The American Wisdom Series

Presents
Matthew 5, 6 & 7 - The Sermon on the Mount : the Beatitudes Mat. 5:3-12 on one file 

The Book of Matthew presents Jesus Christ as Yahveh's King and to that end we saw  earlier where Christ began to teach and proclaim the GOOD NEWS of the kingdom, which is the King and His Dominion, all around Galilee and heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. It is written that as a result, His fame went throughout all Syria and they brought unto Him all sick people... and He healed them (Mat. 4:24). Therefore, great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from the ten-city area, and from Jerusalem, etc., followed Him (Mat. 4:25).

Why do you suppose the multitudes followed Christ? Was it because they hungered and thirsted after the wisdom and knowledge which comes from "hearing" the Word of God or was it because of the miracles and healings He performed? Think about it, for since there is nothing new under the sun, one has only to liken the "multitudes" who followed Christ back then to the "mainstream" or the majority of the followers of Christianity today and observe how seriously Biblically challenged (illiterate) our people are to know the answer.

Now Christ is going to teach us the characteristic makeup of the true servants of God who are the children of Light and who joyfully and happily follow after that Light which is Jesus Christ. These eight characteristics are called the Beatitudes which are in direct contrast to the eight Woes of the hypocritical children of darkness found in the 23rd chapter of Matthew. In fact, there is an appendix (126) in the back of the "Companion Bible", Kregel Publishers, which compares the Beatitudes to the Woes. Below is the table found in that appendix.

Let us now open our eyes and ears and observe what happens when Christ goes on high (up into a mountain) and sets Himself ready to teach.

Matthew 5:1
And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain: and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him:

Matthew 13:34-35
All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

Furthermore, the very word "disciple" means "a learner" which is a pupil or student, i.e. one who is schooled or "disciplined" in the Word of God. Ask yourself: Are you a student of His Word or do you follow the multitudes, the majority, who are followers of men's traditions? Are you one who goes regularly to church every Sunday but don't take the time to read the Bible during the week.

In other words, do you study His Word, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15), or do you just go to church and get involved in goodly works instead of the "wonderful works of God" He has ordained for this final generation in the pouring out of His Spirit upon all flesh?

Let us continue now where Christ has now gone up into the mountain to teach His disciples, who have also gone up unto the mountain (Mat. 5:1) to hear His voice!

Matthew 5:2
And He opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Deut. 32:1
Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.

Matthew 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

It is also the "poor in spirit" who shall allow His Spirit to speak through them at the time of the delivering up to be a witness unto the nations in proclaiming the good news of the gospel of the kingdom to the nations of the world. Matthew 10:19-20 "But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. [20] For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." They are truly blessed and spiritually rich indeed (see Rev. 2:9).

And so it is that these Beatitudes are the richness and spiritual strengths, qualities, and characteristics of the inheritors of the kingdom of God. They shall be blessed and happy indeed for "theirs is the kingdom" and they shall be part of the first resurrection, the raising to the status of eternal life at the return of Yeshua Messiah.

[4] Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

We can read of that "comfort to all that mourn" in Isaiah 61 which prophecies of both the first and second advents of our Lord.

Isaiah 61:2-3
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

[3] To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Rev. 11:3
And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Psalm 25:9
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way.

Psalm 37:11
But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

[6] Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

John 6:35

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

[7] Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Acts 7:59-60
And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

[60] And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

[8] Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

[9] Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

You "see", true and lasting peace can only be achieved by following God's ways, the ways of the Prince of Peace, which produce freedom and peace and happiness. To that end, God's servants are not only willing to put on the whole gospel armor of God (Eph. 6) and take a stand against the fiery darts of the enemy, but they boldly teach His truth as it is written without fear of the enemy or what man might do or say. And haven't you read how the Prince of Peace, the King of kings and His saints, usher in the kingdom of God whereby peace shall abound upon the earth?

Rev. 19:14
And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

[15] And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

[16] And He hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

[10] Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

1 Peter 3:14
But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

Matthew 5:11
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

1 Peter 4:14
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified.

Matthew 5:12
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Why is it that the servants of God are so persecuted and reviled? It is because they are "salty" when they teach and they do not withhold the truth of God's Word. Just like Jesus Christ, they tell it like it is concerning those who persecuted the prophets and they do so boldly and without fear of what men might do to them. You "see", they would rather please their heavenly Father by keeping His commands and doing His will, rather than please men just to avoid rejection or reviling or persecution.

