Thesis: To teach the hearers that they need to “beware” of false teachers in and out of the church, in order that they may not be taken captive by the philosophies of men (Col 2:8), but rather be overcome by the power of God, the gospel, in order to hear those longed for words from our Master “well done, good and faithful servant” (Mt 25:21).
Text: Matt 7:13-27
Introduction,
This is the final part of this specific teaching session from our Lord (commonly referred to as “the sermon on the mount”). He thus far spoke of the Christian blessings, the traditions of men, how to grow spiritually, where one’s priorities are to be in seeking God's kingdom, and what is to be our attitude towards others.
In this final section He deals with the things that will keep people out of God's kingdom, even though they may attempt to enter therein.
This, as well as all of our Lord’s lessons are essential for those that are attempting to follow Him into heaven, for we know that He alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
Thus we will be looking at the grand finale of this teaching, and the points that He wanted to leave in their minds, and likewise ours (Mt 28:20).
Mat 28:20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
As is often our custom we will examine these great truths by dividing them into sections.
1) The Difficult Way (v 13-14)
2) The Deceivers Way (v 15-23)
3) The Doers Way (v 24-27)
I. THE DIFFICULT WAY (v 13-14)
A. (v 13)
Mat 7:13 "Enter (in) by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is (broad) easy that leads to destruction (being eternally lost, i.e. perdition), and those who enter (in) by it are many.
The disciples (Mt 5:1-2), and thus we also being disciples (Mt 28:20), are told to enter in by the narrow gate. Let us first take note that the gate is at the beginning, not at the end of our heavenly voyage, as depicted by some, this is not speaking of the pearly gates of Rev 21:21.
1. “Enter” here is a command, thus the entering of this gate requires obedience, obedience based upon, motivated by our faith, therefore faith is a prerequisite, it is the first requirement in our partaking of the gospel (Jn 5:24), yet it needs to be coupled with actions (Ja 2:17, 24, 26), in Rom 1:5; 16:26 this is referred to as the “obedience of faith,” this is the main purpose of the apostles going out into the world and preaching the gospel (turn to Rom 1:5; 16:25-26) . . .
Rom 1:5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,
Rom 16:25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages
Rom 16:26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—
a. We believe the gospel, thus we obey the gospel
b. In Luke 13:24 our Lord said to “strive” to enter therein (look at Luke 13:23-24).
Luk 13:23 And someone said to him, "Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?" And He said to them,
Luk 13:24 "Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. (NASB)
c. This word “strive” here in the original language is “ag-o-nid-zom-ahee,” from which we derive our word “agonize” and it means to “agonize,” “to struggle” to enter in the narrow gate/door, for many will seek to enter, and not be able, for many, the degree of their earnestness and efforts will fall short of that which is needed to enter into this door/gate.
d. This will come about by Satan working through various devices in order that individuals will not be saved, this is depicted by our Lord in the parable of the sower (Mt 13:1-23; Mk 4:1-20; Lk 8:4-15).
2. Also the gate, the door is said to be “narrow” this word here in the Greek is “sten-os,” and it depicts “narrowness from obstacles standing close about.”
a. These obstacles would be the sins and other weights (which may not be sinful of themselves) in our lives, which most will not be willing to give up in order to align one’s self with God's will (Heb 12:1-2).
Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Heb 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder (author) and perfecter of our faith, . . .
b. This wording also denotes that we must “squeeze” through, we cannot take our old person, our worldly ways with us, they will not fit through.
c. And if we do attempt to “force” them through, we are only fooling ourselves into thinking we are spiritual, born of the Spirit, being saved, when in fact we are idolatrous (Col 3:5), lust seeking (1 John 2:16), people of the world, the enemies of God (Ja 4:4), and will be turned away at the Day of Judgment (Mt 7:23)
3. But there is another gate, it is wide, it is crowded, and many enter at that gate.
1. This way is broad, it is easy (ESV), it follows man’s ways, his conclusions, his opinions, the traditions of men, as opposed to the word of God. We could put the murdering of the unborn, adulterous marriages, sodomy and lesbianism in this category today, many today say you can enter into salvation and these things won’t keep you out, but God says otherwise through His holy apostles in the Spirit (turn to 1 Cor 6:9-11; Heb 13:4; Rev 21:8)
1Co 6:9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,
1Co 6:10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
1Co 6:11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Heb 13:4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
Rev 21:8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."
