Matthew 7: 24-29 - Surviving Storms With A Strong Foundation (Part 17)

Matthew 7: 24-29 "Surviving storms with a strong foundation"

Setting:
To make sure that the crowd understood the seriousness of following Him and to live life according to His teachings Jesus gave an illustration to teach the importance of the character of a obedient and disobedient disciple.

V24 "these words":

• - Blessed are the poor in spirit
• - Love your enemies
• - Life of secret prayer
• - Anger
• - Lay up treasure in heaven (investing in eternity)
• - Seek first the kingdom of God
• - Judge ourselves first (Mt. 7:1-5)

A: obedient disciple:

• Is considered wise
• he/she Will listen
• And will follow the instruction of Jesus
• Listen : (ak-oo'-o): The English word acoustic is originated from this word

B: disobedient disciple

• Is considered a fool
• He/she will only listen
• However will not follow the instruction of Jesus

C: Similarities between obedient and disobedient disciple:

• Both got a opportunity to listen
• Both wanted to build a house
• Both build houses in the same locality
• Both designed the same kind of house (because Jesus points difference in the foundation)
• Both houses look identical superficially
• Both faced same adversity: Rain, flood, wind, wind hit the house

D: Differences between obedient and disobedient disciple:

• Only wise dug deep ( Luke 6: 46-49)
• Foolish build on the ground without a foundation
• Wise spent time building the house
• Fool was in a hurry
• Wise followed instruction and foolish did not

Application :

• Jesus Christ is our foundation , I Corinthians 3: 10-15
• How often do I study and listen to God's Word?
• How do I face storms in my life?
• What have I learned from my study through the Sermon on the Mount?
• How has God changed my heart?
• In what ways have I determined to obey Jesus’ teaching?

Audio:

Matthew 7:15-23 - Kingdom Warning! Follow 'Magnifying Glass' Instructions Closely (Part 16)

Kingdom Warning! Follow 'Magnifying Glass' Instructions Closely
Matthew 7:15-23

INTRODUCTION
How Do I Want People to Treat Me? Matthew 7:12; 22:37-40;
1 Cor 10:31
In my flesh?
In Christ's Spirit?
By other believers?
By unbelievers?
The only answer:
How Is Jesus the Only Answer? Matthew 7:13-14; John 14:6; 10:9;
Luke 14:25-35; 1 Timothy 3:15; Revelation 17:14
The Narrow Gate

The Narrow Way

How Did All of These People Get  to This Final Judgement?
Three Warnings
What Is Our Response?

WARNING # 1: MANY WILL ENTER THE WIDE GATE!                    (7:13)
How does the 'broad' way lead to destruction?
What is many?

WARNING # 2: SOME WILL BE FALSE PROPHETS!                       (7:15)
How are they like ravenous wolves?
Why don't we warn each other more regarding spiritual things?

WARNING # 3: KNOW FALSE PROPHETS BY THEIR FRUIT!    (7:16-20)
Often, why are they not easy to identify?
Jesus identifies their fruit as practitioners of lawlessness.
One major fruit is dissension. Galatians 5:19-21

HOW DO WE RESPOND?                                                            (7:21-23)
How do we respond in a way that brings 'all glory' to God?
We battle with Spiritual weapons
Judgement without hypocrisy, Matthew 7:1-5
Wisdom and gentleness,
Patient, waiting for God's Time,
Know the Lord's Plan, John 3:17-18; 5:28-30
"Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" SO "In everything, treat people the
             same way you want them to treat you."

