Is Your Faith Genuine? E29

The Firm Foundation of Obedience E30

In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus concluded his Sermon on the Mount by calling his hearers to obedience. In doing so, he used the fourth, and final, metaphor of his conclusion. To speak of the benefit and blessing of obedience in a believer’s life, he compared obedience to a firm foundation. Jesus’ final metaphor was a memorable one. Matthew 7:24-27 constitute some of the most vivid words from the Sermon on the Mount. To this day, even unbelievers make reference to Jesus’ metaphors within the passage.

Is Your Faith Genuine? E29

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus taught his hearers about the tragedy of false professions of faith. With verse 21, Jesus shifted to the third section of his conclusion. Whereas his first section focused on two different paths of life (Matthew 7:13-14), and whereas his second section focused on two fruits in life (Matthew 7:15-20), his third section focused on two different professions of faith in life. J.C. Ryle has described the verses as giving “heart-piercing application.”

Look Out! E28

In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus provided the second section of his conclusion to his Sermon on the Mount. Astute Bible readers may immediately notice a connection between the first and second sections of Jesus’ conclusion. Wherein the first section warned believers to stay on the right path of Christian living, the second section taught them how to stay on that path. Namely, Jesus instructed his hearers to be on the look out concerning inferior forms of Christian teaching.

Which Road Are You On? E27

In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus began his conclusion to his Sermon on the Mount by putting a choice before his readers. He called them to consider which road they were on in life. After stating his Golden Rule, Jesus began the conclusion to his sermon by saying… Matthew 7:13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”

The Golden Rule; E26

In Matthew 7:12, Jesus shared his famous “Golden Rule.” Some have postulated that the title was drawn from Roman history. It is said that the Roman Emperor Alexander Severus had Matthew 7:12 inscribed in gold on the walls of his throne room. Consequently, people began calling Jesus’ teaching “the Golden Rule” in the Third Century AD. Luke shared his version of the rule in Luke 6:31. He depicted Jesus as saying… Luke 6:31 “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” Along with Jesus’ Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40) and Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), the Golden Rule stands as one of Jesus’ foundational and fundamental teachings. The rule is valued by both Christians and non-Christians throughout the world.