By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist
Read: Matthew 7:1-29
“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” (Matthew 7:12).
The key verse for this chapter is verse 12, “While other religions have sayings similar to this, the Golden Rule is strictly Christian because it is positive. It does not say, “Don’t do to others what you don’t want them to do to you.” It lays the responsibility on the Christian believer to act so that others will imitate the deeds and in the end glorify God (Matthew 5:16).
First, judging (Matthew 7:1-5). Christ is not telling us to avoid evaluating people or not to use our God-given wisdom (see 1 John 4:1-6). The world is full of false Christians and even ministers of Satan (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). As never before, Christians must be alert and must “try the spirits” (1 John 4:1).
What Christ is condemning is harsh judgment and unjust criticism of others’ motives. Notice that he uses the symbol of the eye. In Matthew 6:22-23, Christ defined “the eye” as the spiritual outlook of a person, that which motivates one’s life. Every believer has the obligation to test others by their fruits (verses 15-20), but no Christian should ever judge motives (see Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 4:5).
Second, discriminating (Matthew 7:6). This command balances the one previously given. We are not to judge others, but we must also be careful how we distribute holy things. “That which is holy” refers to the meat the priest takes off the altar; “pearls” typify Bible truths, the “precious promises” of God’s Word. The Gospel is to be preached in all the world.
Third, praying (Matthew 7:7-12). Why does Christ include this exhortation on prayer at this point in the sermon? Because it is so difficult for us, in our own power and wisdom, to obey the commands he has given. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,” says James 1:5, echoing what Jesus says here.
The believer who seeks to obey the word of God must constantly ask for strength, seek wisdom, and knock at God’s door for the supply of grace needed. Notice that Christ bases prayer on the fatherhood of God (verses 9-11). As God’s children, we may expect God to care for us and meet our needs.
Fourth, examining (Matthew 7:13-29). After trusting Jesus Christ for salvation, we should follow the Golden Rule. “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” (Matthew 7:12). Christ outlined three tests that will prove our righteousness is truly from God. A false Christian (a counterfeit) will fail these tests.
The tests are (1) The test of self-denial (verses 13-14), (2) The test of spiritual fruit (verses 15-23), and (3) The test of permanence or obedience to the Lord (verse 24-29).
Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.