[13] Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

[14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

[15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

If you are, then Jesus Christ gives you the following instruction:

[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Jesus Christ declared the good works that the sons and daughters (seed) would do in this final generation, even while He was yet hanging on the cross still teaching the entirety 22nd Psalm:

Psalm 22:30-31
A seed shall serve Him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.

[31] They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.

Here are the overcomers singing the Song of Moses at the victory celebration over the beast:

Rev. 15:3
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

Deut. 32:3-4
Because I will publish [proclaim] the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.

[4] He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He.

Answer: None! So thank you Father!

Jesus Christ left the multitudes behind and  is up in a mountain teaching His disciples who likewise "went up into the mount"with open ears to hear the Word of God from on high! The first thing Christ showed His disciples was the "humble before God" and "compassionate to others" qualities of the children of light, the salt of the earth (see Mat. 22:37-39).

To wit, His disciples are now the sons and daughters in this final generation of the fig tree of whom it was prophesied would see (as in understand) the visions of the prophets (Act. 2) and teach God's Word to their brothers and sisters of the true House of Israel! We noted that the "Beatitudes" ("Beautiful Attitudes" I like to call them) of those children of light are in direct contrast to the "Woes" of the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees that we shall cover in detail in the 23rd chapter of Matthew. However, to fully understand the depth of the teaching Christ is now giving on the mount, one should be familiar with the MO (Methods of Operation) of the scribes and Pharisees. A word to the wise is sufficient.

As we begin keep in mind that Christ is STILL teaching His disciples! In other words, He is not addressing the multitudes which He left when He went up into the mountain. Again, it was only His disciples who went up into the mountain where He was "set" to teach those who would hear His voice with open ears and take heed to His words of instruction! So having covered the characteristic qualities of His elect, Christ is now going to address their works, i.e. what they DO and what they TEACH. And like the Beatitudes, this will be in direct contrast to what the scribes and Pharisees DO and TEACH!

Christ begins:  Matthew 5:17  Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

This verse speaks directly to those who teach that the Old Testament is passé and not applicable anymore! Many so-called Christian preachers and pastors even teach that the laws of God themselves are no longer in effect. That is primarily due to the fact that they do not know the difference between a law, a statute, and an ordinance. You see, the natural laws of God which govern the physical universe, e.g. gravity and inertia, and the natural laws which govern human behavior, e.g. thou shalt do no murder, are still in effect. The statutes and ordinances governing sacrifices and rituals, etc., are of an entirely different nature. The main point is, it is still NOT OK to jump off a high cliff (because you will pay the price according to God's law of gravity) and it is still NOT OK to murder someone (because you will pay the price according to the law of murder, whether man righteously executes the commanded judgment or not) and it is still just as abominable to eat pork or any other thing God told us not to eat in Leviticus chapter 11 & Deuteronomy 14:3-21.

#1.It must be properly butchered! (verse 4) (But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.)
and
#2.Same rule as applies to the green herb; it must not be harmful to you. even  as the green herb have I given you all things)(verse 3)

"Even as the green herb"means their are meats we should not eat, just as we would not eat poison ivy.I believe He explained that to us in Leviticus chapter 11 and Deuteronomy 14:3-21 and it is still true today. See pamphlet #4027

[18] For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

[19] Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

[20] For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Those who have understanding know that it is written in Mat. 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 concerning this final generation of the fig tree, that MANY would come in the name of Christ, claiming to represent Him as Christian ministers and preachers, etc., and would deceive MANY. (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.") If Christ's words be true, and they are, and we are in that final generation,and we are, then the fact is that there NOW ARE MANY false ministers and preachers of Christ in these last days (even the majority) claiming to be "ministers of righteousness"... but you know what? Their righteousness does not exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees because their teachings are so leavened with the doctrine of the scribes and the Pharisees that the "Jesus" they teach is not the real Jesus Christ at all, but another "Jesus", the Instead-of-Jesus, Satan!

