The following are study notes from me and a brother on the book of Matthew / Chapter 7
See that chapter below in blue with ***** by our study comments on each verse
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t judge at all.
John 7:24 confirms this statement by telling us to judge righteous judgment. How can we judge righteous judgment, if we aren’t judging at all? Saints will even judge the angels (1 Corinthians 6:2). Are we then unworthy of judging the smallest matters? We are to judge our fellow brothers and sisters in faith and put them away if need be (Matthew 18:15-17). Paul put out a sexually immoral man from the body and scolded the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 5 for failing to remove him from the body because of his iniquity. Now we know that Paul (like Jesus and the other apostles) set an example for us to follow...so let us do as Paul did and judge the brethren. Now as for the world...we are to preach the Gospel to them and expose their evil deeds using our light but we are not to judge them. We are to let God judge the outsiders (1 Corinthians 5:12-13).
****This is such a common twisted scripture perhaps the world most twisted. It is a great example of NOT proof texting. Taking one verse out and making doctrine from it. We are to use Gods Word to understand Gods Word. If we keep reading in Matt 7, we will find we are to judge but NOT do it in hypocrisy is Jesus main point here. Without judging we cannot even do the simplest and basic things of life yet alone have or function in the NT body.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
We and our deeds will be judged and measured in the same way we judge and measure other people and their deeds. This is a warning for the hypocrites.
*****This verse backs up the point of this entire section of scripture on hypocrisy. To say one thing and do another is a gross sin in Gods eyes and the religious leaders/church people of the day and even today are guilty of it for sure. This also backs up the scripture treating others and you want to be treated. Matt 6:12 God is about fair and non partial ways and we then should act accordingly to honor Him.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Why do you point out other people’s sin while you yourself are full of it, maybe even of the exact same sin that you’re pointing out. Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weights the hearts (Proverbs 21:2). Because the Lord weights the hearts, and because His Word is pure and tried and true, let us test ourselves to it and let Him reveal unto us our hypocrisies like in Psalm 26:2.
****** Here Jesus goes for the heart of the matter. Hypocrisy! It is easy for us all to see sin in others but have we rooted out the sin in us first? This reminds me of the verse where Jesus says do as the Pharisees tell you but do not do as they do as they tell you this but they do not do it themselves. Matt 23:3
Let us ask ourselves why we would see sin in others as see ignore our own? Sounds like a serious heart condition that needs repentance amen?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Apparently, a mote (κάρφος) is a speck of dust and a beam (δοκὸν) is some larger wooden object. I’m not sure about this.
*******A mote is a small particle of matter while a beam is whole timber. This is comparing a sliver to a large board. Jesus is making the case that we cannot see clearly, if we have our own large sin, to then help others with smaller matters. We will not judge rightly and they will see we are hypocrites then what good can we do them? God is all about fair and righteous judgement not corrupt judgments. see Deut 16:18-20 on just judging
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
The point is to examine yourself first before pointing out other’s sins.
The main sin of the Pharisees was hypocrisy (“for they say, and do not”, Matthew 23:3). Hypocrisy is when you say one thing and do another. You might preach a thing that you do not do or speak against a thing that you do.
***** Here Jesus gives us the cure after telling us the issue and He is not timid about it. He is also always about redeeming not just condemnation. We are to REPENT Luke 13:3 of our sin issues and be above reproach so then we can make good judgments. Matt 5:48 says be ye perfect / mature. Notice in this verse it PROVES we are indeed to judge, once we have the right and authority to by NOT keeping sin of our own. Paul tells us to examine ourselves in 1 Cor 11:28 and in 2 Cor 13:5 / If we do this and act on it, we will never be hypocritical and not condemned for it by others or God.
6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Proverbs 9:8, do not even rebuke mockers/scorners, they will only hate you. The truth that you spoke unto them might end up even forgotten, and all they are going to do is come back to attack you. Proverbs 18:2, If you meet a mocker/scoffer or a fool, that only delights in discovering his own heart, speaking the truth unto them would be not only pointless but shameful as well. They might make fun of the truth or put it down somehow, and then of you.