a. God's ways and thoughts are opposed to man’s ways and thoughts (Isa 55:8-9),
Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
b. One (God’s ways and thoughts) are sinless, just, holy, eternal perfection;
c. And the other (man’s ways; Pro 14:12; and thoughts) are led by self desires, thinking upon the temporal, the things of the world, for the most part.
d. God through the gospel is attempting to fix this problem by giving us His Spirit and Christ in us, the hope of glory.
e. But the majority of mankind throughout the ages has chosen to follow themselves, instead of God, thus, in the want to be likened unto others instead of God, from Whom we originated, most are, and will be, separated from Him . . .
a. In the garden of Eden, the majority was wrong,
b. At the time of the flood, the majority was wrong,
c. At the tower of Babel, the majority was wrong,
d. At the time of Abraham, the majority was wrong,
e. At the 40 yrs of Israel wandering in the wilderness, the majority was wrong,
f. In the time of the Judges, the majority was wrong
g. In the United Kingdom, the majority was wrong,
h. In the Divided Kingdom, the majority was wrong,
i. In the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities, the majority was wrong,
j. During the Intertestamonial period, the majority was wrong,
k. In the time of Christ, the majority was wrong,
l. When the church apostatized under Catholicism, the majority was wrong, and those that stood in the faith, were labeled heretics, and put to death by both Catholics and Protestants alike,
m. Even now, in the current apostasy in Christ’s church, the majority is wrong, and those that oppose them are branded by various derogatory names.
n. Sadly the majority was, and always is wrong (Ex 23:2), for “many are they that enter in thereby” (that broadway that leads to destruction).
B. (v 14)
Mat 7:14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard (difficult; NKJV; straitened; ASV; KJV) that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Entering in the narrow gate (believing; Jn 3:16; LITV; and being immersed; Rom 6:3; Gal 3:27; into Christ; Eph 4:15) is just the beginning, then we must continue following the straightened, the difficult, hard Way (Jesus said . . . “I am the way the truth and the life;” John 14:6).
1. Thus we must strive, agonize, struggle to follow, to imitate Christ, our perfect example (1 Cor 11:1),
1Co 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
a. How? By allowing God through His Spirit within us to lead us (Rom 8:5-14; Phili 2:13) instead of resisting (Acts 7:51), quenching it (1 Thess 5:19).
b. This way, the Way, His way, is difficult, it’s constrained, it’s hard, it is that which is revealed in God's word, yet it is that “only way” which leads to eternal life, there is no other (John 14:6).
Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
c. This is a reference to commandment keepers (John 14:21), who allow God’s love, which is shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5), combined with faith to motivate them; they manifest “faith working through love” (Gal 5:6), they love God and others, and prove it, by keeping His commands (John 14:15; 2 John 6; Gal 5:6).
Joh 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
2Jn 1:6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.
Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
2. One way leads to destruction, it’s smooth, it’s popular, it’s deceptive, and it’s crowded, it looks right, but it’s not! All these people can’t be wrong, can they! It is written (Rom 3:2) . . .
Rom 3:4 . . . let God be true, but every man a liar;
a. The other way leads to life, it’s hard, there are rules, God’s rules, it was that way since the beginning, and it’s that way now!
b. The person that keeps God’s commands is the person who allows God to work in them (Phili 2:12-13), and this is the outward proof that they are among the redeemed (look at Rom 8:5-14).
Rom 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Rom 8:7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.
Rom 8:8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
Rom 8:10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is alive because of righteousness.
Rom 8:11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
Rom 8:12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
Rom 8:13 For if you are living according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Rom 8:14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
3. And no one will find the Way by mistake; no accountable person will just wind up in heaven, Isaiah wrote . . . (Isa 35:8-9; turn there) . . .
