Navigating The Way

Matt. 7:1-29

In the last section of the sermon on the mountain, Jesus Christ focused on giving instructions and warnings to ensure His followers walk right and  discern the right way. These have alot to do with our conduct and destiny. In the light of where we are going it matters how we live now. We will discuss this part under the following headings :

1. Do not judge – Mt. 7:1-6

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Mt 7:1- 2)

We are often quick to see the fault of others while overlooking our own.  Yet sometimes our weaknesses are greater and weightier than those of others.. Often those who are the weakest are the quickest to judge others. Just as spectators know how to judge the players in the field, yet if they are given opportunity to join the field, their  performance would be pathetic. Hypocrisy is the  operational hazard of judgemental people. Some even judge others  for doing the same things they do.

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.” (Ro 2:1)  

“Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.” (Rom 14:4)

2. Be importunate in your prayer – Mt. 7:7-12

Jesus taught that people should be so importunate in prayer that they should go beyond mere asking to seeking  and knocking and that they should expect answer to their earnest prayer.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 

For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. (Mt.7:7-8)

3. Two ways – Mt. 7:13-14

Our Lord Jesus taught us that there are two eternal destinies – Life and destruction and consequently two ways to choose from. More than any other, Jesus taught that there is heaven and hell. We make our choice where to spend eternity while here on earth. The way that leads to hell is easy while the way that leads to heaven is both narrow and difficult. Many therefore tend to trend the way that leads to hell. Which one are you in?

4. Two trees – Mt. 7:15-20

Jesus warned His followers from being led astray by false prophets. He used the analogies of trees to help us discern  between the  true and the false.  You can know a tree by the fruit it produces, therefore  we should discern the character of those we allow to minister to us. Frequently, the mistake many Christians make is to assess leaders by their gifts rather than their fruits.  Read Mt. 12: 34-35 and learn to discern peoples hearts , so you will not be deceived.

5. Two builders – Mt. 7:21-29

Building is a very practical aspect of life. Jesus therefore likened our practical Christian living to buildings, where we are the builders. We do not just need a building but a building with a sure foundation. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. (Mt 7:21)

He contrasts two builders:

1. The wise one built on a rock foundation and his house withstood the storms and adverse circumstances which followed. This is the Christian who orders his life according to God’s word.
2. The foolish one built his house on the sand which is a poor foundation. When the storms and adverse  circumstances of life strike, this house will not stand. So is he who does not make the word of God the foundation of his life. He is the foolish builder whose life will fail when tough times come.