******In this verse we are given a command and it is regarding Gods truth as a pearl. Dogs in Jesus day were the lowest of animals right next to swine. ( today dogs are pagan idols as pets) Matt 13:46 talks of Gods kingdom/truth as a pearl of great price. If we have a great rare pearl, why would you ever offer it to someone who will throw it away then attack you? This is a sin against God and foolishness, not using. Jesus said be wise as a serpent in Matt 10 and in doing that we will avoid sharing the truth with those who will trample it. We must use discernment in who we share the gospel with (one on one) and who will not receive it but attack you and waste it. Guard the Word and do not cast it about as if it was worthless. See Titus 1:3
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Asking, seeking and knocking may refer to praying, good deeds and/or good fruits (anything done or thought for God, in accordance with His word).
However, it isn’t enough to simply ask once. Take a look at the parable of the unjust judge in Luke 18. We are told to always pray, and not to faint. The widow in the parable wasn’t avenged of her adversary immediately...but after a while of bothering the unjust judge. God is just, and the saints are said to cry unto Him both day and night. Be one of the saints and cry unto him with trust and patience. Wait upon his perfect timing and rely not on your own understanding.
Romans 12:12 be patient in tribulation and keep on praying.
*******This admonition for asking/seeking things is teaching us some basic lessons echoed in other areas. First, we always as for what is Gods will per the Lords prayer. Then we know God gives according to His grace and His working good for us. And we know our seeking is a key and James says this: Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James 4:8 / Knocking reminds me of this Rev 3:20 verse: Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. / Here Jesus is knocking to call to us and the pont is we are to seek God and His kingdom and not stop. See Matt 6:33
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
However...you may not receive whatever you are asking the Lord for if you ask amiss, to consume it upon your lusts. James 4:3. How can we make sure that we aren’t asking amiss? Read the word...read the psalms...see how and what they cried and prayed for. Imitate them. It was all written down for our learning. And crucify the flesh with it’s desires...die to sin and to the world. Ask for the spiritual things for His glory and always be content with food and clothes. Psalm 50:15, Do call upon the Lord in the day of trouble so that He delivers you, and you will glorify Him then. Crying out to God in your affliction is a good thing that you should do.
***** We know God does not grant just ANY request unless it fits His will for us. Think of asking a question. Often you get a answer but it is NOT the one you wanted but you still got a answer right? On seeking, the assumption here is that you are seeking things of Him / His Kingdom of God and in that case you WILL find it. Warning: if you seek selfish things or out of Gods will things, you may be left empty amen? As it says in Rev 3:20 ... He knocks to us. If we answer Him with a pure heart, He will open it. Acts 17 says God calls ALL men to repent. He is wanting us all to come to Him for salvation as He wants none to perish. 2 Peter 3:9 and God gives good things not a snake when we need bread. Matt 7:9-12
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
Have faith. Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights in whom there is no variableness or a shadow of turning. James 1:17
**** God is a good loving Father and we do not have to fear His not caring for us if we seek His will and obey His ways. (He will chastise sin) He rained bread from heaven in the desert ( Exodus 16 ) and God is better then a human father and by faith we can trust in Him.
See 2 Cor :7
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
God is not unjust to deceive us and/or mock us when we ask Him for something. Neither is He the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).
**** God is a good loving Father and we do not have to fear His not caring for us if we seek His will and obey His ways. (He will chastise sin) Remember the fish Jesus provided to the masses ( Matt 14) God is better then a human father and by faith we can trust in Him.
See 2 Cor :7 / The point here is to trust the Father without doubting!
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
There is a parallel verse...Luke 11:13 says the exact same thing but replaces the “good things” with the “Holy Spirit”. Holy Spirit is our Comforter and the one that will remind us of all things and convict us...teach us, etc (John 14:26). We are to desire and diligently seek Him and spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1). We may always ask for these. We must also have faith and not doubt whenever we ask the Lord for something. If we request something for His glory we can be sure it will be granted unto us, but ask as you feel led. (James 1:6).
**** Jesus makes the comparison. We as fallen humans usually do the needed good things for children, how much MORE will a PERFECT Father in Heaven do good. We need to see God as FAR superior then us so we can have a SUPERIOR trust in Him. Notice He says get good things. This does not mean you get what you want but God will give.... good things. See Numbers 23:19 .... God is not a man to lie.
12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
The two great commandments: Love the Lord your God with all your soul, mind, strength and resources. And love your neighbor as yourself.
