Sunday: The Hypocrisy of Condemning Judgment — Matthew 7:1-5; Luke 6:37-42
Every Christian must exercise “sound judgment” about others. How else could we refrain from “cast[ing] our pearls before swine,” or reject false prophets? (Matthew 7:6, 15-23). This warning is against the spirit of condemnation, shown by: (1) judging in situations that are not our concern; (2) judging by prejudice, not principle; (3) judging by personality, not principle; (4) judging without knowing all the facts; (5) judging without trying to understand; and (6) an unwillingness to forgive. Final judgment belongs to God.
Monday: Pearls before Swine? — Matthew 7:6
It sounds harsh to identify people as dogs and swine, but we must remember the awful taint of sin on people’s lives. We must preach the gospel, but our evangelism shouldn’t be mechanical or indiscriminate, or we unwisely waste time, energy, and resources. People are different, and we must understand the different types we will encounter; Herod and Pilate can’t be handled the same way. We must take care in the truth we present, and in the way it is presented. It is a waste to discuss any aspect of truth with an unbeliever other than the fundamentals of salvation.
Tuesday: Ask, Seek, Knock — Matthew 7:7-12; Luke 6:31
This aspect of Jesus’ teaching should remind us of the first Beatitude: “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). Only when we know the depth of our own personal bankruptcy will we ask, seek, and knock. Only when we understand our desperation for God’s presence in our lives will we show persistence, perseverance, and importunity. Secondly, we know that God is our Father, and He is the only One we seek. We forsake all others. Why? He is the only Faithful One, and His gifts are the only ones that completely satisfy. He even grants us the precious Holy Spirit when we ask Him. Peter summed it up, “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).
Wednesday: Strait Gate & Narrow Way (KJV) — Matthew 7:13-14
The way of the Christian walk is narrow. But so also is the gate leading into the Christian life. The gate Jesus spoke of isn’t the gate of final judgment, but the gate that ushers us initially into the way of salvation. It is strait; it is limiting. Much preaching today doesn’t reflect this, often leaving the impression that the Christian life is easy. The way is strait and narrow from start to finish. The former life must be left behind. First, we must leave worldliness behind. There’s no room for the world or for the world’s ways. God took Israel out of Egypt, but it was much harder getting Egypt out of Israel. To leave the world’s ways behind, we must leave “self” behind. We are to be like Christ. (See Galatians 2:20.)
Thursday: Known by their Fruits — Matthew 7:15-20
They look good—sound good—seem to be genuine. They’re charismatic. Have good character. We can only tell the false prophet by his message and what it produces. He preaches milk, not strong doctrine. He doesn’t preach the strait gate and narrow way, nor does he proclaim all of God’s attributes, usually limiting the message to love. He doesn’t rage against sin. He talks sentimentally about Christ’s cross, but misses its true depth.
Friday: The Tree & the Fruit — Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:43-45
Jesus described the qualities of the spiritually reborn in the Beatitudes. Many will think their beliefs or piety will save them (“Lord, Lord…”), or think that their displays of spiritual gifts (prophesying, casting out devils) will save them, or will trust in their good works. As Jesus said, “You must be born again” (John 3:7).
Saturday: The Wise & the Foolish — Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:46-49
Simple story. Two men—same desire. They built houses that looked identical. The big difference was the foundation, and it made all the difference.