◄ Matthew 7 Devotional Commentary ►
Matthew 7:1
Jesus had been teaching His disciples the principles and practice of righteousness in the life of a believer and the spiritual priorities that should govern our behaviour. He emphasised the importance of living our lives in dependence upon Him and charged us to live our life as unto the Lord and not for the applause of men.
As Christ draws His extended Sermon on the Mount to a close, He starts to give the godly perspective on read more...
Matthew 7:7
Christ's Sermon on the Mount is an extended teaching that covers numerous distinct yet interconnected topics of Christian life and godly living. Not only are we to explore the inner motive of our heart with regard to our personal words and actions, but we are to consider our conduct towards others and appraise our attitude towards our neighbour.
One important topic that threads its way throughout Christ's life and teaching is read more...
Matthew 7:8
The Sermon on the Mount outlines the character and conduct that Christ expects from all subjects in His kingdom. It covers two long chapters and needs to be understood as an integrated whole, rather than a series of disconnected teachings, and this detailed dialogue should NOT be taken out of context.
Christ's Sermon is not a presentation of the gospel, nor does it explain the plan of salvation to unbelievers. It is a series of read more...
Matthew 7:11
The Lord's teaching in His extended 'Sermon on the Mount', gives step-by-step information to believers on true discipleship, followed by structured teaching on how to live such a life. It touches on things to avoid like anger and adultery, and the correct way to fast and pray. It teaches about charitable giving, and the right attitude towards one's possessions.
It provides training for Christians in acceptable (or unacceptable) read more...
Matthew 7:12
"Do unto others what you would have them do unto you," is often referred to by both believers and non-believers as 'the golden rule'. It is often considered to be the root of our Christian faith, but this is a misinterpretation of this scripture and a misunderstanding of this biblical passage.
The implication is that this 'golden rule' is the singular foundation upon which the Christian life is built, read more...
Matthew 7:13
In His Sermon on the Mount, it was not a great multitude of people that heard Christ's important discourse, for Jesus was only teaching His disciples. It was only the followers of Christ who came to Him who were taught the many truths in this important passage of Scripture. We read that when Christ saw the multitudes, He went up into a mountain and His disciples came to Him and Jesus started to teach these important truths to His followers - alone.
read more...
Matthew 7:14
Christ's Sermon on the Mount covers every area of godly living and right thinking. Unlike the Mosaic Law, it is not a series of rules and regulations. It is not a list of instructions on 'do's' and 'don'ts'. His sermon was an authoritative teaching that laid out general principles for life and living. These principles can be applied to every facet of life and are relevant in every situation we may encounter.
Jesus had come to the read more...
Matthew 7:21
Jesus identified Himself as the Good Shepherd of the sheep. He warned His disciples that many false prophets would arise, seeking to lead them astray. He referred to them as 'ferocious wolves' and explained that the fruit of professing prophets, priests, pastors, or teachers, would help to confirm them as legitimate ministers of Christ or identify them as a counterfeit.
Jesus explained in the previous verse that the way to read more...