****** Here we see the fairness/justice that God requires all over the Word and the OT law being upheld under the prophets that taught it. If we love God and others.... we will live by this rule. Who could ever be said to love their boss as they steal from him? Also, can we say we love God as we wilfuly SIN against Him on and on? Not not at all. Jesus said if we love him we keep His commands. John 14:15 / The simplicity in Christ is clear and we do not need to make it so complex that it is confusing. Love God and love neighbors.....and love is keeping God's commands. See 1 John 5:3
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
The gate is straight. Deuteronomy 5:32 commands us to obey the Lord’s commandments, not turning to the right hand nor to the left...meaning that we are to do exactly as He commands and not twist His word nor follow our own ways. There is a way that seems right to a man which actually leads to death...read Proverbs 14:12. And we have a warning to those who add to or remove from God’s Word: Revelation 22:18-19. Some people also twist the Word to their own destruction: 2 Peter 3:16.
***** This verse reminds me of Jesus as our gate. John 10:9 ...we must enter through Him alone not churchianity, our own ways or man made traditions. The world offers a broad road with all of its traps and false ways made by satan the god of it 2 Cor 4;4/ The narrow way means it has conditions/rules/doctrines/commands to the NEW blood covenant of God ( see Matt 26) but the world says come follow anything you want, this road is broad and easy to travel. Jesus says to STRIVE in Luke 13 so we best get to striving through the narrow gate. So many get to the gate but MOST never go through and strive! The flesh, the world, false religion, fame money whatever keeps them from the journey to their demise!
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
The last days will be like unto Noah’s and Lot’s days (Matthew 24, Luke 17). Everything will seem normal to the lost world, and none will be aware of the impending destruction. In Noah’s day, only 8 souls were saved from the flood in the entire world. In Lot’s day, only 3 souls were saved from Sodom and it’s daughters. From 600 000 souls in the wilderness, only 2, namely, Joshua and Caleb, stepped into the Promised Land. The rest of the men perished in the wilderness during the 40 years of wandering the desert because of their unbelief and their stiff-neck (Hebrews 3:7:11). And besides that, Jesus told us that there will be almost no faith on earth in Luke 18:8.
***** Nothing to add here, my brother said it well! FEW will find it.... how about you?
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
False prophets/false teachers. People do not prophecy today as they did before, so today we will have to beware of false teachers and not have to worry about false prophets...although the premise is the same. In 2 Peter 2:1 he says that there were false prophets before and that there will come false teachers now. The Word is complete so there is no need for new revelation. Although these things will return just before Christ returns...but that is not yet. Certain things have to pass first. The prophets claimed to receive word from the Lord saying something and the false teachers claim that His written Word is teaching a certain thing which is false...because they twist the Word for their own gain and desires and delusions. Modern so called pastors are a good example of successful false teachers who prey upon the deceived ones for their money (the blind leading the blind Matthew 15:14).
***** False teachers do abound today. Paul warned wolves will come in after he leaves and they did.
Acts 20:29 / Jesus warned in Matt 24 about the last days and many false teachers with false miracles and such that deceive. Notice they are in sheep clothing meaning... they look like believers and maybe they even act like believers. What do wolves do? They sneak up to kill and devour. What does Satan do? He kills and devours. See 1 Peter 5:8 and John 10;10
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
You will know whether they are true or false teachers by their fruit. Test their words and actions to the word. Read 1 Titus 3 for a description of what a true shepherd of the Lord’s sheep should be like.
********How do we know then? Jesus said judge a tree by its fruit John 15 and false teaches cant produce godly fruit for long they will be exposed if we test. It is doctrine, works and their testimony over time that will expose them. Testing all things 1 Thess 5 and being Bereans Acts 17 ...we will not be deceived. Trust in the Lord and His word not modern pastors or false teachers all over the land. Know the Word (2 Tim 2:15) and you will easily know false teachers!
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Reminds me of 1 John 3. Does that mean we cannot sin? No, we will doubtless make mistakes now and then but we wont live in them but repent and turn from them right away instead. Matthew 12:34, evil men can do and speak good things now and then but usually the motives are ill so that good thing is actually a corrupt fruit. Just like the righteous men refuse to live in wickedness even so evil men refuse to live in righteousness although they may be good here and there...as Jesus said, they are vipers. Then you have some relatively good men that do good deeds, who are not washed clean by the Christ’s shed blood. Our own works cannot save us otherwise Christ wouldn’t have had to die, however they matter once we are actually born again in the new covenant as they are fruit we are His.