Isa 35:8 And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but is shall be for the redeemed: the wayfaring men, yea fools, shall not err therein.
Isa 35:9 No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast go up thereon; they shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: (ASV)
a. These verses (Isa 35:8-9) do not teach that the redeemed will not sin, for 1 John 1:8 teaches us that Christians do on occasion commit sin (1 John 1:8-9).
1Jn 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
b. What Isa 35:8 teaches is that the redeemed, the saved, will be holy, set apart for God’s will, and it will be purposeful, they, through the power of the gospel (Rom 1:16), will enter into the kingdom of God, through their hearing, believing and obeying it, no one will accidentally, erringly enter into that status.
c. For it is a “Difficult Way” that leads to eternal life and they that follow this Way will certainly be well aware of their struggles along that route, for it is through these very trials and temptations that God refines us (Ja 1:2-4; 1 Pet 1:6-7; 4:12-14), and brings holiness to completion in our lives (2 Cor 7:1), so that we may be holy as He is holy (1 Pet 1:16), and see His face (Heb 12:14), as we fellowship Him in eternity in Heaven (Rev 22:4).
II. THE DECEIVERS WAY (V 15-23)
A. (V 15)
Mat 7:15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
A prophet of God can either be a forthteller (one who proclaims forth God's message by inspiration), or a foreteller (one who by inspiration gives God’s predictions of future events).
1. We can apply this today to those who do not teach the truth concerning God’s word (false teachers), knowingly, or not.
2. Most false teachers earnestly believe what they teach is the truth, yet many of these have to discount various bible passages in order to justify the errors they teach, therefore they fall under the condemnation of being ashamed of Christ’s words; Luke 9:26) . . .
Luk 9:26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
3. And also this can be applied to those who falsely claim inspiration concerning the Faith today, even though God said in the bible that the Faith has been “once and for all delivered” (Jude 3).
Jud 1:3 Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.
a. We could apply this today to those who claim to have messages from God contrary to His word, recently one individual claimed to have received a “strong nudge” from Jesus that sodomy (being a homosexual) was approved of God, thus practicing homosexuals are not in a sinful state even though for thousands of years God’s word has been teaching contrary to that.
b. The apostle John wrote thus in 1 Jn 4:1 . . .
1Jn 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
c. How do we test or prove the spirits, by comparing what they bring forth to the once delivered, forever settled word of God, if it is in alignment, it is from God, if it is not, it is a doctrine of demons (1 Tim 4:1).
4. This section would naturally follow what the Lord just taught, there would be many false teachers that would deceive people into believing that they could enter into eternal life through that wide gate, the broad way, the ways of the world.
a. Outwardly they may be the epitome of gentleness, sweetness, helpfulness; often accomplished speakers and persuaders.
b. Yet inwardly they will be as ravening wolves, they may have ulterior motives, (the wanting of money, possessions, a large following, a prominent name), but in the kingdom of God, the least is the greatest.
c. We are to be wary of them, for if followed, they, likened unto hungry wolves after a kill, could devour our very souls.
B. (v 16-20)
Mat 7:16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Mat 7:17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
Mat 7:18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.
Mat 7:19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Mat 7:20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
How will we recognize them, in order to avoid their deceit into damnation?
By their fruits, their fruits can be put into three categories . . .
1. The first fruit would be that which they teach, is it the apostles doctrine (Acts 2:42) the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9), which is God’s doctrine (John 17:8), the once for all delivered faith (Jude 3), or is it the precepts of men (Mt 15:9), the doctrines of demons (1 Tim 4:1)?
a. We are to give diligence to show ourselves approved to God (2 Tim 2:15).
b. We are to prove, test all things (1 Thess 5:21), and that includes what teachers teach.
c. We are to search the scriptures daily (Acts 17:11), to prove/test them (1 John 4:1), in order to know if their teaching is God’s or men’s.
d. If the Bereans checked up on the inspired apostle Paul (Acts 17:11), we certainly ought to check up and question any discrepancies we come across today.
e. Some of the basic false doctrines taught today would be . . .