2 Cor. 11:4
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.

2 Cor. 11:13-15
 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

[14] 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.

1. The Law of Murder
2. The Law of Adultery
3. The Law of Perjury (False Oath)

However, the greater sin involves the souls of our brothers and sisters and their eternal salvation which you do AFFECT as a trustee and teacher of God's Word, i.e. as a Christian. You see, it is one thing to murder someone, which is to commit premeditated homicide, for then one must stand trial and upon conviction be sentenced to death according to the law! It is yet another thing to spiritually murder your brother for then one must also face judgment, at the Supreme Court level, and upon conviction also be sentenced to death, which is the eternal death of the soul in the lake of fire.

Christ explains this to us:

[21] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

kill = phoneuo, fon-yoo'-o, Greek 5407; from Greek 5406 (phoneus); to be a murderer (of) :- kill, do murder, slay.

phoneus, fon-yooce', Greek 5406; from Greek 5408 (phonos); a murderer (always of criminal [or at least intentional] homicide; which Greek 443 (anthropoktonos) does not necessarily imply; while Greek 4607 (sikarios) is a special term for a public bandit) :- murderer.

Deut. 19:11-13
But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities:

[12] Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.

[13] Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.

Now let's see what Christ has to say about the spiritual application of the Law of Murder, i.e. spiritual murder!

Matthew 5:22
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

1 John 2:9-11
He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

[10] He that loveth [agapao] his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

Finally, Christ says if you "shall say, thou Fool", which is to purposely condemn your brother as a religious "moros", i.e. to "write him off" thereby turning off the light of truth to that brother, then you are nothing more than a spiritual murderer and you are in grave danger of being judged yourself to the lake of fire! How dare you play God and set yourself up as the Judge!

fool = moros, mo-ros', Greek 3474; probably from the base of Greek 3466 (musterion); dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e. heedless, (moral) blockhead, (apparently) absurd :- fool (-ish, × -ishness).

musterion, moos-tay'-ree-on, Greek 3466; from a derivative of muo (to shut the mouth); a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites) :- mystery.

Matthew 5:23
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

[24] Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

[25] Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

Take note that the "adversary" is one of the many names of the old serpent, that old dragon the Devil! Remember we learned in our 5th study concerning Eve's experience that we should not argue with Satan. That means we should not argue with his "tail" either, i.e. those who follow after him and do his work!

[26] Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Next we shall examine the next two commandments Christ gave great emphasis to concerning the DOING and TEACHING of His elect. They are the Law of Adultery, which most see only as pertaining to the flesh act and/or thinking of "doing it" in one's mind, and the Law of Perjury or swearing falsely under oath. Well, we shall "see" and learn from the Lord Jesus Christ that there is much more than just "meets the (flesh) eye" when it comes to the "adultery" He speaks of!

If you are going to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and teach the Word of God, then you better have your heart set in the right place and possess those Beatitudes Christ outlined in the first part of the 5th chapter of Matthew. Do you remember what Christ told His disciples, which means He told you if you are a student of His Word (remember "disciple" means "learner" or one who is disciplined in the Word), in Matthew 5:20? "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."

Understand that there is one thing our Father greatly detests and that is someone who leads His children astray from His Word, which is what Satan did to a third of God's children (Rev. 12:4) in "the world that then was" (2 Pet. 3:6) and for which he received the death sentence to perish by fire (Ezek. 28:18), in the lake of fire. Make no mistake about it, teaching God's Word, or should we say pretending to be a teacher of God's Word, is a very serious matter, even a life and death matter concerning the very souls of our brothers and sisters, i.e. their eternal salvation.

You "see", Christianity is not a religion nor a church system of ritual worship and ceremonies where you are supposed to do this good work and perform that good deed to be in good standing and then told that those things are pleasing to God and accounted as righteousness. Have you not read what Christ said concerning those who call themselves Christians and who say "Lord, Lord" and have done "good works", how that they shall not all enter into the kingdom of heaven? 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.