*****See my notes on verse 16 / Be a fruit inspector of your own fruit first, then others and you will know good fruit vs rotten fruit to walk in pure doctrine/truth. John 14 says the Spirit will teach us ALL truth. If you know all truth you tree will be full of good fruit and it is easy to see false trees not of God.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Like the parable of the wheat and the tares and sheep and goats. The wicked are worthless in the Lord’s sight and will be destroyed and disappear like a mere vapor. Psalm 37:38.
******In the bible trees play a big part. Remember the tree in the garden they should not have touched? Gen 2:17 / We are liken to a tree and if we claim God we are to bring fourth MUCH fruit not a tiny bit. The fruit God requires is OBEDIENCE to Him. See Hebrews 5:9 / When we obey God we cannot help but have MUCH fruit. When we sin, we cancel the process by which we can bear much fruit. Our lives are to glorify the Father as trees full of fruit not idle, dying, rotted or barren. And like it or not that reference to cast in the fire is HELL/judgment. Read John 15 and strive to bear much fruit or be cut off. See Romans 11
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Apple tree brings apples, fig tree brings figs, a good man brings righteousness in holiness, an evil man brings wickedness. For an evil mans fruit to be truly good, and not corrupt, his heart would have to be changed and humbled. He cannot last doing good for a longer period and he will eventually compromise. Intentions matter. Even the works of those who are saved shall be tried with fire, to test their integrity (1 Corinthians 3:13).
******This verse is telling us that over time we will know ourselves/others by the fruit ( sin or holiness) they/wee exhibit. The idea that God saves you and you do nothing or that sin will not cut you off or idleness and worldliness wont damn you is NOT found in scripture. Have you not read: For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin. But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. Heb 10:26-27 / We have no excuse. We have the Spirit and the Word. That is fertile ground, great watering and massive SON shine. If we do not bear much fruit we are guilty before a Holy God who died to redeem us and purchase our freedom by becoming sin for us. 2 Cor 5;21
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
We are in a blood covenant with God. I say blood covenant because Christ’s shed blood washes us clean and gives us access to the Father. A covenant is an agreement between two or more parties. Both parties have their share to adhere to. We must do whatever it is we agreed to do, and God must do whatever it is He agreed to do. In this covenant, God promises us eternal life with Him and to forget all of our sins if we turn from our evil ways and obey Him in all that He commands us to do...No exceptions. Hebrews 5:9 and the rest of the scriptures of course, confirm it. He became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him. And Jeremiah 31:31 confirms that we are in a new covenant (read Hebrews 8 too). It is made with Israel but the gentiles are grafted in as well.
****** I think of this verse to highlite/echo this scripture: For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. Matt 12 / We must by faith repent and be made new. Then in holiness/obedience we endure to gain eternal life. If you do not do Gods will ...you are not obeying thus you live in sin and will be cast away. Read Matt 25 as well for righteous servants rewards. it is faith and works that prove each other. See James 2
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Read Matthew 25 as well. See the contrast between the good and between the evil? The wicked ones are proud and boasting of whatever good it is they think they did while the righteous are being lowly and not esteeming their own works in their own eyes. Whosoever exalts himself shall be abased and whosoever abases himself shall be exalted. James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6, humble yourselves before the Lord and allow Him to exalt you, for He is worthy. Boast, however in the Lord and magnify Him (2 Corinthians 10:17).
****** This warns of false religious people/false converts more interested in signs and wonders then truth and doctrine. See Matt 24 on false signs to come. Also if we just rely on good works but NOT walking in His word and ways we are NOT eligible for the grace of God to come in the last day. Can you expect mercy from a righteous human judge if he knows you have not tried hard to keep the law? How much harsher a punishment on those who trample Jesus blood to NOT obey in holiness? See Heb 10:29
Churchianity has lied and told eople Jesus blood covers it all but that is a lie. We must be in covenant and obeying/forsaking sin or we will be cast off as reprobates. Paul warned of this in 2 Cor 13:5
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Psalm 6:8, Psalm 101, Psalm 119:115
Pride is often mentioned in these psalms. Pride and a haughty spirit come before the fall as it is written in Pro 16:18. Work on having a childlike faith and being humble and lowly, for whosoever will not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child, shall in no-wise enter therein (Mark 10:15, Luke 18:17). Children are usually not proud and haughty but their ears are open and they listen and obey even if they do not understand.
