Study in the Gospel of Mathew,7

Today we study the seventh chapter of the Gospel according to Mathew. There are many biblical principles and lessons in this chapter but I choose two biblical principles and their lessons which, I believe, are useful in biblical counselling.

In this chapter, the Lord Jesus continues the sermon on mount. What He mentions about the restriction of judging others does not mean that a disciple never judges. After all kind judgment, it is required to obey the commands of God, for example in verse 6 of this chapter. The point is that a Christian should not have a spirit of carping criticism and fault-finding.

Dogs and swine refer to people who are enemies of the gospel, as opposed to those who are merely unbelievers. Such enemies are to be left alone. One example of such a person was Herod Antipas, who heard John the Baptist gladly but then beheaded him. Later when Christ stood before Herod, He said nothing. In the context   of this verse, Herod had become a big or a dog not worthy to reply to him.

Beware of false prophets: people who respond to those false prophets should distinguish between them and the prophets of the Old Testaments also Jesus as the final prophet and God appeared in flesh. It is by their fruits to know them. Fruits here refer to more than their deeds. It also includes their doctrines. A false prophet should be tested against the truth of the God Word in the Scripture.

Because there have been many people who teach in the wrong way, it is important to cast doubts on them even if they perform wonders in Jesus’ name. It is important to remember that the Word of God is superior to any miracles they might do.

The house in the Rock pictures a life founded on a proper relationship with Christ. Besides it stands in the face of many temptations and trials in this world, most importantly, it will stand the test of Christ’s judgement in the final day.

Scribes would often cite authorities in order to lend credence to their statements. In contrast of Jesus’ words. They were self-authenticating. Note His phrase “I say to you” in 5:20,22,26,28,32.

Structure:

Verses 1-6: do not judge.

Verses 7-12: keep asking, seeking, knowing

Verses 13-14: the narrow way.

Verses 15-20: you will know them by their fruits.

Verses 21-23: I never knew you.

Verses 24-29: build on the rock.

Principle 13, verse 7:12: ----"therefore whatever you want men to do to you,do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

Lesson 13: If we want to be treated Kindley, we must treat others with kindness. If we want to be given the benefit of the doubt , we must give others the benefits of the doubt. If we want good things for us, we must want good things for others,

Principle 14: verse 7:29: === “He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes,”

Lesson 14: Sometime, read straight through in your Bible from the prophets to the Gospels. You will feel almost jolted by the huge difference between, “Thus says the Lord” of the prophets, and “But I say to you,” of Jesus. 01/11/2026.