We will cover this in more detail a few chapters hence in Mat. 7:21-29, because just like the scribes and Pharisees, many preachers and ministers have their people follow after a whole bunch of do's and don'ts, traditions of men, which they impose on the people as religious duty. Meanwhile, though most teach that one should not murder, nor commit adultery, nor tell lies, etc., they themselves are a bunch of spiritual murderers, spiritual whoremongers, adulterers, and false witnesses to the truth of God's Word. True, some are themselves sorely deceived by the traditions of men. Nevertheless, the problem is they have so spiritually "seduced the woman"(church) that she thinks she is espoused to the Lord Jesus Christ, but the reality is that there is another Jesus to whom she is awaiting to wed. That one is the false messiah who comes first (2 Thes. 2) at the sound of the 6th trump and takes the first woman in the field, who is symbolic of the apostate churches!

Let us now resume our study in chapter 5 of Matthew where Christ continues with His instruction to His disciples-soon-to-be-teachers who have gone up on the mount to hear His voice.

Matthew 5:27
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

[28] But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

You "see", to fully understand the depth of the spiritual adultery in one's heart that Christ is talking about in this verse one must first understand the true meaning of the original Greek words translated into English as "looketh" and "lust". Then one must understand that Christ did not take the commandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery", which applies to both men and women alike, and make it gender specific to a male looking upon a female. The words Christ used were "whosoever" (ho #3558, including the feminine he, hay; and the neuter to, to; in all their inflections) and "woman" (gune, specially a wife). In other words, the "woman" is His woman, one who belongs to Christ, i.e. a Christian man or woman.

Spiritually speaking throughout the entire Bible, "adultery" is constantly used to symbolize idolatry/apostasy and the "woman" is constantly used to represent true Israel and the church. So, just as Christ was talking about the spiritual death of our "brothers" of the House of Israel in raising the spiritual level of our understanding concerning the Law of Murder which we covered in our last study, He now does the same with the Law of Adultery concerning "apostatizing the church"! Again, there is no gender intended in this anymore than there is in the circumcision today, which is now not of the flesh but of the hearts of both men and women alike (Col. 2:11).

Let us now look at the Greek words for "looketh" and "lust".

looketh = G991 blepoô  blep'-o
A primary verb; to look at (literally or figuratively):—behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed. Compare G3700.

lust = G1937 epithumeoô ep-ee-thoo-meh'-o
From G1909 and G2372; to set the heart upon, that is, long for (rightfully or otherwise):—covet, desire, would fain, lust (after).

And so quite frankly, though many might disagree, what Christ is talking about is not that of a man having a momentary "sexy" thought pop through his head when a drop dead gorgeous blond passes by. It is to purposely, looking upon looking (blepo), "set your heart upon" seducing a "woman", which is analogous to what we call "putting the make on her"! Therefore, just as it is NOT OK to put the make on everything that passes by, it is also NOT OK to put the make on Christians for covetous reasons, to make them your own, to bring them into your own little church instead of espousing them to Christ.

The apostle's Paul and Peter both understood this well and because it is so important that we understand the significance of spiritual adultery/apostasy, let us "see" what they have to say.

Here's what Paul says to the "woman":

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.

They are here now, so watch out Christian!

[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.

The many seducers who come in Christ's name "desire occasion" to "glory" as servants of God, i.e. set themselves up to be something they are not! Paul taught the truth of God's Word boldly and straight on, with NO AGENDA (such as money or glory) other than espousing the woman to Christ. Paul "cut off" those false apostles which desire occasion!

2 Cor. 11:12-15
But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

[13] For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

false apostles = G5570 pseudapostolos  psyoo-dap-os'-tol-os
From G5571 and G652; a spurious apostle, that is, pretended preacher:— false teacher.

transforming = G3345 metascheômatizoô met-askh-ay-mat-id'-zo
From G3326 and a derivative of G4976; to transfigure or disguise; figuratively to apply (by accommodation):—transfer, transform (self).

[14] 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.

Now here is Peter who not only speaks of those who have adultery in their eyes and hearts concerning the woman, but he exposes what their number one "lust" is! If you have eyes to see, you will NOT be surprised at all!

2 Peter 2:11-15
Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

[12] But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

[13] And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot [lust] in the daytime. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

[14] Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

[15] Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

Well, that ought to about do it and at the same time make me popular with preachers!

