It is easy to find faults in others, rather than in ourselves, vs.3-4,Matthew 7:3-4XWaiting for response but we are wise to apply self-examination and to rectify our own faults. Jesus warns that the judgment we have will be the same judgment applied to us v.1,Matthew 7:1XWaiting for response therefore we should exercise the principle underlying God’s commandments to Israel as to their treatment of each other: “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” v.12.Matthew 7:12XWaiting for response
The instruction here seems to be that WHATEVER you ask for, you will receive v.7-8.Matthew 7:7-8XWaiting for response This doesn't mean that ANYTHING should be asked for - just as a son would not ask a father for something that is inappropriate, so it is with God. Considering the rest of the instruction v.9-12Matthew 7:9-12XWaiting for response it is clear that Jesus' instruction is that if you ask God for something, he will give you a good gift, being much better and much more able than any human who loves you, ie your parents v.11.Matthew 7:11XWaiting for response This doesn't necessarily mean you will receive what you ask for - God knows what you need and will provide a good gift (if you ask). However, the lesson here is; the action of asking will receive something good; the action of seeking will find something good; and the action of knocking will open a door to somewhere good. This is inline with Jesus' instruction to keep praying where he reinforces this same instruction Luke 11:5-13.Luke 11:5-13XWaiting for response
Just as God loves you by giving good gifts to you (when you pray), the instruction finishes that you should give good gifts to others just as you would want to receive good gifts if you were them v.12.Matthew 7:12XWaiting for response This is one of the most important commandments Mark 12:29-31.Mark 12:29-31XWaiting for response
Determined effort is required on our part to direct our steps into the way of life because it is much easier to be carried along with the crowd, not to life, but to death.
A real danger is that we may be misled by “false prophets” v.15Matthew 7:15XWaiting for response who appear as “sheep” but are really “ravening wolves”. The dire consequences of this will become apparent when Jesus returns because many who think they are his disciples will be rejected by him.
Jesus warns here that "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." How can we be saved, then? If we bring forth a single piece of evil fruit, we are "hewn down, and cast into the fire". With true repentance, we can be saved by Christ Luke 3:8Luke 3:8XWaiting for response & Revelation 7:14Revelation 7:14XWaiting for response
The only sure and certain way to be acceptable to Jesus is to believe his teaching wholeheartedly and to do faithfully what he requires.
In this chapter Jesus instructs us to examine our own selves and to direct our feet into the path leading to life.