Audio:

Matthew 7:12-14 - The Road to the Kingdom (Part 15)

I. The Golden Rule
            1. The rule is the ultimate principle of God’s revealed will
2. Properly executing the “rule” requires us to engage with the Law of God
II. The Broad and Narrow paths
            1. Jesus concludes that there are only two paths in life
            2. The Narrow gate challenges the heart of man
3. The Broad gate comforts man in his depraved state
4. Jesus invites us to a life He will empower us to live


Audio:

Matthew 7:7-11 - Our Pursuit, God's Promises (Part 14)

Title - Our Pursuit, God's Promises
Scripture - Matthew 7:7-11

The Message: Pursue God Persistently (Matt. 7:7-8)
The Motivation: God is a Faithful Father (Matt. 7:7-11)

- Why We Pursue - We need grace.
- What We Pursue - God and His Will (Heb. 4:16, Psalm 27:4)
- How We Pursue - Consistently and Persistently (Phil. 3:12-14, Psalm 73:28)

- He promises that we'll find Him (Matt. 7:7-8, Jeremiah 29:13)

- He is a trustworthy and good Father (Matt. 7:9-11, 2 Pet. 1:3, Rom. 8:32, Psalm 84:11, 2 Cor. 1:20)


Audio:

Matthew 7:1-6 - Judging with Humility Not Hypocrisy (Part 13)

7:1 “Judge not, that you be not judged”:

First, let us understand what this verse does not say:

A. It does not mean you cannot have an opinion about something or someone

B.  It does not say you cannot say anything critical to someone

C.  It does not say that our court system which includes having Judge is wrong:

Romans 13:1 “ Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God”.

Deuteronomy 16:18“You shall appoint judges and officers in all your towns that the Lord your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. 19 You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, hand you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous. 20 Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you”.

D. It does not say that we are not to implement church discipline:

Matthew 18: 15“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector”.

II. Thessalonians 3: 14 “If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother”.

E. So what does verse 2 teach us:

It is meant to emphasize the appropriate attitude and lifestyle of those who have been so freely forgiven. In other words, God will use the same standard we use to evaluate others.

In Matt 5:7 Jesus says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”

In Matthew 6: 14 “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses”.

We must realize that we are saved by His grace.

Verse 3 to 5:

Jesus was warning disciples not to make the mistake like Pharisees! Jesus is teaching us first to become qualified to judge.

By, “First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (7:5).

So believers when judge errors and sins of others, they must be gracious.

Verse 6:

So who are these dogs and pigs? Jesus is talking about people who openly reject the gospel, Jesus is referring to the enemies of the gospel.

We have to share the Gospel with those who are receptive and hungry for hope.

Matthew 10:14, “And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town”.

Acts 13:51 and Acts 18: 5-6



Audio:

Matthew 6:25-34 - King Jesus Claims Your 'NOW'! (Part 12)

INTRODUCTION

     Matthew 6:24

I.  Jesus commands Kingdom citizens, "DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT YOUR LIFE"  (6:25-32)

    A.  How does a believer know if he/she is living the anxious life Jesus forbids?

    B.  What are the results of living an anxious life?

          1.  False World View (6:26-30)

          2.  Little Faith (6:30)

          3.  Indistinguishable life from the Heathen (6:31-32)

II.  Jesus commands Kingdom citizens, "SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS" (6:33)

     A. "SEEK"

     B. There is no second thing to seek.

     C. God's Promise

     D. How does the believer repent from living a life of anxiety to living a life of faith?

          Answer these questions:

                        1. Are you a follower of Jesus Christ?

                       

                        2. Do you believe that Christ abides in you?

• Through Christ, I am dead to sin and spiritually alive (Romans 6:11).
• Through Christ, I am forgiven (Colossians 2:13-14).
• Through Christ, I am crucified with Him (Galatians 2:20).
• Through Christ, I am declared righteous (1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
• Through Christ, I am God's possession (Titus 2:14).
• Through Christ, I am heir of God (Romans 8:17).
• Through Christ, I am blessed with all spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3).
• Through Christ, I am a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20).
• Through Christ, I am victorious over Satan (Luke 10:19).
• Through Christ, I am secure in Him (1 Peter 1:3-5).
• Through Christ, I am loved by God (1 John 4:10).