Matthew 5:29
And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

offend = #4624 skandalizoô skan-dal-id'-zo
To "scandalize"; from G4625; to entrap, that is, trip up (figuratively stumble [transitively] or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure):—(make to) offend.

[30] And if thy right hand offend thee, cut if off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Matthew 5:31
It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

Jeremiah 3:8
And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.

Now to the spiritual teaching of Yeshua:

Matthew 5:32
But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

fornication = #G4202 porneia por-ni'-ah
From G4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively idolatry:— fornication.

pornos = G4205 pornos por'-nos
From pernemi (to sell; akin to the base of G4097); a (male) prostitute (as venal), that is, (by analogy) a debauchee (libertine):—fornicator,  whoremonger.

Matthew 5:33
Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

Leviticus 19:12
And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

Here is the Third Commandment against doing just that!

Exodus 20:7
Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

---

(Editors Note: And you thought taking The Lord's name in vain meant don't swear as in using a curse word! I'll bet there was a day when you even got your mouth washed out with soap for cursing! And now you find out it means to tell a lie and say, "The Lord said this or that")

---

Matthew 24:4
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.

Matthew 15:6
... Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

[9] Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,

[8] This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

[9] But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Ezekiel 13:1-2
And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

[2] Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;

Ezekiel 13:7
Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?

Ezekiel 13:19
And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your lies?

[20] Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against your pillows, wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to make them fly.

So be careful how you take the Lord's name and don't make oaths (swear) confirming the Word of God to our people by anything. I am is the LORD.

Christ explains:

Matthew 5:34
But I say unto you, Swear not at all;

[34... cont] neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

[35] Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool:

[35... cont] neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

[36] Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

The sum of the matter is: "You cannot cause anything to come to pass by swearing by anything in heaven or earth." All things shall come to pass exactly as it is written, exactly as our Father says they will! So...

[37] But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

communication = logos, log'-os, Greek 3056; from Greek 3004 (lego); something said (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty or motive; by extension a computation; specially (with the art. in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ) :- account, cause, communication, × concerning, doctrine, fame, × have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say (-ing), shew, × speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.

Please note the following words of Christ concerning religious hypocrisy:

Matthew 15:17
Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?

[18] But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

[19] For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

How much wisdom and understanding do you have from our Father's Word concerning the "wonderful works of God" and His plan of salvation in this final generation? His works are made known throughout the scriptures but are clearly and concisely summarized in the Song of Moses (Deut. 32) and even in the Book of Joel which Peter quoted part of in Acts chapter 2 on that first Pentecost Day following the resurrection. Then too, just knowing the works of the two churches of Philadelphia and Smyrna (Rev. 3 & 2) will give you a pretty good heads up.

You "see", the sons and daughters of God (Acts 2) who are the brothers and sisters of the church of Philadelphia (Rev. 3), have been given the key of David which unlocks the "visions of the prophets" and after "seeing" (understanding) those visions they go forth and prophesy (teach) those visions, i.e. the Word of God, to their brothers and sisters of the house of Israel. This they do speaking boldly and direct after the manner of "it is written" and "thus saith the Lord"... regardless of what traditions of men are taught in their churches. However, there comes a time when some of God's elect shall be delivered up and shall give witness and testimony before synagogues and councils and before kings and rulers (Mat. 24, Mark 13, Luke 21).

And so up to this point in our study of Matthew chapter 5, Christ has shown His disciples, even those who would go forth to teach His Word in this final generation, how to deal with their brothers and sisters of the House of Israel and those "neighbors" who embrace Christianity. Now He is going to tell them (us) how to handle our enemies and those who persecute us for HIS NAME'S SAKE. Again, it is important that we understand that He is not instructing the multitudes, but rather God's elect!

Matthew 5:38
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

Exodus 21:23
And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,

[24] Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

[25] Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

Have you read how the disciple Peter was prepared to defend himself... and Christ as well.

John 18:10
Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

[11] Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

Again, we have learned thus far in our study of this 5th chapter of Matthew how we are to be compassionate, non-judgmental, without lustful eyes (covetous), etc., while holding fast to the true Word of God in teaching our brothers and sisters and neighbors. Now Christ tells us what to do when it comes to the evils (poneros) of persecution and spite that are brought about by both the teaching of and the witnessing of the truth of God's Word!

