Conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount

Text: Matthew 7

  I. Balance and perfection.
     A. The danger of being judgmental.  Matthew 7:1-5
        1. We are to do some judging.
           a. John 7:24
           b. 1 John 4:1
        2. This is talking about the fact that we should 
           not cultivate a harsh, bitter, faultfinding 
           spirit that looks on the ill side of persons and 
           actions and that seeks to see evil in others so 
           that they can find fault and complain. (Also, 
           not a hypocritical judging.)
        3. Galatians 6:1
     B. The danger of being undiscriminating. Matthew 7:6
        1. The gospel is a priceless treasure.
        2. Not all men will receive this gospel.
        3. Jesus’ disciples are not even to present the
           gospel to certain people who have a vicious and 
           unappreciative disposition.
        4. What Jesus is calling for is discernment.
        5. We need to be careful in our handling of gospel.
     C. The danger of lacking a trusting persistence. 
        Matthew 7:7-11
        1. We must ask in faith.  James 1:6-7
        2. We must not ask to gratify our own lust. James 
           4:3
        3. We must ask according to the will of God. 1 John 
           5:14
     D. Balance and perfection.  Matthew 7:12
        1. Jesus does not say that we are to do to others
           what we would like them to do to us in order 
           that they will do it to us.
        2. However you would like for others to treat you
           is how you should treat them.
           a. send cards to sick.
           b. talking about others.

 II. Jesus concludes the Sermon of the Mount with four
     warnings.
     A. The warning against following the broad way. 
        Matthew 7:13-14
        1. a picture of two cities.
           a. One is the city of destruction.
           b. The other is the city of life.
        2. The way to the city of destruction is easy…
        3. The way to the city of life is narrow, pent up,
           difficult to be entered, and traveled and few… 
           Luke 13:24
     B. The warning about false prophets. Matthew 7:15-20
        1. There will be false prophets.
           a. Acts 20:29-31
           b. 2 Peter 2:1-3
           c. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
           d. Brother Lee’s statement about there being
              more in the New Testament about false 
              prophets than murder, fornication, etc.
        2. How can you tell?
           a. Not by their looks
              (1) They will be able to quote scriptures.
              (2) They will be able to pray beautiful
                  prayers.
              (3) They will be able to preach excellent 
                  sounding sermons.
           b. By their fruits.
           c. By comparing their teaching with the New
              Testament. Acts 17:11
     C. The warning against a false claim. Matthew 7:21-23
        1. In the day of judgment, there will be people who
           will claim to serve Jesus, but in reality were 
           not.
        2. Those who will enter heaven are whose who obey
           the will of God.
     D. The warning about how you build. Matthew 7:24-27
        1. The foolish builder.
        2. The wise builder.

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