                        3.What do you really believe about God's sovereignty? Romans 8:28

                   4. Practice your faith.                         (Philippians 4:9)

• (Philippians 4:4)
• (Philippians 4:5; Psalm 46:10; 1 Peter 5:6ff
• (Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 6:9-15)
• (Philippians 4:8; Romans 12:2a)

     E. The Kingdom citizen's resolve (6:34)

CONCLUSION



Audio:

Matthew 6: 19-24 - The Treasure of Earth and Heaven (Part 11)

Matthew 6: 19-24

The Treasure of Earth and Heaven

I. Laying up Treasures – The Kingdom Economy

1. The definition of “earthly treasures”: material possessions as both means and end.
2. Earthly possessions waste away

II. The Eye as the Pathway to Desire

1. We are consumed by what we strive to attain
2. The Vision of the Kingdom Citizen is God

III. Being a Slave to one Master

1. Both God and Money can be influential Masters
2. God is the true Master worthy of full Allegiance
3. The Kingdom Citizen is born into Wealth

Audio:

Matthew 6:5-15 - When You Speak with the King (Part 10)

1. HOW NOT TO PRAY (Matt. 6:5-8)
a. Don't pray to earn the praise of men (6:5-6).
b. Don't pray to earn the grace of God (6:7-8).

2. HOW TO PRAY (Matt. 6:9-15)
a. The Frequency of Prayer
- "When You Pray"..."Pray then like this..."
b. The Basis of Prayer
- "Our Father in heaven..."
c. The Content of Prayer
- Acknowledge God's Position
- Ask for God's Provision

Audio:

Matthew 6:1-4, 16-18: Reward: public or private? (Part 9)

Matthew 6:1-4, 16-18: Reward: public or private?

Intro: After finishing chapter 5 we have learned:

1  Characteristics of a believer, (verse 1-12)
2. The behavior of a believer to the world, (verse 13-16)
3.  Relationship of the Christian towards law of God (verse,17-48)

Chapter six teaches us about having dependence on God:

V1 starts with a disclaimer: BEWARE: what does this word communicate to us: road closed, danger ahead , i.e beware of dog. In the same way we have to be aware about the way that we portray ourselves as well as being aware about how others portray themselves.

What happens when we ignore sign that say beware, because this means that someone can get hurt or may pay a price by ignoring that sign.

Now Jesus is not saying that we should be not excellent or impressive , what Jesus is saying is that our goal or motif should not be to do everything in order to please people.

What happens when we try to please people?:  the focus is on us, we get an earthly reward when we do everything to please people.

What are we suppose to do?  Our goal, motif should be to do everything to honor and please God.


Reference to Let your light shine before others: Matthew 5:16, " let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Jesus is encouraging us to shine our light in public, however we must do that without excepting rewards from people.

Christians should be interested in rewards as well as blessings from God not from people.

In next few versus Jesus talks about three things: giving, prayer and fasting.

V2: when you give, Jesus is not saying if you give.... Jesus presupposes that believers will give.

So giving is not optional, we are encouraged to give, however how we give is important.

We are to give secretly to avoid showing off to others. Also Jesus is not saying that we are to give in secret to win a heavenly reward. However we are encouraged to avoid the glamour of honor. Our giving should come out of complete reverence to God.

Jesus is not saying that we should not give in public, but we should not do it like hypocrite . English word "hypocrite " is derived from greek word  hypokrinomai or
hypokritēs Pronunciation hü-po-krē-tā's (Key). Which means  stage actor.

Giving in public as part of an act of worship is good,but giving in public to please people is wrong.

The Bible provides many examples of public giving:

Acts 2:45 " and they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need".


Acts 4: 4:36 Joseph who was called Barnabas sold his field and gave money to the apostles.

Also I Chronicles 29 lists how much leaders gave to build temple.

Numbers 7 lists names of donors at the Tabernacle's consecration

V 16- 18: fasting: personal discipline in one's spiritual life:

Old Testament believers fasted
Jesus fasted forty days
It is assumed in NT that believers will fast, as mentioned here when you fast.

We should fast to come close to God, for spiritual reasons Christians should fast.