Matthew 5:39
But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

You "see", when someone comes against you and smites you because you teach and hold fast to the truth, they literally smite Jesus Christ Himself and He will see to it that they are repaid, i.e. "receive their just recompense"! As it is written, Vengeance belongs to the Lord. In fact, the very day Christ returns is called the "Day of Vengeance" (Isa. 61:2). He will take care of those who trouble you, to whom you give witness as a child of God for their own good, if you understand the Plan of God to be carried out in this final generation. 2 Thes. 1:6-8 "Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; [7] And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, [8] In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Paul also speaks of the "repayment" belonging to God.

Romans 12:17
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

[18]If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

[19] Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Matthew 5:40
And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.

[41] And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

[42] Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Also, there is an old adage that goes:

Remember, we are here to serve Christ and plant seeds and bring forth fruit for the kingdom of God. Our service also includes the non-believer and the ungodly alike, and so what do you do if you find it is your enemy who hungers or thirsts?

Romans 12:20
   Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

[21] Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Nothing could be further from the truth!

Matthew 5:43
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

Leviticus 19:18
Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

Matthew 5:44
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

That having been said, to love (agapao) your enemies does not mean that you let them walk all over you.Sometimes "tough love" is required which involves rebuke or even chastisement which in no way is to be confused with vengeance! Our Father sometimes rebukes and chastens us... why?

Because He loves us and wants what is best for us:

Rev. 3:19
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Matthew 5:45
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

[46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

[47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

Rev. 2:8-10
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

[9] I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

[10] Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Matthew 5:48
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Thank you Father, which art in heaven. Hallowed by thy name!

As we completed chapter five in the Book of Matthew, Jesus Christ told His disciples to become "perfect", which means to become complete or "mature" in the Word of God that we might be able through the knowledge and wisdom of His Word to deal with others as our Father would have us do, according to His will. Now Christ is going to continue His private instruction to His disciples on the mount and continue to compare their righteousness to that of the religious hypocrites, phonies, who follow after the traditions of men. In doing so, He is going to teach us concerning the five following categories:

Hopefully you will be able to "see" the difference between Christianity and Churchianity, which is but a "religion" based on traditions, not on the Word of God.

Matthew 6:1
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

Also, according to all the critical texts the phrase "your alms" should read "your righteousness" which is what these five subjects we are now covering (almsgiving, prayer, fasting, riches, and cares) have to do with. Remember Christ said that your righteousness must exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees (hypocrites) else you are simply not a disciple and servant of Jesus Christ and therefore "ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Mat. 5:20). You must be able to "see" through the hypocrisy of those who claim to be Christ's representatives but in fact have only a form of "religion" made up of the traditions of men and deceptively labeled "Christian". Why do we say "deceptively" labeled Christian?

Because a Christ-ian is a "Christ-man", a person who follows Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and not a follower of some church system laden with rituals and ceremonies and praise and worship services, etc., while its members remain Biblically empty-headed, i.e. void of the knowledge of His Word.

So "take heed" and examine yourself and have the courage to do a "reality check" against His Word. And should you discover that what you do in serving and giving to God, which is your alms, are done with the intent to be seen of men and women, then "know" that you have a real ego problem... because the glory you seek is for yourself and not for your Father which is heaven. Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

[2] Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

[3] But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

[4] That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

[5] And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Here is the answer:

[6] But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

[7] But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

You see, to use vain repetitions is akin to stammering which is very similar to chanting. To that end, repeating a prayer in a ritual fashion over and over again is not something which comes from the heart and furthermore, it is really not personal communication at all, is it? Do you think that your heavenly Father is totally unaware of what is going on in the lives of His children, of which you are one?

Note: If you would like a great example of the vain repetitions of priests vs. the direct communication of God's servants to their Father, then read 1 Kings 18:25-39 concerning Elijah and the priests of Baal!

So be "mature" and grow up and cast aside the childish traditions of men! Your Father is very intelligent and it is an affront to speak to Him in such an impersonal and chanting manner! Take heed therefore to the instruction of Jesus Christ in the following verse and "do not be as one who uses vain (empty) repetitions"!

[8] Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him.

Such was the case with Daniel!