i. Abortion is approved of God (Rev 21:8).
ii. Sodomy, lesbianism, same sex marriages, sexual relations outside of a scriptural marriage are all approved of God (1 Cor 6:9-10; Heb 13:4).
iii. Many promote the love of money and possessions while the gospel teaches contrary to that (prosperity gospel; Lk 6:20; 12:15, 1 Tim 6:10; Heb 13:5).
iv. Also some teach a one-sided God (Rom 11:22), Who is love only (Heb 12:29) and does not actively judge sin in this life (Eph 4:6) or the next, i.e. no torments/hell, again the word of God teaches contrary to that (Mt 5:22, 29-30; 25:30, 41, 46; Lk 16:19-31).
v. These teachings entice active sinners into the kingdom without being convicted by the Holy Spirit of their sins (Jn 16:8) that they might come to repentance (2 Pet 3:9) and become holy as God is holy (1 Pet 1:15-16).
2. The second fruit would be their lifestyles, does that line up with the word of God, are they walking after the flesh or after the Spirit (Rom 8:5-9)?
a. Do they attempt to walk in moral purity, their speech, their actions (Tit 2:11-12)?
Tit 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,
Tit 2:12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions (lusts), and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
b. If they are married, is it a scriptural, holy marriage; one husband, one wife, for life (Mk 10:10-11; Lk 16:18; Rom 7:2-3; 1 Cor 7:39; Heb 13:4)?
Mar 10:11 And he said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits (is committing) adultery against her,
Mar 10:12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits (is committing) adultery."
Luk 16:18 "Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits (is committing) adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits (is committing) adultery.
Rom 7:2 For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage.
Rom 7:3 Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress.
1Co 7:39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.
Heb 13:4 Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
c. Do they habitat places that promote sin, liquor serving establishments, bars or casinos that supposedly serve the best and cheapest food in town, yet feed on the sinful weaknesses of others? (Eph 5:11; 18).
Eph 5:11 and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them;
Eph 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
d. Does a sparkle come to their eye when money, possessions or various lusts of the flesh are the subject, more so than when the will of God is under contemplation (Luke 12:15; Col 3:5; Heb 13:5; 1 Jn 2:15-17)?
Luk 12:15 And he said to them, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
Col 3:5 Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Heb 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
1Jn 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world—the desires (lusts) of the flesh and the desires (lusts) of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
1Jn 2:17 And the world is passing away along with its desires (lusts), but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
3. The third fruit would be their disciples, those that they teach (Phili 1:22; Col 1:6).
a. Do these attempt to be pure in speech and lifestyle? (Col 3:8; Eph 5:3-5)
Col 3:8 but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth:
Eph 5:3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
Eph 5:4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
Eph 5:5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
b. For Jesus said (Mt 12:36-37) . . .
Mat 12:36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,
Mat 12:37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
c. And it is written (Rev 20:12) . . .
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.
d. Are they more concerned with God’s work, the things above? Or that which they can receive from the world? Possessions, pleasures, self-gain, self-promotion? (Phili 3:18-19; 1 John 2:15-16; Ja 4:4;).
Phi 3:18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Phi 3:19 whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.
1Jn 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world—the desires (lusts) of the flesh and the desires (lusts) of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
1Jn 2:17 And the world is passing away along with its desires (lusts), but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Jas 4:4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
d. Do they look forward to the 1st day of the week in order to gather together with the saints to worship God in spirit and truth and grow in the grace and knowledge that is in Christ, encouraging one another unto faithfulness, or are they more so looking forward to some sporting event that promotes divisiveness, drunkenness, immodesty, and other works of the flesh, lusts of the flesh, eyes, and vain glory of men? (Heb 10:25; 1 Cor 10:31)
Heb 10:25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the day drawing nigh.
1Co 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
4. Occasionally you will find false teachers and their followers doing good, and sometimes preachers and followers of truth do get snared in evil, but neither is characteristic of them, it is not what they continue to “bringeth forth,” over the long haul, they will be exposed for what they truly are.