Audio:

Matthew 5:38-48 - How Our Enemies Become Our Neighbors (Part 8)

INTRODUCTION

     We preach a Kingdom that is not of this world. (John 18:36-37)

     We live our lives as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven with our    

            values, choices and lifestyle modeled and commanded by

            Christ. (Philippians 3:7-8)

     We live like Christ, because He lives in us.  (John 15:4-5)

I. The Kingdom Citizens' Response to Evil People:             (5:38-42)

            A. "You have heard it was said...

            B. Political Level

            C. Personal Level

                  1. "But I say to you, do not resist an evil person"

                  2. Jesus examples of living these Kingdom standards:

                        "whoever slaps you on your right cheek..."

                        "If anyone wants to sue you for your shirt..."

                        "whoever forces you to go one mile..."

                        "to him who asks of you...or wants to borrow from you.."

                  3. Non-resistance is not enough!

II. The Kingdom Citizens' Response to Enemies:                (5:43-44)

            A. "You have heard that it was said..."

            B. Children of God the Father love like this:

                  1. "love your enemies"

                  2. "pray for those who persecute you"

III. The Kingdom Citizens' Response to Living in Two Kingdoms:                                                                                               (5:45-48)

            A. It's all about "breeding" and the way you are raised.

            B. Be different

            C. Be like your Heavenly Father

CONCLUSION: How do our enemies become our neighbors?

            -- Acknowledge your personal death

            -- Depend on Christ for your new identity

            -- Relinquish your loopholes and expansion statements

            -- Extinguish your mechanical genuflection

            -- Flame the fire of Christ's Spirit in you

                        (Philippians 3:7-11)


Audio:

Matthew 5:31-37 - Citizens of Truth (Part 7)

Matthew 5:31-37
Citizens of Truth

I. Divorce and Committing Adultery
      a. Forfeiting commitments is the Natural outcome of Wandering Hearts
      b. The Marriage Covenant is a Picture of God’s Love
      c. A Broken Covenant “Permits” Separation
      d. Permission can quickly turn into License
II. Oaths and Vows
      a. To swear in God’s name is to call Him as a witness to our integrity
      b. God’s presence everywhere is always a test of our integrity
      c. Kingdom Citizens are called to be men and women of Truth

Audio:

Matthew 5:27-30 - Behavior of a Kingdom Citizen (Part 6)

Introduction:

The message today may not be suitable for younger children, parents may wish to take their

younger children to Sunday School.

The Huffington post writes that according to data collected from The Normal Bar, 33% of

men and 19% of women admitted to being unfaithful...

Why do people risk so much to gain so little?

(1) People underestimate price they will pay.

(2) Sexual sin compels people to voluntarily do things which in normal circumstances they

would not do.

(3) Easy to allow because it may start with something very small and may seem innocent.

Through this series, we are studying the behavior of a Kingdom citizen.

(A) Matthew 5:27-28: Outward VS Inward behavior:

• The OT law was clear: adultery was wrong.

Jesus tells His disciples that adultery is not the only thing to avoid, but Jesus goes for the inward

feelings and drives.

English translation is using “Lust” from the Greek word epithumeó: which can translate desire

or, lust after.

This verse does not imply that simply to have a desire is wrong however to entertain or nurture

that desire is wrong and inappropriate.

God is the designer of sex and to fulfill those desires God has established marriage covenant.

(B) Matthew 5: 29-30 Importance of Purity:

Why inward and outward purity is important? Jesus reminds his disciples that, “for it is better

that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell”.

Both outward and inward purity is so important that it is sacrificing other good and important

things if that is leading into sin.

Application: If you have problems with inappropriate desire learn to deal with it. For an

example, avoid those circumstances. Understand that you have been already made clean by

Jesus Christ. II Corinthian 5:21. Apart from Holy Spirit you cannot fight this. The Holy Spirit is the

agent of transformation not you.

Audio:

Matthew 5:21-26 - Rethinking Anger (Part 5)

Upside Down: Real Life According to Jesus
Rethinking Anger
Matthew 5:21-26

The human ethic (God’s law wrongly interpreted) - Matt. 5:21
- Human teachers condemn the ultimate angry action.

The upside down ethic (God’s law rightly interpreted) - Matt. 5:22
- Jesus condemns the angry heart and angry speech.

Application (Matt. 5:23-26)
- Anger affects your worship. Therefore, reconcile quickly.
- Where did the anger come from?
- Where is the anger going?