Daniel 9:21-23
Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. [22] And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. [23]At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

Jesus is now going to show us the "manner" in which His disciples pray and you will find contained in this manner, or model, "7" petitions. The first three are with respect to their love for their Father and the last four pertain to those things which are necessary for one to be a "just" (zadok) servant in carrying the light to the world, i.e. they concern their love for their neighbor, their fellow man. Here is a chart showing the reflection of the "beautiful attitudes" of the children of light in the "manner of the prayer of the elect", which is instead called the Lord's prayer.

Matthew 6:9
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Note: The ironic part about "The Lord's Prayer" is that Christ said just before giving this "model" prayer not to use vain repetitions, and yet churches do exactly that and repeat this "manner of prayer" as a ritual itself.

[10] Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

[11] Give us this day our daily bread.

[12] And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

One other important thing to make note of here is that asking for forgiveness is NOT the number one priority of God's elect! Some people are so consumed with their own sins and or penitence that their prayers consist of little more than "woe is me, what a sinner am I". To that end, here is a profound quote by E.W. Bullinger from the conclusion of his book titled, "How to Enjoy the Bible", Kregel Publishers, pgs. 416-417:

   "We have written only for those who have "peace with God" (Rom. 5:1), and enjoy "the peace of God" (Phil. 4:7), and know the God of Peace (Rom. 15:33).  Only such have leisure to be occupied with God.  Only such can "sit at the Lord's feet and hear His Word" (Luke 10:39 R.V.).
    All others must be "cumbered about much serving." They must need be occupied with themselves: either as sinners taken up with their sins, or as penitents with their repentance, or as believers with their faith, or as saints with their holiness.

    Unless and until we know our completeness in Christ (Col 2:10), and "believe God" when He declares that "He has made us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light" (Col. 1:12), we shall be in such a condition of conscience, and heart, and life as will not leave us any time of occupation with God.
    Instead of going on our way "giving thanks to God" for what He has done, we shall be giving way to mourning for what we have not done. We shall be like David when he "sat in his house" and was occupied with what he would do for the Lord. For, not until we learn what the Lord has done and purposed to do for us, shall we be ready, with David, to go in and sit before the Lord (2 Sam. 7:1:18).
    In the former case David's thought was, "Who I am"; in the latter he was exclaiming, "Who am I, O Lord God?"

Matthew 6:13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Paul expounded upon this:

1 Cor. 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Now Christ is going to emphasis the importance of being merciful and forgiving to others for their trespasses.

Matthew 6:14
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

[15] But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Do you?

Romans 7:14-15 "For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. [15] For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I."

[16] Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

[17] But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

[18] That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

The rewards have already been declared... but choice is yours!

The special object and "Divine purpose in the Gospel of Matthew is to set forth the Lord as Yahveh's King" who shall return at the sound of the 7th Trump and establish the Kingdom of God upon the earth. To that end, those who love and serve the King of kings in this final generation have a part in preparing the way for His return at the second advent and though they seek not glory for themselves, they shall be richly rewarded for the wonderful works they do according to His will, which rewards we read of in the Eight Beatitudes. Not only that, it is also written that He has made them kings and priests to reign with Him on the earth (Rev. 5:10 "And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.")

Since the beginning of the 5th chapter, we have been studying the in-depth teachings of Jesus Christ in what is commonly called the Sermon on the Mount, which we noted from the beginning is not "general instruction to the multitudes" but rather "personal instruction to His disciples" who follow Him and seek to hear His voice and obey His commands. (Matthew 5:1 "And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain: and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him.") Isn't it interesting that when we see Hollywood movies depicting Christ giving the Sermon on the Mount, we see Him either standing before throngs of people or walking through the crowds. However, such was not the case at all and as we continue in this 6th chapter of Matthew He is still teaching His disciples who came to Him on the mount apart from the multitudes.