C. (v 21)
Mat 7:21 "Not everyone who keeps saying to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will get into the kingdom from heaven, but only the person who keeps doing the will of my Father in heaven. (ISV)
Here the Lord is looking back at the fruits of these false teachers and their followers.
1. Just because they continue to confess Jesus as Lord does not assure that their names are written in the book of life, but only those that “doeth,” that continue to do God's will enter into the kingdom of heaven (Ja 1:22; Jn 8:31-32).
Jas 1:22 Keep on being obedient to the word, and not merely being hearers who deceive themselves. (ISV)
Joh 8:31 So Jesus told those Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are really my disciples.
Joh 8:32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (ISV)
1Jn 3:18 Little children, we must stop expressing love merely by our words and manner of speech; we must love also in action and in truth. (ISV)
a. And God did not bring forth His will through the catechisms, the confessions, nor the creeds of men, but in the plain and understandable living word of the living God, which was intended for the common man, not the Greek scholar, when we read it, we can understand its meaning (Eph 3:3-4).
Eph 3:3 how that by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote before in few words,
Eph 3:4 whereby, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;
D. (v 22)
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? (ASV)
Mat 7:22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' (ESV)
“That day” here refers to the Final Judgment on the Last Day.
1. These individuals will openly and plainly identify themselves with Christ.
a. These seem to be very religious folks, their problem was not with “idleness”.
b. But rather their religious activity was of the wrong sort.
c. It should be noted that “in thy name” (ESV; KJV; NKJV; NASB; NIV), is inserted by the translators here, the Greek word “en” (en; in) is not in this text, The ASV is likely the most correct rendering here “by thy name.”
d. They did “not” do these things “in” the name of Christ (“in” the realm of His authority; even though they may have believed so), but rather they did it “by,” alongside, His name, probably by verbal pronouncement as we see many times today, and falsely so.
e. To pronounce Christ’s name while doing a certain thing, is not to do something within the realm of His authority, we see that this exact thing took place in Acts 19:13-16; where the seven sons of Sceva, who were not in a relationship with Jesus, yet verbalized our Lord’s name while attempting to cast out an evil spirit, the end result was were severely beaten for their troubles and the demon was not cast out.
f. We need to remember authority is not taken from its Originator, it is given from said Party; to assume without right, or take authority from Someone without the entities’ permission is an act of rebellion, usurpation, revolution, an act of war.
2. Let us also note that it seems that these individuals thought they could perform miraculous manifestations of the Holy Spirit, and that they believed this would get them into heaven, while the Lord states where one’s focus is to be (Luke 10:17-20; Mt 12:39)
Luk 10:17 The seventy(-two) returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!"
Luk 10:18 And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
Luk 10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.
Luk 10:20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Mat 12:39 But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
a. Being “holy” set-apart “from” the world and “to” God (being born again) through the Holy Spirit revealed and confirmed gospel gets one to heaven not performing miracles (Heb 12:14).
Heb 12:14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
E. (v 23)
Mat 7:23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you (who practice; NASB; NKJV) workers of lawlessness.'
They thought they were Christ’s, but He states He never knew them, He never had a true relationship with them even though they believed different.
1. Even though they may have been enabled to perform miracles, that did not assure them salvation, they needed to continue in the doctrine of Christ to continue “being saved” (2 Jn 9).
2Jn 1:9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
a. These individuals were not Christ’s; these are still the false teachers and their followers in the text.
b. In the areas where God had legislated (law), they chose to do (practice) otherwise (lawlessness; 1 John 3:4).
c. It is true that we are not under law but under grace (Rom 6:14) yet law still exists, it is to be written in our hearts in the New Covenant (Heb 8:10; 10:16)
d. Many say today “God didn’t say not to do it!” He doesn’t have to, when He states a specific command, gives specific instructions, to do otherwise is “lawlessness”.
e. This is not speaking of “one time” or “occasional” sins, but habitual sin, the practice of sin.
f. If we have the love of God in us (Rom 5:5), if we love Him, we will keep keeping His commandments (Jn 14:15), if we don’t, we won’t (Jn 14:23-24) . . .
