The Teachings of Jesus : Lesson 27
Text: Matthew 7:13-23
17 July 2016
TWO GATES
-
The difficult way (Matthew 7:13-14)
a) Narrow is the gate
b) Difficult is the way which leads to life
c) There are few who find it
-
The broad way (Matthew 7:13)
a) It leads to destruction
b) Many go in by it
-
Warning about false prophets
a) It may also refer to false teachers
b) The word “prophet” may sometimes be used as a common symbol for false shepherds (Jeremiah 23).
-
How may we discern who these false shepherds are?
a) They are dangerous
b) Outwardly they appear as sheep (Matthew 7:15)
c) Inwardly they are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15)
d) How they may be detected
e) By their fruits (Matthew 7:16)
f) Every good tree bears good fruit (Matthew 7:17)
g) A bad tree bears bad fruits (Matthew 7:17)
h) A good tree cannot bear bad fruit (Matthew 7:18)
i) A bad tree cannot bear good fruit (Matthew 7:18)
-
Final outcome
a) Every tree that that does not bear good fruit is cut down (Matthew 7:19)
b) It is then thrown into the fire (Matthew 7:19)
-
Conclusion
“Therefore by their fruits you shall know them.” Matthew 7:20
a) A call to be discerning
b) A call to be wise