Text: Matthew 7:13-27
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave instructions for the life of a disciple. In our text, He described the life of a disciple as a different life. Our lives are filled with choices we need to make. These choices reflect who we are. As Jesus’ disciples, we are to make choices in line with His will – this will invariably make us different. In the end, these choices come down to deciding between what is right and what is wrong. We must be different by choosing what is right and be willing to be different for the sake of what is right.
Two Ways (Matthew 7:13-14)
- The way refers to the direction we are to go and the manner in which we are to walk
- Right way – deliberate (Joshua 24:15), demanding (Luke 9:23), definite (John 14:6), difficult (v. 14, NKJV)
- Wrong way – whatever we want to do; consequences might be hard (Proverbs 13:15), but the choice is easy
- There is only one way – through Christ (John 14:6)
- Different because most will not choose to truly follow Christ (John 8:31) – too demanding (Luke 9:23)
- We must walk as He walked (1 Peter 2:21-22; 1 John 1:7) – not the way that “seems right” to us (Proverbs 14:12)
Two Teachings (Matthew 7:15)
- This refers to the teaching we accept regarding spiritual matters
- Right teaching – God’s word (John 17:17; 1 Peter 4:11), in context (John 10:35; 2 Peter 3:16), in its entirety (Acts 20:27)
- Wrong teaching – whatever we want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
- There is only one truth – the word of God (John 17:17)
- Different because most will reject all or part of it – some will only listen up to a point (Acts 22:2, 22)
- We must “abide in the teaching of Christ” (2 John 9) – not go beyond this or fall short (Revelation 22:18-19)
Two Fruits (Matthew 7:16-20)
- Fruit is that which is produced from our actions and teaching
- Right fruit – walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 22-23), trust in God (Isaiah 55:8-11), work for Him (Colossians 1:10)
- Wrong fruit – seek to produce fruit, regardless of whether the work is “good” (Matthew 15:13; 23:15)
- There is only one way to produce the right fruit – by following God’s plan (Colossians 1:10; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- Different because most think the ends justify the means – Bible authority is irrelevant to them
- We must trust in God rather than ourselves (2 Corinthians 3:4-6, 12) – He will give the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6)
Two Works (Matthew 7:21-23)
- These works are deeds that we might do in service to God
- Right works – God’s will (John 7:16-17; 14:26; Matthew 28:20), what is authorized (Colossians 3:17; 2 Timothy 1:13)
- Wrong works – whatever we think will honor the Lord; but we do not think like Him (Psalm 50:21; Isaiah 55:8-9)
- There is only one set of works that are right – those revealed in the word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- Different because most think that anything we do “for the Lord” is good – but we must do what He says (Luke 6:46)
- Must do what He has authorized (Colossians 3:17) – not presume to know what would please Him (1 Corinthians 2:11-12)
Two Foundations (Matthew 7:24-27)
- This foundations is that which we build or base our faith upon
- Right foundation – hear Jesus’ words (Luke 8:8), obey Him (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 5:9)
- Wrong foundation – may listen, but fail to do what Jesus said (John 6:28, 63); deceiving (James 1:22)
- There is only one solid foundation – Christ and His word (Ephesians 2:20; Romans 10:17)
- Different because many only follow Christ when it is convenient – not the basis for their life, it is more like a fad (Proverbs 20:6)
- We must base our life upon Christ and doing His will – our labors will not be in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Conclusion
- When Jesus finished speaking, the crowd knew there was something different about Him (Matthew 7:28-29)
- He taught as one with authority – He is the Son of God (Matthew 17:5) and has all authority (Matthew 28:18)
- If we are to be His disciple, we must follow Him in all things – the rewards are well worth it
