymore than calling the Federal Reserve Bank "Federal" makes it part of our federal government for it is NOT! It is privately owned. Are you beginning to get the picture? Since Christ said that there would be MANY false prophets in this final generation who come in His name saying that He is Christ, i.e. that "Jesus is Lord", "Praise the Lord", "Hallelujah", then MANY of the professed Christian ministers and preachers you see and hear today are fake and are feeding our people BAD FRUIT! Do you think they all please Jesus Christ?
[21] Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
They come in his name and do everything but His will! They use His name (Christian) to teach, but they do not teach His Word chapter by chapter and verse by verse, but rather teach the traditions of men. They do all sorts of good deeds but they do not do the work which their Father has ordained for the sons and daughters of this final generation, and that is to seek and understand the visions, i.e. His Word, and prophesy (teach) His Word to the true House of Israel. They claim to cast out devils and some even go so far as to knock people down on stage in the name of Jesus and yet the people who have followed them for years and years, who by now ought to be teachers themselves (Heb. 5:12), are still as Biblically illiterate as ever.
[22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
"In that day" is the day of Christ's return! "Woe to the foolish prophets... (Ezek. 13:3)!"
[23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
"Iniquity" is anomia in Greek (Strong's #458) which means transgression of the law, the Word of God. They lead our people astray by substituting church and a form of worship instead of teaching the Word of God chapter by chapter and verse by verse.Christ never knew these Christians because they never knew Him. They never came to Him, to the Word of God, and got to know Him.

You see, one who says he or she knows Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God, and yet is ignorant of the Written Word of God, is a foolish person indeed!

So we have been WARNED by Jesus Christ Himself that we must beware of the many false prophets in this generation and INFORMED that not all who call themselves Christian are going to make it into the kingdom of heaven.

Now it is decision time! Do you have "ears to hear" what Christ has taught on the mount, from on high? Which path, the broad or the narrow, are you going to follow in building up the house of God?

[24] Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Therefore in conclusion... whosoever hears (with understanding) these sayings of Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and DOETH them, is a WISE MAN!
James 1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Jesus Christ, the Word of God, is the Rock upon which the wise stand and that Rock is unmovable (Psalm 62:6).
Matthew 7:25
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat* upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Christ is referring to the period of the great tribulation the false-christ in the final generation of the fig tree when the flood of his lies spew forth as a flood and the four winds blow upon the earth.
Rev. 12:15
And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

water = G5204  hudor hudatos  hoo'-dor,hoo'-dat-os,etc.
From the base of G5205; water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively:—water.

Again, that "Rock" is Jesus Christ Himself and our people are becoming less and less mindful of Him, i.e. of the Word of God. Deut. 32:18 "Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee."

* Note: It is interesting that the Greek word for "beat" in Mat. 7:25 (# 4363, prospipto) is a much stronger word than the Greek word for "beat" in Mat. 7:27 (#4350, proskopto).The "wise" who are firmly founded upon the Rock can withstand a much greater pounding than the "foolish" who have no foundation upon which to stand. You see, it doesn't take much for the Big Bad Wolf to huff and puff and blow their houses down.

Matthew 7:26
And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
[27] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
The great fall is called the "apostasy" by the apostle Paul in 2 Thes. 2:3. When Satan, that old serpent the dragon, is cast out of heaven to this earth at the sound of the 6th Trump, the spiritual onslaught will hit from all directions.

Notice that the rain comes from above, the floods from the foundation and winds from all four sides.

winds = #G417 anemos an'-em-os
From the base of G109; wind; (plural) by implication (the four) quarters (of the earth):—wind.
Paul also tells us in that 2nd chapter of 2nd Thes. why the majority of Christians will fall in the great apostasy:
2 Thes. 2:10
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
They liked listening to superpreachers and hearing them tell them fairy tales about flying away in some Rapturemobile when the spurious messiah comes, instead of taking the time to test the fruit by studying their Father's Word and becoming "sealed" with the knowledge of His truth in their foreheads.
Matthew 7:28
And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
People today are also often amazed when they hear a true teacher of God's Word teach boldly after the manner of "Thus saith the Lord" and "It is written". If you noticed, not once did Christ go around the group of disciples and ask them what this verse or that verse meant to them. It doesn't matter what man thinks it means, but rather what the Word of God actually has to say!
[29] For He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
The Divine authority that Christ continually taught with were the words His Father gave Him, i.e. the Word of God (John 14:10). Christ often said "It is written" or "Haven't you read?"  How do the scribes teach? They teach the writings of the rabbis, the words of men, which is called the Talmud.

In Christian circles you could call them "quarterlies".

In conclusion to today's study, let us all ask ourselves just how "wise" are we and let us take heed to our Father's words in the last two verses of the book titled "Salvation", which is "Hosea" in Hebrew, as He likens Himself to a green fir tree:

Hosea 14:8-9
Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.
All one has to do is understand the symbology and this verse and what our Father is saying becomes very clear. "Ephraim" was the largest of the 10 ten tribes of the House of Israel and is put forth here in a figure of speech to represent the whole. "Idols" are just that... the iniquitous teaching and whoring after the traditions of men. And a "green fir tree" is an evergreen tree which is symbolic of everlasting life. Are you one of the wise who knows what tree from which to obtain fruit and what "substance" to build the foundation of your house upon? Or will you be among the multitudes who follow the transgressors, the workers and teachers of the iniquitous doctrines of men (Mat. 7:23)? The choice is yours, so become a fruit tester and choose only the Tree of Life from which to obtain fruit. Your salvation depends upon it!
[9]Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
Who is wise?

In our next study Christ will begin the second period of His ministry.

 
                             
To study the Bible is the noblest of all pursuits; to understand it, the highest of all goals.  We pray that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you accomplish both.


The American Wisdom Series

is

Published by:

Rhine Publishing Co.
E-mail address - americanwisdomseries@verizon.net

Here at the American Wisdom Series our goal is to make you think about and question the wisdom of the current:
doctrine of many of our Christian churches, (The Man on a White Horse)
political direction of our country, (The Man on a Red Horse)
economic direction our country has taken, (The Man on a Black Horse)
 and teaching of our schools and media, (The Man on a Pale Horse)

The Four Hidden Dynasties of the New World Order Revelation 6:1-8
"The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse"
Did you know all four are being ridden by Satan?