"Seeking the Righteous Life"

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-29

As we have been working our way thought Jesus’ powerful sermon, we have experienced many commandments, some of which were new to the people, and others that were simply clarifications of what God had been telling them all along. But every single one had the same intent – to strengthen the relationship between humanity and Almighty God.
The bond that the Lord had created at the beginning of time had not only suffered, it had been damaged over and over again through the neglect of humanity. Fortunately for us, God wasn’t about to let it become irreparably broken, so he took pains to repair it as often as we caused it great harm.

But in strengthening our covenant with the Lord, it meant that the grasp that we have on our humanness and our worldly ways, would have to be weakened. And even though that wouldn’t be easy for us, it will become eternally worthwhile.

Today’s text teaches us about the worthiness of keeping a strong connection with the Lord.

Read Matthew 7:1-6

Let’s take a minute to consider what these verses do say, as well as what they do not say. First, they tell us that if we are critical or condemning of others, then we must expect the same standard at our Judgment. Second, they do not say that we are to ignore the sinful failings of this world. Judging others, and being discerning in the things they do, are two completely different issues. Judgment implies either the acquittal of a charge that has been leveled against us, or the determination of guilt and punishment for that infraction. Judgment for sin, in either case, is God’s prerogative. We have no standing in the Divine Court – not in defense and not even in accusation.
In Zechariah 3, we read of the high priest Joshua who was standing before the Seat of Judgment. With him was both the Lord and the Satan, but God was the only one who spoke any words. Satan was muffled, and Joshua never even offered a thought in his own defense. Jesus, the Angel of God, was the only voice that would be heard that day.

And when we attempt to offer a decision as to a person’s guilt or innocence, we are, in essence, taking the authority to judge away from God, and when we judge others in an un-Godly way, the sentence that will be handed down to us will be just as harsh as ours was on the other person.

But what about our being discerning (ie. understanding and aware) as to what God’s commandments tell us (Matthew 28:16-20)? What about our call to hold each other accountable to the things we say and do (Hebrews 3:13-14)? Hebrews 3 tells us that we must encourage each other so that no heart will ever become hardened because of sin. Notice that scripture doesn't say condemn - it says "encourage"!

Be discerning of whether the things that we and others are doing are righteous or not, but never become judgmental of the people themselves.
And the concluding verse tells us to protect the word of God. Wild dogs will rip and tear anything that they can get ahold of, and pigs will trample anything that gets in their way into the mud. The “sacred”, or the Divine Word, must be cared for, keeping it from either being ignored, or trampled or destroyed. And this commandment is not only about keeping it safe from others, but also about keeping it safe within our own lives – and, quite honestly, that may be the harder of the two tasks!.

Read Matthew 7:7-12

These first 2 verses tell us to be “asking”, “seeking” and “knocking” for all of our needs. First, it is about remaining faithfully dependent on God for all our needs, and not to try to become self-sufficient in this life - Jesus would have us commit to being perseverant in our “asking”, “seeking” and “knocking”. “Never Give Up!” is a more current mantra, and it, too, encourages us to never pray just once about some issue, but to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Second, this is about God’s faithfulness. The Lord reminds us that God will always give good things to those who seek his provision for their lives.
And third, we are called to do these very things for others. As the Lord has cared for our lives, do the same for those who we know are in need. Matthew 25:35-46 tells us that when we care for the needs of others, it is the same as doing them for Jesus!

And we are enabled to do this through the power of prayer - prayer that cements all of our asking, all of our seeking, and all of our knocking, in a way that will bring glory to our Lord. This is the significance of the Golden Rule, that it is not only required in the Law, but that it also is a means of our Faith.

Read 7:13-23

In John 10:1-18, Jesus offers an analogy regarding the relationship between that of a shepherd and his sheep, and the relationship between him and us. He tells of the shepherd who would lie down in the opening to the fold every night, and anyone or anything who tried to enter the fold would have to encounter the protective vengeance of the shepherd. And, of course, this relates to the “Gate of Heaven”, which is also secured by Jesus. Unless he grants entrance by faith in him, there is no hope of heaven.
And the way that leads to the Narrow Gate is not especially broad either – it is the way of Jesus, which is very narrow by worldly standards (John 14:6). If we seek a broader and alternative way for our life, or if we even teach others that there is another way, we are nothing more than butchers and thieves.
Do you know of someone who believes that any and every way is just as good as any other? There are many out there who do, and regardless of the apparent truthfulness of their words, these are the “wolves” that Jesus speaks about. Let them know – by discernment, not judgement! – that there is only one true way, and that is by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and no other!

But how do we know if they are speaking truthful words or not? Some of the greatest lies of all time seemed to ring true at the moment! Whether they sound good or not, test them against the power and authority of scripture, for the Word is always true and dependable, and is the “good fruit” that we are to look for. If it doesn’t match, then its goodness must be in question.

And no matter what we might say or do, even if we claim to offer them in the name of the Lord, until we have truly surrendered our life to Christ, nothing else is going to count when we stand mute before the throne of Almighty God. There is no justification, no explanation, no excuse, no hope for glory, except by faith in Jesus.

Read Matthew 7:24-27

There is a contemporary song that has gained popularity with young Christians titled “Jesus is the Rock”, and the repeating verse in the refrain says “Jesus is the Rock and he rolls my blues away!” The point of the song is that Jesus is such a powerful and solid and dependable support for our lives, that there is nothing in this life that can deter him from leading us through the most terrible of times. That’s the promise of Jesus, the promise of the Rock of heaven and earth.
This passage also tells us that not only is he the only foundation that can help us withstand every storm, but that every other claim of support will be washed away, taking with it the hopes of all who falsely trusted.

“Jesus is [truly] the Rock” that will never fail us and will never fall away from us, and with him at our side, we can discover that even the greatest sorrow and the greatest assault that can ever come against us will be turned aside and we will know for certain the joy of Christ. (Romans 5:1-5)

Read Matthew 7:28-29

In chapter 5, we read that Jesus had only sat down to teach his disciples, but now we read that the crowds of people were there, too. The “crowds aren’t identified, and they aren’t numbered, so we can assume that these folks represent the people of the world who need to hear the gospel message. The Church of today must also understand that we, too, are to carry this message to the same people who now live in the 21st century.

The disciples are silent – it is only the crowd that expresses such amazement over the authority and power that is so prevalent in Jesus’ words. But how do we respond to the Lord’s teaching? Do we stand in awe of what we have learned during these past 7 weeks, or will we simply remain silent?
With all due respect, silence is not an option for those who claim the name of Christian! And we must always remember that the actions of our lives speak even louder than the words we utter – but use words, just the same! Live the teachings of Jesus' Sermon; share the teachings of his Sermon; rejoice that the Lord has given this word for our lives, and that he trusts us to carry his message throughout the world.

These are words not only for Jesus’ time, but for our time, and for all time until the Lord returns. Learn them, live them, love them, and discover the fullness of his authority and promise that is within them for each of us, and when we do, we will discover that the righteous life is not such a distant hope.