********I think the key words here are "worker of iniquity". In the Greek that is simply SIN. If we live in sin on going, no matter the other good works we do, it is evidence of either a false conversion or rebellion and both damn you. God has always wanted obedience most and we know that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. See 1 Sam 15 / 1 John 3:9 says no one practices sin who is born of God. What a grave warning to us all!
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Psalm 18:2 the Lord is my rock. Build your house upon the Lord and His Word. Isaiah 40:8 the Word of our God shall stand for ever even though everything else will fade away and disappear. He is an eternal rock and whatever is built on Him will last and be unmovable. Jesus said that we cannot do anything without Him in John 15:5. Because of that, remain in His love and keep on praying without fainting because you are powerless by yourself.
*******James 1:22 tell us that we are to be does not hears of the Word. That is just clear as day and needs no further explanation does it? Do what Jesus told us to do ...if we are born of Him!
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
You have to put on the whole armor of God that you may be ready to endure the day of calamity, and do everything that is in your power to stand, and not fall.
Ephesians 6:13. The rain, the floods and the winds represent the calamities and the tribulations of this life...the spiritual storms. They come but they always pass as well. And everyone who will follow Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
****** This is a clear & great promise to us that if we are founded and built on the Word / Christ, we will NOT fail. Jesus made a promise in Matt 16 ....And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. / That is a promise as we are His body. We build on the Rock by knowing Him via the gospel and by keeping His ways as fruit we are His house!
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
Don’t be like a man that saw his face in the mirror and turned away and at once forgot what he looks like (James 1:22-24).
***** If you want to see the opposite of being built firm on the rock, go read Genesis 6 and the Noah flood account. Noah was a man of faith and obedience .... he built on the rock as fruit he was of God. The world around him was partying on the sand and God washed them all away. We build on the rock by faith in Christ and the gospel of repentance and new life holiness/obeying to endure to life eternal. Only a fool builds on sand when a firm rock is right before him.
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
This is about the so-called Christians that do not love the Lord (because they are not obeying Him). Once the day of trouble comes, they will have nobody to lean upon. Great was the fall of it...reminds me of Matthew 12:38–39, when the latter end of a man is worse then at the first after the unclean spirit comes out of a man and then returns. Jesus warned several people to stop sinning after healing them and forgiving their sins or that something worse will befall them. The unclean spirit found it’s house empty and garnished...and swept clean. Jesus told us that a spoiler first has to bind the strong man of the house, before spoiling it. If the Holy Ghost resides within us, nothing can ever spoil us spiritually (lest we choose sin) as the one that is in us (God) is stronger then the one that is in the world (Satan and his minions) 1 John 4:4.
*****see my notes on verse 26
28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
They have never heard a man speak like this (John 7:46). So they were astonished and amazed at His doctrine...but just how many actually followed Him and applied whatever it is He preached? Few (John 6:66-69). To listen is pleasant but to do is uncomfortable...and people love comfort.
****** They were amazed as He brought the truth of the Kingdom of God to earth and they could not even comprehend His ways. The truth is most all left him by the end of His short ministry. Truth divides and it separates out the true sheep form the goats. See Matt 10 on division? By the way...doctrine means instructions. See you cannot even follow Jesus biblically to eternal life UNLESS you have correct doctrine/instructions on how to please and obey Him. It is why we study and keep His Word. it leads to life ... doctrine/truth alone leads to life not false ways of teachings of men.
29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Psalm 34:11 “Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.”. The scribes were learning the Word without the help of the Holy Spirit and Jesus was the Word Himself! Even from His young age, they were astonished at His knowledge (Luke 2:46-47).
*******Jesus taught with authority why? Well He was God and He knew truth best and the Word was Him. This tells us we too can have authority IF we know and live on the Word boldly via the Spirit. Like the disciples after the spirit came in Acts 2; they had boldness and authority to preach and live and die for the faith. See Acts 4:31 / The Scribes were just religious men with pride, dead hearts and lack of love issue towards God himself ( they did not even see Jesus as God) and in that; we cannot be pleasing to God or of His Word.