Joh 14:23 Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
Joh 14:24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.
g. The life we live (generally speaking), is the outward proof of our inward conversion (look at Rom 8:5-14)
Rom 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Rom 8:7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.
Rom 8:8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. (But) Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
Rom 8:10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is alive because of righteousness.
Rom 8:11 (But) If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
Rom 8:12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
Rom 8:13 For if you are living according to the flesh you will die (spiritually; Eph 2:1; 1 Tim 5:6), but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live (Eph 2:5).
Rom 8:14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
3. All these things were written “for our learning” (Rom 15:4) “that no person fall after the same example of disobedience” (Heb 4:11), God does not change (Mal 3:6; Ja 1:17) as some would like to believe, and many falsely so teach, remember false teaching is our subject, this is “The Deceivers Way,” let us therefore not fall into their deceit (Col 2:8),
Col 2:8 Take heed lest there shall be any one that makes spoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elementary principles of the world, and not after Christ:
III. THE DOERS WAY (v 24-27)
A. (v 24-25)
Mat 7:24 "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Mat 7:25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. (ESV)
Mat 7:24 Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock:
Mat 7:25 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and if fell not: for it was founded upon the rock. (ASV)
Mat 7:24 "Therefore, everyone who (continues to ) listen(s) to these messages of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on a (the) rock.
Mat 7:25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, but it did not collapse because its foundation was on the rock. (ISV)
I would like to point out the present tense verbs here “heareth” and “doeth” (in the ASV; KJV) in v 24
1. These are “present active indicative verbs,” they are ongoing, most modern versions translate these verbs “hears” and “does” which does seem to imply an ongoing action, but it seems to lack the strength needed, a more accurate modern translation would be “everyone that keeps on hearing” and “keeps on doing” the ISV translates it “keeps on hearing (v 26) these messages on mine and puts them into practice” and that’s pretty good for a modern version.
a. One’s “practice”, one’s walk (way) of life is what is being contemplated here, everyone that “keeps on hearing” (searching the scriptures daily; Acts 17:11; forgetfulness will not be a viable excuse on That Day), and “keeps on doing” (one needs to continue in the obedience of faith; Heb 5:9, abide in the doctrine of Christ; 2 Jn 9; and that from the heart; Rom 6:17. motivated by the love of God; Rom 5:5; and other’s souls; Gal 5:6) will be likened unto a person that built his house on a rock (“the” Rock in the Gr.), and when the storms of life come, he will have all that is needed to stand against the wiles of Satan, and that Rock is Christ (1 Cor 10:4), His teachings, His examples, His authority, His perfection, all given for us and to us through the gospel, God’s power to save.
b. Does that mean that we will never struggle, have troubles, sin? No! What it means is if our old person rears up his ugly head during a time of testing, we are to repent and pray for forgiveness and strength to resist Satan more diligently the next time he attacks knowing that the blood of Jesus cleanses of from all sin and we partake of His perfection as we walk in the light, live a life aligned with the gospel, being led by the Spirit.
B. (v 26-27)
Mat 7:26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
Mat 7:27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it." (ESV)
Mat 7:26 And every one that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand:
Mat 7:27 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall thereof. (ASV)
Mat 7:26 "Everyone who keeps on hearing these messages of mine and never puts them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on (the) sand.
Mat 7:27 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and battered that house, and it collapsed, and its collapse was total." (ISV)
Here again we see the same present tense verbs (“heareth; doeth them not”; ASV; KJV) combined with a negative response and thusly a negative result, this looks back at the narrow and broad ways (v 13-14) Again I think the ISV does the best job translating
1. It may seem strange to some that the Lord Jesus Christ would end His “sermon of sermons” on such a negative note, those that preached like this today would be accused of not being loving, but rather hard hearted.
a. But which of those individuals dares to throw such an accusation at the Son of the living God, God become flesh.
b. Yet we know that no know one manifested love as did our Savior, that is exactly what we are looking at here, this is love (John 14:15; 2 John 6).
c. Jesus never whitewashed sin or its consequences in any of His preaching, thus neither must we, this “is” what we are to imitate (1 Cor 11:1).