Where do we go from here? The Angry Action That Killed Our Anger


Audio:

Matthew 5:17-20 - Christ and the Law Abiding Citizen (Part 4)

Upside Down: Real Life According to Jesus
Matt. 5:17-20
Christ and the Law Abiding Citizen

1. Jesus and the Old Testament
      a. The expression doesn’t match the expectation
      b. The expectation is met through the life of Jesus
      c. How does Christ meet the expectation?
2. Obeying the Law as Kingdom Citizens
      a. Not a word of God’s law goes to waste
      b. Higher than the standard
      c. The Christian and Law


Audio:

Matthew 5:10-16 - The Kingdom Citizen's Mission (Part 3)

Upside Down: Real Life According to Jesus
Matthew 5:10-16
The Kingdom Citizen's Mission

The Location of Our Mission
• The World is Corrupt
• The World is Dark

The Description of Our Mission
We Are Persecuted (Matt. 5:10-12)
We Are Salt and Light (Matt. 5:13-16)
• As Kingdom citizens, we ARE salt and light.
• Since we ARE salt/light, we are to not hide our identity.
• Our target for our mission is the “world” or the “earth.”

The Goal of Our Mission
• The Glory of God (Matthew 5:16, 1 Peter 2:11-12)

Audio:

Matthew 5:6–12 - Designed For God's Righteousness (Part 2)

Upside Down: Real Life According to Jesus
Designed For God's Righteousness
Matthew 5:6–12

Introduction and Review

Kingdom "Gravity"  Col 1:15-18
• ("anti-gravity," Gal 5:19-21)
Kingdom of Heaven
• Ruler-- John 18:37; Rev 19:16
• Citizens-- Mat 21:43; Joh 12:25
• Domain-- Luke 17:20, 21; Col 1:13
• Laws-- John 14:15, 21, 23, 24; 15:14, 10; Mat 7:24-27
Kingdom Blessing

I. Designed to Crave God's Righteousness (Matthew 5:6)
• That Terrible Sin of Self     Rom 7:23-24
• The Craving Mechanism Ecclesiastes 3:11; Romans 2:14-16; 10:8
• Craving God's Righteousness Matthew 6:33

II.    Results of Craving God's Righteousness (Matthew 5:7-9)
• The Merciful Will Receive Mercy (5:7)  Mark 10:45; 1 Pet 2:9-11
• The Pure in Heart Shall See God (5:8) Heb 11:27; Col 1:15; John 14:8-9; Psa 16:8; 17:15
• Peacemakers Shall Be Called Children of God (5:9)
• False Peacemakers Mat 7:15-16; Mat 12:34
• Making Peace Jam 3:18; Phi 2:1-5; Rom 12:18; Heb 12:14
• Children of God Rom 8:19; Eph 6:12

III.    Consequences of God's Righteousness (Matthew 5:10-12)
• (5:10) How does this make sense? 2 Tim 3:12; 1 John 3:12
• (5:11) How does a Kingdom citizen conduct oneself under fire?
• Remember the cause of the fire: 1 Cor 4:13; John 15:18-21
• Remember to pray: Mat 5:44
• Remember to love: Mat 5:44
• (5:12) "Rejoice and be glad"--How upside-down is this?
• Acts 17:6, 7; 1 Cor 4:10-13; Mat 5:12; Heb 11:36-38

https://ia600500.us.archive.org/18/items/The_Gospel_Of_Mark_2014/20140504-Russ-Matt5.6-12--Designed_For_Gods_Righteousness--Part2.mp3

Matthew 5:1-5 - The Upstanding Kingdom Citizen (Part 1)

Upside Down: Real Life According to Jesus 
Matt.5:1-5 
The Upstanding Kingdom Citizen 

I. The Kingdom of God a. The Message 
   b. The “Already” 
   c. The “Not Yet”

 II. The Upstanding Citizen: Blessed 
   a. The Poor in Spirit: impoverished
   b. The Mourning: pursuit of sadness
   c. The Meek: home of the fearful


Audio: