fromthepreacherspc

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT #30

THE TWO BUILDERS

INTRODUCTION

A. Matthew 7:24-27

1. This passage begins with “therefore” – thus, these
statements are rooted in the previous passages.

2. In fact, they are a fitting conclusion to the entire “Sermon
on the Mount.”

3. If we do not put these sayings of Christ to practice, i.e. the

teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, our spiritual house

will fall in this life and come to utter ruin in the world to

come.

B. Specifically, Matthew 7:24-27 is the conclusion and
explanation of Matthew 7:21-23.

1. In these two passages of Scripture we have contrasted
“SAYING” and “DOING.”

a. Observe carefully in Matthew 7:22 that “many will say,”
which in dictates the matter under consideration was only
a spoken religion.

b. Matthew 7:20

c. These involved in this mere “spoken religion” were
rejected by Christ who said, “depart from me, ye that
work iniquity.”

d. Since Christ knows us by our “fruits” (Mt. 7:20) and
since Christ never knew these spoken of here, it is
obvious they didn’t have good fruit – but only said they
had done these things in the name of Christ or by His
authority.

2. Although this point was very clearly set forth by the
illustration of the fruit tree (Mt. 7:17-20), our Lord drives
home the point by the most blood-chilling words know to
man –    “I never knew you.”

a. Christ has never know (i.e. accepted) the false teacher,
or they who say and do not.

b. One who does not submit to the Lord’s will in every
point has contaminated fruit.

C. With these thoughts in mind, let us turn our attention to our
Lord’s chief argument for having a firm foundation, which is
seen in the parable of the two builders (Mt. 7:24-29).

DISCUSSION

A. EVERYONE IS A BUILDER

1. This truth is represented by the wise man who built his
house on a rock and the foolish man who built his house on
the sand.

a. The wise man chose a proper foundation (doing the will
of God) and built an enduring house – the only profitable
life.

b. The foolish man labored to build a house upon sand
(disobedient to God’s word) and his labor were lost.

c. One may say, “I’m not going to build,” – but our Lord
anticipates such, and they are also represented by the
foolish man.

2. To really appreciate this parable one needs to
understand a little about the terrain of Palestine.

a. Palestine is covered with hills and valleys.

b. In late winter and early spring the heavy mountain rains
come, this causes peaceful streams to become ragging
streams, and carries everything in its path away with it.

c. This leaves a sandy deposit in the low lands.

d. The wise man will not build in the sand, he chooses to
build in the higher country where there is solid rock.

3. We are all going to build on a foundation in this life
whether we realize it or not.

a. We are going to build on a foundation which we will
place our soul’s destiny

b. The sure foundation of the Lord will stand and all others

will crumble

1) 2 Timothy 2:19

2) 1 Timothy 6:19

B. THE WISE BUILDER

1. This wise man built upon a foundation that was founded
upon a rock – a firm foundation

2. Notice what Jesus said was needed to be a wise man –
“every one therefore that heareth these words of mine and
doeth them.”

3. To build a strong foundation for a house, you must
follow the directions found in the blueprints.

a. The blueprints to a foundation are engineered to hold the

weight of the structure and to keep it stable.

b. If one leaves things out of the foundation it is sure to

crumble.

4. For a Christian to build a firm foundation – he must read

and follow the blueprints designed by Christ.

5. The key to building a good foundation, a firm foundation,
is do the following:

a. “HEAR”

1) Romans 10:17

2) 2 Timothy 2:15

3) No one can know how to build a firm foundation
unless one hears and studies the blueprints

4) We automatically build a weak foundation when we
do not know how to build a strong one.

b. “DOER”

1) Jesus said, “whoso heareth these sayings of mine,
AND DOETH THEM …” (Mt. 7:24).

2) Matthew 7:21

3) Faithful men of God have always been doers:

a) Abel is a good representative of the Patriarchal Age
– Genesis 4:4

b) King Josiah is a good representative of the Mosaical

Age – 2 Kings 22:2

c) Paul is a good representative under the Christian
Age – 2 Timothy 4:7

4) Obedience has always been a distinguishing mark of a

faithful child of God

c. “BUILD ON A ROCK”

1) This rock on which we are to build our foundation is
in the Old Testament referred to as Deity.

a) Deuteronomy 32:4

b) Isaiah 28:16

2) The New Testament pictures Christ as this rock on
which we are to build

a) Matthew 16:13-18

b) 2 Timothy 2:19

c) Ephesians 2:20

3) Christ must be our foundation, and any other
foundation can not stand.

C. THE FOOLISH BUILDER

1. The foolish man has also heard the same truth and has
equal intelligence to understand, but his foolishness is
shown in that he does not secure that truth by putting it
into practice.

a. Luke 8:12

1) Some hear but the devil takes the word away

2) To act on what one hears will keep the devil from our
hearts

b. 1 Corinthians 15:2

1) Keep it in memory … use it or loose it

2) To loose it is to believe in vain

c. James 1:22

2. The foolish man looks for an easy way out

a. The foolish man might say that it is easier to work with
sand

1) Many do not want to make the needed sacrifice that is
required to have a firm foundation

2) Amos 6:1

b. A firm foundation can only be had by our diligent
following and close adherence to the blueprints

CONCLUSION

A. We are all going to build on a foundation – firm or weak

B. A firm foundation can only be had when we follow the
instructions given by Jesus – the Chief Corner Stone

We must know  and follow the instructions

C. What kind of foundation are you building on?

D. A firm foundation can only be had when we follow the
instructions – ARE YOU A WISE OR FOOLISH
BUILDER?

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT #29

Who Will Enter The Kingdom Of Heaven?

Matthew 7:21-23

INTRODUCTION

A. Most people believe they will go to heaven when they
die…

1. Their hope is fostered by the comforting words of many
preachers, priests, and rabbis

2. Their hope is based upon the idea that heaven is for all
believers, or for those whose good works outweigh the
bad

B. But are such hopes well-founded?

1. Will most people go to heaven when they die?

2. Is salvation based upon good works? Is it based upon faith
only?

C. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus gave some very serious
warnings…

1. Few, not many, would be saved   – Matthew 7:13-14

2. Many religious people, including some believers in Jesus,
will learn that they are lost!   – Matthew 7:21-23

D. Friends, “Who will enter the kingdom of heaven?”

E. Before considering this question, perhaps this is good
opportunity to answer another one first…

DISCUSSION

A. WHAT IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?

1. The term “Kingdom of Heaven” is synonymous with the
“Kingdom of God”

a. Compare Matthew 4:17 with Mark 1:14-15

b. The term “Kingdom of Heaven” refers to God’s
kingship, or rule, from heaven

1) The kingdom of heaven is focused in the Person of
Jesus Christ, and is especially manifested where He
rules in the hearts of men

2) Luke 17:20-21

2. In brief, the “Kingdom of Heaven”

a. Is spiritual in nature

1) John 18:36

2) Romans 14:17

b. It began when all authority (rule) was given to
Jesus

1) Matthew 28: 18

2) Ephesians 1:20-23

c. Today, it includes the Lord’s church on earth (for
those who submit to the Will of Christ are added to the
kingdom)

1) Colossians 1: 13

2) Revelation 1:9

d. In the future, it will involve the “new heavens and new
earth,” where we will be with God and Jesus for
eternity!

1) Matthew 13:40-43

2) 2 Peter 3:10-13

3) Revelation 21:1-22:5

e. The kingdom of heaven was “inaugurated” on the
Day of Pentecost, and will be “culminated” when
Jesus returns to deliver it back to God –
1 Corinthians 15:23-28

3. The Kingdom of Heaven in our text

a. It appears to have the future aspect of the kingdom in
view

1) Note that Jesus says “in that day…” (Mt. 7:22)

2) This is an apparent reference to the day of judgment

a) 2 Timothy 1:12

b) 2 Timothy 1:18

c) 2 Timothy 4:8

b. Thus Jesus is talking about who will enter the
kingdom in its future aspect

1) Of which He spoke on other occasions –
Matthew 25:31-34

2) Of which Peter wrote in 2 Peter 1:10-11

4. What a wonderful blessing, to have an abundant entrance
into “the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ”! But…

B. WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF
HEAVEN?

1. Not everyone who professes Jesus

a. Matthew 7:21a

b. There are some who teach that as long as one believes in
Jesus, they will be saved

1) That salvation is by “faith only”

2) Even though the only time “faith only” is found in the
Scriptures, it says: James 2:24

c. But there is such a thing as “an unsaved believer”

1) The demons believe, but are not saved James 2:19

2) There were some who believed in Jesus, but were not
saved – John 12:42-43

3) Jesus described a true disciple as one who not only
believes in Him, but does what He says

a) John 8:30-32

b) Let no one think that just because they “believe” in
Jesus, they have a free ticket into heaven!

2. Not everyone who does many good works

a. Matthew 7:22

b. Here were people who not only believed in Jesus, but
believed they had:

1) Prophesied in His name!

2) Cast out demons in His Name!

3) Done many wonders in His Name! – that is, they
thought they had been empowered to do such
wonderful works!

c. Such good works certainly did not earn their way to
heaven

1) Indeed, salvation is by grace, not meritorious
works – cf. Titus 3:3-7

2) Good works had not saved Cornelius, he still
needed to be told what to do to be saved – Acts
10:1-5; 11:14

d. Indeed, sometimes what we may think is a good work is
without any authority… Jesus condemns these as those
“who act without authority” – Matthew 7:23

e. We might be very religious, and do many things in the
name of Jesus, yet He might still say: “I never knew you;
depart from Me…”

f. Who then will be saved?…

3. Only those who do the Father’s will

a. As Jesus said, Matthew 7:21b

1) Here is the dividing line: those who DO the Father’s
will!

2) James 1:22-25

b. Is this legalism?

1) No! Legalism is salvation by perfect law-keeping,
believing that one earns salvation by merit

2) Salvation by grace does not preclude obedience

c. The Father’s will, while it offers salvation by grace, does
require obedience!

1) Only those who obey from the heart will be delivered
from sin – Romans 6:17-18

2) Christ is the author of salvation to all who obey Him
– Hebrews 5:9

3) Christ will come in judgment against those who obey
not the gospel – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9

CONCLUSION

A. Who will enter the kingdom of heaven?

1. Not those who profess to believe, but do not obey

2. Not those who think they are doing many religious things,
but without authority

3. But, only those who do the Father’s will!

B. This is why we must take an earlier statement in Jesus’
sermon so seriously…

1. Matthew 6: 33

2. We must make the finding of God’s will and rule the
number one priority in our life!

C. Are you doing the Father’s will?

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT #28

Beware of Wolves!

Matthew 7:15-20

INTRODUCTION

A. Many people like to think that you can trust religious
leaders

1. Ministers normally rank high in polls concerning people
you can trust

2. People will often accept whatever a preacher, priest, or
rabbi says as the truth

B. Yet Jesus told His disciples to beware of false prophets

1. Matthew 7: 15-20

2. False teachers may appear like sheep, but inwardly they
are ravenous wolves

3. We need to be able to identify them, knowing what to look
for

C. Are you concerned about false prophets today? –
You should be!

1. The great diversity of teaching suggests that many are
being misled

2. We need to be reminded of the danger, and know how to
spot any “wolves” that might come our way!

D. With the words of our Savior in Matthew 7:15-20 fresh on
our mind, I wish to use this opportunity to remind us to
“Watch Out For Wolves!”

E. Let me first re-emphasize the point that…

DISCUSSION

A. THERE WILL BE FALSE PROPHETS

1. Paul warned us of this on several occasions…

a. To the Ephesian elders – Acts 20:28-31

1) Telling them to take heed

2) For even from among themselves would men arise,
misleading people

b. To the church at Corinth – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

1) Referring to false teachers present even then

2) Appearing as ministers of righteousness, even as Satan
appears as an angel of light

c. To the young preacher Timothy – 1 Timothy 4:1-3

1) Warning of the apostasy that would come

2) Describing the character and tactics of those who
would mislead others

2. Other New Testament writers on the subject…

a. Peter, in telling of the rise of false teachers –
2 Peter 2:1-3

b. John, in calling for people to “test the spirits” –
1 John 4:1

c. Jude, in writing of some who had already come –
Jude 3-4

3. With so many warnings, this is not a subject to take
lightly!

a. But how can we spot such “wolves” when they
appear so disarming (like sheep)?

b. Thanks to Jesus and the Word of God…

B. WE CAN IDENTIFY FALSE PROPHETS

1. By examining the fruit of their life

a. We can know them by their “fruit” – Matthew
7:16-20

1) What is truly in their heart will eventually come out

2) For from the heart proceeds any sin that may be there
– Mark 7:21-23

b. Thus false teachers and false prophets are often
betrayed…

1) By their greediness (e.g., as manifested by their lavish
lifestyles)

2) By their immorality (e.g., as manifested by adulterous
relationships)

3) By their lust for power (e.g., as manifested by
religious empires)

c. Given time, the true character of many false prophets
will be exposed by the fruit of their life!

2. By examining the fruit of their teaching

a. Taking notice of their methods

1) Working secretly – 2 Peter 2:1

a) Their ministries (especially finances) will be
shrouded in secrecy

b) Rather than being open to one and all –
2 Corinthians 8:20-21

c) The doctrines, too, will be brought in secretly…

2) Appealing to covetousness – 2 Peter 2:3

a) They draw people with an appeal to what people
often covet (such as health and wealth)

b) Rather than preparing people for eternity

3) Using deceptive words – 2 Timothy 3:13

a) Twisting the scriptures to support their message (just
as Satan did in trying to tempt Jesus)

b) Rather handling the word of God rightly –
2 Timothy 2:14-16

4) Review…

b. Taking notice of their doctrine

1) How they twist and pervert the scriptures –
Galatians 1:8-9

a) Their gospel may start out right, but becomes
twisted along the way

b) Their teaching often expressed in the terms of man,
not Scripture

2) How they teach that which is clearly contrary to the
scriptures – Deuteronomy 13:1-4

a) Even if they appear able to perform signs and
wonders!

b) The final test is how their teaching compares to the
word of God and that of His apostles –
1 John 4:1

CONCLUSION

A. It is not necessary to judge the hearts of those who claim
to speak for God…

1. We need only to be “fruit-inspectors”

2. The fruit of their life and teaching will become apparent
soon enough

3. This is how we can “Watch Out For Wolves!”

B. Of course, this presumes that our knowledge of God’s word
is sufficient…

1. To know what to look for in the life of a false prophet

2. To know what to listen for in the teaching of a false
prophet

3. Otherwise we will be no different than Israel, of whom
God said: “My people are destroyed for lack of
knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6)

4. Are you equipped to identify a wolf in sheep’s clothing
if you saw one?

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT #27

Are You On The Right Way?

Matthew 7:13-14

INTRODUCTION

A. Everyone is on a spiritual journey as they travel
through life

1. Whether religious or not, we travel a spiritual path

2. Every day we make choices that affects the direction in
which we are headed

B. Many people think that the paths we can travel are
many

1. In one sense that may be true; there are all kinds of
religions

2. But in another sense there are really only two paths

C. Matthew 7: 13-14

1. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus spoke of these two
ways

2. Each with its own beginning, each with its own end

3. One way is heavily populated, the other is traveled by
few

D. Where are you in your spiritual sojourn?

1. Are you on the right way? Are you heading in the right
direction?

2. Or, are you headed the wrong way?

E. To answer such questions, let’s look closely at what Jesus
said. Note first that…

DISCUSSION

A. THERE ARE TWO GATES

1. The Wide Gate

a. This “gate” represents the beginning to the “way”
that leads to destruction

b. It is described as “wide” – evidently it is a gate
which:

1) Allows many to enter with no sacrifice on their part

a) It does not require giving up anything

b) One is allowed to bring along whatever “baggage”
they desire – materialism, an unforgiving spirit, or
believe whatever one wants to believe

2) Is therefore chosen by most people

a) For there are no restrictions…

b) It is also opens the way to “the path of least
resistance”

2. The Narrow Gate

a. This “gate” represents the beginning, or starting
point, to the “way” that leads to life

b. Why is it “narrow”? Because it is a gate which:

1) Requires self-denial and obedience – Mt. 16:24

2) Has no room for…

a) A consuming desire for earthly goods – Mt. 6:19-20

b) An unforgiving spirit – Mt 6:14-15

c) Self-righteousness – Mt. 6:1

3. These two “gates” are only the starting points. Let’s now
take a closer look at the fact that…

B. THERE ARE TWO WAYS

1. The Broad Way

a. The way that leads to destruction is broad because it
allows:

1) Any behavior one desires

2) No need for reformation or changes in one’s “lifestyle”

b. Many people love this path

1) They think they are “free”

2) They believe they are “open-minded”

3) They view themselves as “tolerant” of others

2. The Constricted Way

a. Translated “narrow is the way” (KJV), or “difficult is the
way” (NKJV)

b. The picture is one of a narrow and difficult path
between two cliffs

c. The way that leads to life is “difficult” because it
requires:

1) A righteousness that exceeds that of many religious
people – Mt. 5:20

2) A change in our behavior – Mt. 5:21-7:12

d. Because of its difficulty, many choose not to travel its
path

1) They think it too “confining”

2) They think it is too “narrow-minded”

3. As Jesus describes the two gates and the two ways, He
also reminds us that…

C. THERE ARE TWO GROUPS

1. The Many

a. “Many there be which go in thereat” (Mt 7:13)

b. We have seen reasons why this is so:

1) The entrance is wide: “Come as you are! No
changes necessary!”

2) The way is broad: “Make your own rules! Believe
what you want! Do what you want!”

c. This is the way people travel by default; unless they
are actively seeking the narrow path, this is the one
they will travel

2. The Few

a. “Few there be that find it” (Mt. 7:14)

b. As proven true so often in the past, only few will be
saved

1) The millions lost in the flood vs. the eight saved on
the ark (Noah & his family)

2) The hundreds of thousands lost in the wilderness
vs. the two who entered the promised land (Joshua
& Caleb)

3) So Jesus warned on another occasion – Lk 13:23-24

c. That it must be “found” suggests effort must
extended

1) As Jesus said in Lk 13:24: “Strive to enter in at the
strait gate…”

2) Even then not all will be saved: “…for many, I say
unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.”

3) Not just effort, but the right kind of effort  –
Matthew 6:33

3. Finally, we note that Jesus tells us that…

D. THERE ARE TWO DESTINATIONS

1. Destruction

a. “…broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction”

b. Paul wrote of the “everlasting destruction” that is to
come – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9

c. John described it as “a lake of fire” (Rev. 20:15; 21:8)

d. A most sobering thought are these words of Jesus:
“…many there be which go in thereat.”

2. Life

a. “…narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life”

b. This “life” is the “everlasting life” received at the
judgment (Mt. 25:46)

c. It is the “gift of God”, given at the end (Rom.
6:22-23)

1) To those who have been set free from sin (Rom. 6:3-7)

2) To those who became slaves of God and of
righteousness (Rom. 6:17-18)

3) Those who bore the fruit of holiness (Rom 6:20-22)

d. Another sobering thought are these words about the
way that leads to this life: “…and few there be that
find it.”

CONCLUSION

A. So we have seen that Jesus describes:

1. Two gates

2. Two ways

3. Two groups

4. Two destinations

B. Are there many roads that lead to heaven?

1. Many people like to think so

2. That all religions lead to heaven

3. That it really doesn’t matter what you believe or do, as
long as you are sincere

C. But according to Jesus…

1. There are only two roads (ways)

2. One leads to life – heaven

3. The other road, filled with many people with many
different beliefs, leads to destruction!

D. Which road will you travel?

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT #26

The Golden Rule

Matthew 7:12

INTRODUCTION

A. Have you ever found yourself in a situation…

1. Faced with the need to make a decision on the spur of the
moment?

2. Wondering what is the right way to act?

3. Unable to recall whether the Bible specifically addresses
the moral dilemma in which you find yourself?

B. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus provided a helpful tool
in such a situation…

1. A quick and easy way to know what to do

2. Something that is easy to remember

C. It is found in Matthew 7:12, and is commonly called “The
Golden Rule”

D. But what is “The Golden Rule”?

1. Was Jesus teaching anything new or original by what He
stated?

2. Well, in a way it was something new…

DISCUSSION

A. THE “GOLDEN” RULE VS. THE “SILVER” RULE

1. Many have taught that which is similar…

a. The HINDU religion taught: This is the sum of duty: do
naught to others which if done to thee would cause thee
pain. – The Mahabharata

b. The BUDDHIST religion taught: Hurt not others with
that which pains yourself. – Udana-Varga

c. The JEWISH traditions taught: What is hateful to you,
do not to your fellow men. That is the entire Law; all the
rest is commentary. – The Talmud

d. The MUSLIM religion taught: No one of you is a
believer until he desires for his brother that which he
desires for himself. – Hadith

e. The BAHA’I faith teaches: He should not wish for others
that which he doth not wish for himself, nor promise that
which he doth not fulfill. – The Book of Certitude

f. Confucius said, What you do not want others to do to
you, do not do to others. (551-479 BC)

2. Jesus’ “rule” was slightly different…

a. Jesus requires you to do something favorably to
others, while the others only prohibit you from doing
something unfavorably to others!

1) Jesus: Do unto others what you want them to do to
you

2) Others: Don’t do to others what you don’t want
done to you

b. Note the difference…

1) With the others, all that is required is that you don’t
harm other people

2) With Jesus, what is required is that you show kindness
to others

c. Jesus’ rule is truly the “Golden” rule

1) The others are “Silver” rules

2) Of value, yes, but not as much as “gold”

3. So what Jesus taught was something new compared to
what many teachers had taught prior. But in another sense
it was nothing new; rather, in a simple and easy to
remember statement, Jesus gives us…

B. A GUIDELINE FOR RIGHTEOUS CONDUCT TOWARDS OTHERS

1. It is in harmony with the Law and the Prophets

a. As we have seen earlier in the sermon (cf. Mt 5:20-48)

1) Jesus taught a standard righteousness that contrasted
with that of the scribes and Pharisees

2) But it was in harmony with what the Law actually
revealed

b. This one “rule” summarizes what the Law and the
Prophets were all about

c. Just as the commandment “Love your neighbor as
yourself” summed up the Law according to Paul –
Romans 13:8-10

2. It is sort of a “pocketknife” or “carpenter’s rule”

a. That is, something that is always ready to be used

b. For example, even in an emergency, when there is no
time to consult a friend, teacher, or book for advice, “the
golden rule” can be guide for proper conduct

c. Treat others as you would be treated, and it is unlikely
you will ever do the wrong thing

C. SOME EXAMPLES OF HOW TO APPLY THIS “RULE”

1. In teaching the lost…

a. Imagine what it must be like to be told you are wrong, or
in sin

b. Wouldn’t you want to be told in a loving and patient
spirit?

c. As you would have others try to persuade you to change
religiously, so treat those you seek to convert

1) 2 Timothy 2: 24-26

2) Ephesians 4:15

2. In correcting one another…

a. No one likes to have their mistakes, errors, etc., point
out

b. When necessary, wouldn’t we prefer to be approached
with a meek and patient spirit?

c. As you would have others offer you constructive
criticism, so give it to them

d. Galatians 6:1-2

3. In treating our family, neighbors, and enemies…

a. Everyone likes to have loving families, good neighbors,
and no enemies

b. Applying the golden rule will not only transform
ourselves, but may also transform those around us!

1) Sibling rivalry would cease

2) Neighborly squabbles would be non-existent

3) Enemies would become friends

c. Don’t limit the application of the Golden Rule to
religious matters!

CONCLUSION

A. “The Golden Rule would reconcile capital and labor, all
political contention and uproar, all selfishness and
greed.” Joseph Parker (1830-1902)

1. Such would be the impact on our society if more followed
Jesus’ words

2. But let’s start close to home, and let the Golden Rule
transform our own lives and those closest to us!

B. “We have committed the Golden Rule to memory; let us
now commit it to life.” Edwin Markham (1852-1940)

1. This reflects what is true with most people; they know the
rule, but don’t live by it

2. If Jesus is truly our Lord, then His “golden rule” will
govern our life!

C. Matthew 7:12