Matthew 7

Not judging others is harder than if might first appear.  We are predisposed to make snap judgements about others (judge the book by it's cover).   We are also much more understanding and forgiving of our own shortcomings than we are of those around us.   Add these two together and you have a recipe for problems.
It's hard not to criticize others (especially when they are like us), but it's critical that we stop.   Nothing is more damaging to our christian witness than malicious talk.

7:7-12  I'm willing to bet that this passage of scripture has been more abused than any other passage in the Bible.  We try and make this into a formula for receiving from God whatever you want.   Of course, that's not the way it was meant to be understood.    God will give us anything we ask for....as long as it's in keeping with what is best for us, and not sinful, or against his will.
We know that God loves us, and wants what is best for us, so when we ask we should expect that God will give us what we ask for.   But think about it;  if our 10 year old child asks for a car, or a handgun...are we going to give it to them?   Probably not.   They aren't old enough to appreciate it, or use it without harming themselves.    The same is true for what we ask of from our heavenly father.

7:15-23  If we pay attention to the "fruit" of the people who lead us, we will be better able to qualify their genuine character.   Leaders who appear godly, but have problems controlling their temper, or harnessing their greed should not be followed.
It's pretty hard to imagine how a person could be casting out demons and prophesying and still not going to heaven.   but it has to be possible, if the Bible says it's true.   Therefore, we should make every effort to ensure that our faith is genuine.


PR