Be All in With Christ

(Matthew 7:13-29)

Why?

1. Two paths: His path ends in life (vs. 13-14)

a) “Enter” (command)- There are only two gates & paths one can enter & travel (one cannot remain neutral or choose both). One gate is wide & its path is broad/spacious. It is the world’s/devil’s way. It is easy to enter & travel along. It accommodates any choices & preferences, but it ends in destruction (the loss of eternal life/eternal misery). Many choose this gate/path: the majority can be wrong.

b) The other gate & path is the way into the kingdom of heaven (5:20). The gate is narrow & the path is narrow, compressed with lots of affliction & distress. It begins with a decision to follow Jesus & continues throughout life. It ends in life/eternal life. By comparison with those on the other path, few choose this one (though in the end we will be a countless multitude).

2. Two trees: You will see through what is false & unfruitful (vs. 15-20)

a) Beware/be on guard against (6:1) false prophets. The context implies they claim a message from God that approves of the wide gate & broad way & deny it leads to eternal destruction. Outwardly, they dress in sheep’s clothing and appear as part of God’s flock. However, inwardly they are ravenous wolves, and thus predators that want to destroy & devour God’s flock.

b) Jesus taught we can know/recognize them by their fruits (vs. 16, 20). Using plant illustrations, the nature of a plant/tree shows in the quality of fruit produced. Thorn bushes cannot bear grapes & thistles cannot bear figs. A good, healthy tree will produce beautiful, excellent fruit. A bad tree will be barren or produce worthless or rotten fruit.

c) Bad, unfruitful trees are taking up space & might spread disease to good trees. They are cut down & thrown into the fire. The false prophets with their accommodating, feel-good message are bearing bad fruit. There end is fire: cut off from God’s goodness in hell.

d) Good fruits include their true character flowing from their hearts; their message based on the Bible; the impact their ministry is having on others.

3. Two confessions: Your confession will be genuine (vs. 21-25)

a) One type of confession includes a strong verbal confession that Jesus is “Lord, Lord.” On judgment day, they will point to some impressive things they did in Jesus’ Name: prophesy, casting out demons & performing many miracles. Yet they will not enter (v13) the kingdom of heaven. The Lord Jesus will declare He never knew them & will command them to depart from Him. Their practice of the law was purely outward (23:28). Their heart condition led to the working of lawlessness (5:20).

b) A genuine confession of Christ includes more than one what says. One does the will of our Heavenly Father. This person has a personal relationship with Christ where He knows you and you know Him.

4. Two foundations: Your life will be secure through the judgment (vs. 26-27)

a) The right foundation is the one who hears Jesus words and does them. He is like a wise man who built his house upon a solid rock foundation. When a severe storm comes with rain, floods & wind (severe trials and/or God’s judgment), the house/life of that person still firmly stands.

b) The wrong foundation continues to hear Jesus words, but does not do them. He is like a foolish man who presumptuously built His house on a foundation of sand. The same storm causes the total collapse of his house/life.

c) The only difference between the two is acting/obeying Christ’s teaching. We cannot just hear it.

5. His message has God’s authority (vs. 28-29)

a) The Scribes taught by quoting various authorities who had gone before.

b) Jesus taught with, “but I say to you.” He accepted the confession, “Lord.” Doing the will of the Father equals hearing & acting on Jesus’ words. He is the Judge people will stand before. The crowds were amazed with His authoritative teaching. He was God speaking spelling out His will & calling for total dedication in light of the coming judgement.