d. Yet to put one’s self on the line constantly, in order that others may enter into that eternal reward, is the ultimate show of love, we must tell others what they “need” to hear, which is probably not that which they “want” to hear, and it won’t be easy.
e. This speaks of the person who follows the broad way, who believes and follows false teachings, who calls Jesus Lord but does not practice what He teaches, which is the will of the Father, he does not walk in the light, does not allow himself to be led by the Spirit, therefore, instead his practice is lawlessness, therefore the blood of Jesus does not cleanse him from all sin, Gods righteousness is not imputed to him, this person does not know God, nor does God know him.
f. Therefore let us always be subject to God by following, practicing, the New Testament’s pattern of sound words (2 Tim 1:13), in faith and love, being both continuing “hearers” and “doers” (Ja 1:22) of the word, in order that we and others may hear those longed for words (Mt 25:34) . . .
Mat 25:34 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
g. I would like to end this lesson by reading from a similar passage (1 Jn 3:1-13) . . .
1Jn 3:1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
1Jn 3:2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
1Jn 3:3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
1Jn 3:4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.
1Jn 3:5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.
1Jn 3:6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.
1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.
1Jn 3:8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
1Jn 3:9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed (the word; Lk 8:11) abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God.
1Jn 3:10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
1Jn 3:11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
1Jn 3:12 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous.
1Jn 3:13 Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.
Conclusion,
We looked at the “DIFFICULT WAY,” it is not impossible, with God working in us all things are possible, yet it demands perseverance, but in the end it will be well worth the all the afflictions of this world brought about through it (Rom 8:18).
Let us always beware of the “DECEIVER’S WAY,” it is widespread within today’s religious world, it is contrary to the word of God, if it is followed, it could cost us our very souls.
And our Lord showed us the “DOERS WAY,” that way which is built upon the Rock, a life, a continuing practice of faith, working, through love, unto the life eternal.
Yet we must first “enter in” through that door, which is Christ (Jn 10:7-9), concerning such God has specifically instructed us…
One is to . . .
Hear the word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17), specifically the gospel of Christ (1 Cor 15:1-4);
Rom 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
We are to Believe that Jesus is the Christ, Who died for our sins, Who was raised from the dead, Who ascended into Heaven, and that we have the living hope of following Him (1 Pet 1:3-4)
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
Belief/faith is the crossover point wherein one enters into the process of “being saved” (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:46; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15), Jesus Himself stated in Jn 5:24 . . .
Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
One is to Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5) leave that old person behind, don’t try and drag him along (Eph 4:22-23; Col 3:9-10), one will soon find out that repentance is an ongoing thing concerning our past and present sins, the Holy Spirit continues to convict us as we walk in this world (Jn 16:8), the Lord states (Lk 13:3) . . .
Luk 13:3 . . . unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
And (Mt 5:3) . . .
Mat 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
A person is to Confess Jesus as the Christ (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9-10),
Rom 10:9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
This is speaking of that initial good confession (1 Tim 6:12), and during our lives of shining as a light in this sin darkened world.
One is to be baptized (immersed, it doesn’t mean pouring or sprinkling, the bible has words for these acts, it is not baptism; this word “baptizo” in the 1st century was used of ships that sank in the Mediterranean). As one believes into (eis) Christ; (Jn 3:16; LITV), one also is baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3), where His blood was shed (John 19:34), unto (for) the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; 22:16), this is the point where one is to be dead to self, sin, and the world, and alive unto God (Rom 6:1-11)
And a Christian is to live a holy life (1 Pet 1:15; Heb 12:14),
1Pe 1:15 But because the God who called you is holy you must be holy in every aspect of your life.
1Pe 1:16 Scripture says, "Be holy, because I am holy." (GW)
Heb 12:14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Imitating those like Paul and Jesus (1 Cor 11:1) who were not of the world though in it (John 15:18-19)
Joh 15:18 "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.
Joh 15:19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Being determined to follow Jesus by the power of the Spirit, the Way of holiness, the difficult Way, the only Way that leads to life, the gospel (good news) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.