Matthew 7:12-29

I’m sure you have heard of the “Sermon on the Mount.” If not, then begin in Matt. 5:1 and read to the end of our passage today – this is the “Sermon on the Mount.” I want us to look briefly at how Jesus closes this sermon.
For the bulk of Jesus message he has spoken to the people about do’s and don’ts (actually enhancing the law – “You’ve heard it said ‘You shall not commit adultery’ but I say to you that anyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart”). Jesus teaches us what it means to love God and truly love our neighbor in the majority of this “sermon” focusing on the heart behind the action, not on the action itself.
Therefore, Jesus ends with a summary statement (vs 12) about doing unto others what you would have them do unto you and then changes his tone.

We see discussion on a narrow gate which is hard to enter but leads to life (13-14).

How do you know if someone is going towards the narrow gate?

Look at the next section!

We can know where people are in there walk with the Lord by the fruit they bear. If you are bearing good fruit you are going toward the narrow gate. Bearing bad fruit – you are going toward the wide gate that is easy.
But what is fruit?

Look at the next section!

Fruit is not simply doing things in Jesus name or YOU knowing God. Rather, fruit is GOD knowing YOU – which requires a relationship!!

What does this look like in practice?

Look at the next section!

“Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man.” (7:24) The practical involves knowing the teachings of Jesus and LIVING them out in this world! The majority of Jesus words (in this sermon) focus on YOUR HEART, not the actions you are doing (6:21). If you really hear Jesus words you will have a transformed heart and actually act on them.

This is how you know you are bearing good fruit.

This is how you know you are on the path to the narrow gate!

Build on the rock!

How’s your heart? On anything but God?

Are you bearing good fruit or bad fruit? How?

Does God know YOU?