Matthew 6:19
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

However, a "wise" person, even one who has read the great Book of Ecclesiastes (Christ will mention Solomon in this teaching), knows that this flesh age and all that is contained herein is "vanity", emptiness, i.e. it is TEMPORAL for it shall ALL pass away at the sound of the 7th Trump... including these flesh bodies (1 Cor. 15:51-52). So while many of our brothers and sisters spend an inordinate amount of their time seeking security and peace of mind in the "system", with all its retirement funds and insurances with assurances, entitlements, etc., God's elect are busy doing their Father's will knowing full well that though they must live in this world, their heart and soul are not of this world. In other words, God's elect look past this flesh and all that it has to offer because they know that there is NOTHING in this world that can compare to the riches and glory of the kingdom of God.

So take heed and be sure not to get "caught up" in the system or pulled off track (drawn away) to the point that you become too busy to serve God.

[20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

So here's a good question, "Just how does one make a "spiritual deposit" in heaven?" Dr. Luke's account gives us great insight into the answer, i.e. how to "lay up treasures" in heaven. It is actually very simple if you have eyes to see. Christ says to "Sell that you have, and give alms".

Well first of all, what is it that God's elect have to sell?

Just the most precious thing in all the universe... the Word of God, His precious truth which gives life, eternal life. How you do your "selling" depends on the talents you have which have been given unto you (Matthew 25:29 "For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.").

Luke 12:33
Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

The bottom line to all of this is, "Where and with whom does your heart lie?" It what and in whom do you put your trust and security? Do you desire more to make deposits in the First Bank and Trust Co. or is your number one priority to love and serve your Father by declaring His righteousness, thereby making deposits in the First Bank of Heaven?

Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Matthew 6:22
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

1 Thes. 5:5
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

Matthew 6:23
But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

A person who has both "eyes to see" and "eyes that are clear (focused on selling and giving alms)" is one who lets his or her light shine before men!

Luke 11:36
If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

Matthew 6:24
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

mammon =  mammonas  mam-mo-nas' #G3126
Of Chaldee origin (confidence, that is, figuratively wealth, personified); mammonas, that is, avarice (deified):—mammon.

mammon = mammonas Chald., that in which one trusts; hence, mammon, i.e. wealth, riches, (non occ.) (Critical Lexicon and Concordance..., E.W. Bullinger, pg. 476.)

Yes, but you don't understand! I've got bills to pay and obligations to fulfill and mouths to feed, etc., etc.! Well, no one is saying to quit your job and go stand on the corner and preach! But don't you know (next verse) that there is more to life than food and clothing and material things?

To that end, Jesus Christ is now going to put things in perspective and make a PROMISE to you that if you will love and serve God in these last days, He will "add" to you (not do it all for you) so that you will not have to be anxious and spend time "worrying" about the necessities of life. In other words, if you serve God and "sell that you have and gives alms" then He promises to take care of you.

Matthew 6:25
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Question? Do you not think God is not able to take care of you? Take a lesson from His nature.

[26] Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Next point...

[27] Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

[28] And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

[29] And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

It is also interesting to note that the most common lily is all "dressed in white" like the white linen garments of the saints, which are made up of their righteousness. Rev. 19:8 "And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints."Your righteous acts are the only things you can take with you when you leave the flesh.

Again, this old flesh and this flesh age are both temporal and you have heard the saying, "You can't take it with you!" Well, it is a true statement although it applies only to the material things of this world. But you see, you are not leaving this world with any material things nor even in a flesh body, but rather by being birthed into your spiritual body (read 1 Cor. 15 & Jn. 3). And although you were born into this world "naked" you need not be born "naked" into the spirit! However, if you have no righteous acts and have walked in darkness, you will not only be naked but you will ashamed of your nakedness! Rev. 16:15 "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame."

[30] Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Matthew 6:31
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

[32] (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

The point is...

[33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

So... "What Me Worry?"

[34] Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

[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?

[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.

hypocrite = #G5273  hupokriteôs  hoop-ok-ree-tace'
From G5271; an actor under an assumed character (stage player), that is, (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite"):—hypocrite.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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

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?

[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?

[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.

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 2:8
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

G5578 pseudoprophetes  psyoo-dop-rof-ay'-tace
From G5571 and G4396; a spurious prophet, that is, pretended foreteller or religious impostor:—false prophet.

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.

[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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

[20] Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

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!

[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.

[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?

[23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

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:

James 1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

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.

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.

* 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.

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.

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.

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

[29] For He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

In conclusion to this 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.

[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.