Home » Matthew 7 – The Two Ways

Matthew 7 – The Two Ways

by Jill

Matthew 7 is one of the most powerful chapters in the Bible, filled with wisdom on how to live a righteous life. It’s the conclusion of Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about judgment, discernment, prayer, and the importance of building a life on a strong foundation. These teachings challenge us to examine our hearts, our actions, and our relationship with God.

In today’s world, where people often say, “You do you,” or “Live your truth,” Jesus presents a different perspective—one rooted in humility, accountability, and trust in God. His words remind us that the path to righteousness is not always the easiest, but it is the only one that leads to true life.

Let’s explore the key lessons from Matthew 7 and how they apply to our lives today.


1. Judging Others: The Measure You Use Will Be Used on You

Jesus begins this chapter with one of the most well-known and often-misunderstood statements:

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1, NIV)

Many interpret this as a command to never call out wrongdoing, but Jesus clarifies that He is addressing hypocrisy. He points out the absurdity of focusing on a small speck in someone else’s eye while ignoring the massive plank in your own.

This is a call for self-examination. Before we correct others, we need to ensure that we are living rightly. If we approach others with a critical spirit while ignoring our own sins, we invite the same judgment upon ourselves. However, this does not mean we should never offer guidance or correction—it means we should do so with humility and self-awareness.

How This Applies Today:

  • Instead of being quick to condemn others, we should ask, “Am I living by the standards I expect from others?”
  • When addressing someone’s faults, we should do so with love, not superiority.
  • We should remember that only God sees the full picture, so we should be slow to make assumptions about others’ motives.

2. Discernment: Don’t Throw Pearls Before Swine

Jesus warns against giving sacred things to those who will not appreciate them:

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.” (Matthew 7:6, NIV)

In other words, wisdom, truth, and the message of the Gospel should be shared wisely. There are people who will openly reject the message of Christ, mock it, or use it against you. Jesus is not saying to withhold truth, but rather to recognize when a person is hardened against it.

How This Applies Today:

  • We should pray for discernment about when and how to share our faith.
  • Not everyone is ready to receive God’s truth—forcing it on someone unwilling may only cause more resistance.
  • Instead of arguing, we can focus on living in a way that reflects Christ’s love, allowing our actions to speak louder than words.

3. Asking, Seeking, and Knocking: God’s Generosity in Answered Prayers

Jesus then shifts to the importance of persistence in prayer:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7, NIV)

This is an encouragement to be persistent in seeking God’s will. He is a good Father who desires to give good gifts to His children. If even flawed human parents know how to provide for their children, how much more will God give to those who seek Him?

How This Applies Today:

  • We should not hesitate to bring our needs before God—no request is too small.
  • Prayer should be persistent, not just a one-time request.
  • Sometimes, God’s answer comes in unexpected ways, but He always provides what is best for us.

4. The Golden Rule: Treat Others As You Want to Be Treated

Jesus sums up the law and the prophets in one simple yet profound principle:

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12, NIV)

This command is not about expecting people to treat us well, but about taking the initiative to treat others with kindness, mercy, and fairness. It is a call to live with empathy and love.

How This Applies Today:

  • Instead of reacting to others based on how they treat us, we should choose to treat them how we would want to be treated.
  • This applies to relationships, work, social media interactions, and daily encounters.
  • Living by the Golden Rule creates a ripple effect of kindness in the world.

5. The Narrow and Wide Gates: The Hard Path Leads to Life

Jesus warns that the path to life is not the easy one:

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14, NIV)

The wide gate represents the easy, worldly way of life—one that disregards God’s truth. The narrow gate, however, is harder to walk through because it requires sacrifice, faith, and obedience. But it is the only path that leads to eternal life.

How This Applies Today:

  • Culture often promotes values that contradict God’s Word, making it tempting to follow the crowd.
  • True discipleship requires commitment and sometimes means making hard choices.
  • The narrow path may not be popular, but it is always worth it.

6. A Tree and Its Fruit: Watch for False Teachers

Jesus warns that not everyone who claims to follow Him is genuine:

“By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:16, NIV)

A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. This is a reminder to evaluate the character and teachings of those who claim to speak for God. If someone’s life does not reflect Christ-like qualities, their message should be questioned.

How This Applies Today:

  • We should be cautious of spiritual leaders who seek personal gain or contradict Scripture.
  • Instead of blindly following popular voices, we should test everything against the Word of God.
  • Our own lives should produce good fruit, reflecting the love and righteousness of Christ.

7. The Wise and Foolish Builders: A Foundation That Lasts

Jesus concludes with a striking illustration:

“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24, NIV)

The wise person builds their life on Christ’s teachings, ensuring that when storms come, they remain standing. The foolish person, however, builds on sand—unstable beliefs and worldly desires—which ultimately leads to ruin.

How This Applies Today:

  • If we build our lives on worldly success, opinions, or temporary pleasures, we will struggle when hardship comes.
  • A foundation in Christ gives us strength, peace, and security no matter what happens.
  • Daily reading, prayer, and obedience to God’s Word help us build on the rock.

Conclusion: Living Out the Teachings of Jesus

Matthew 7 challenges us to live with integrity, seek God wholeheartedly, and build our lives on His truth. Jesus’ words are not just philosophical advice—they are the foundation for a life that truly thrives.

Let’s ask ourselves:

  • Am I judging others without first examining my own heart?
  • Am I persistent in seeking God?
  • Am I choosing the narrow path, even when it’s difficult?
  • Am I building my life on Christ or on unstable ground?

By following these principles, we can experience the peace, purpose, and strength that come from walking in obedience to Christ. Let’s be wise builders, choosing the foundation that lasts forever.

Amen.

You may also like

Leave a Comment