A Life Worth Rewarding, Part 2

Are you prepared for your eternal future? How can you be sure? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives clear, timeless instructions on how to structure your life. In this second part of our study, let’s examine what Matthew 7 has to say about a life that pleases God.

A.  Use wisdom in your relationships with others

      1.  Correct others only after examining yourself.

Read Matthew 7:1-5. 

• Why do you think the Bible warns us about judging others? 

• Read Romans 2:1. Think about the most recent judgment you made of another person. In what way was this verse true for you?

Notice that Jesus doesn’t say we should never judge. In verse 5, he mentions that if we repent of our own sins, we can help others by pointing out their blind spots.  

• In light of this, how can you reconcile Christ’s words in Matthew 7:1-2 with 1 Corinthians 5:9-13?

      2.  Use prudence in sharing your beliefs.

Read Matthew 7:6. In Jesus’ day, dogs and pigs were considered lowly creatures. Often ungodly people were likened to these animals to suggest a sense of unworthiness. Jesus’ point here is that if someone has rejected the gospel, we are foolish to reveal the precious things of the faith to them.

•  The analogy says the dogs and pigs “will trample [what is holy] under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces” (Matt. 7: 6). What does this mean for us today?

• How do you decide if someone can be trusted with the “treasures” of your faith?

B.  Live in light of the truth that God is good and loves humankind.

      1.  Boldly and persistently ask the Lord for what you need.

Read Matthew 7:7-11. The words ask, seek and find in Greek could be translated as “keep on asking,” “keep on seeking,” and “keep on finding.”

• Does this describe how you pray? Why or why not?

• Some believers question the promise in Matthew 7:7 because they experience unanswered prayer. How does the analogy of a good father with a son (vv. 9-11) illuminate your understanding of Matthew 7:7?

• In the past, how has God protected or blessed you through unanswered prayer?

• What are you currently asking of God that has so far remained unanswered? Recommit to trusting that He will respond. 

      2.  Treat others with kindness, even if they don’t deserve it.

Because our heavenly Father is gracious to bless us with things we haven’t earned, we should treat others well too (Matt. 5:43-45).

• Other faiths have the Golden Rule in negative form: “Don’t do to others what you wouldn’t want done to you.” How is Jesus’ command more challenging (Matt. 7:12)?

• How might you fulfill the Golden Rule toward someone who recently wronged you?

C.  Establish your faith and life on Christ’s instruction.

      1.  Determine to walk closely with the Lord.

Read Matthew 7:13-14. Jesus compared our life with Him to a journey along a narrow path.

• Why is this analogy an effective description of the Christian life?

• Ultimately, why is it worth the effort to walk God’s narrow path?

      2.  Examine the character, not just the teaching, of your spiritual leaders.

• How can you tell a godly leader from a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” (Matt. 7:15-20)?

• What do you think Jesus means by “fruit”?

Jesus describes two other methods of determining true spirituality: 1) obedience to God’s will (v. 21) and 2) a personal relationship with Him (v.23).

• Why are demonstrations of spiritual power not necessarily a sign of genuine connection with God (Matt. 21-23)?

      3.  Build your life on the Word of God.

Read Matthew 7:24-27. Every believer should both listen to and apply the truth. It is the foundation of the Christian life.

• Upon what else do people build their lives?

• Why do you think Jesus compared these things to a home’s unsteady foundation?

• What are you tempted to make your foundation, other than Jesus Christ?

The apostle James compared Scripture to a mirror in which a person can see his or her faults (James 1:22-25).

• After doing this study, in what area of life do you see a need to apply the Word’s teaching? Explain.

Closing: Following God’s Word prepares us to spend eternity in His presence and also blesses us in the present. Allow Christ to reveal whatever adjustments in your life are necessary.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Scripture, which so clearly tells us how to live. Help me put aside the world, my sin, and my selfishness to live in such a way that I will know Your fullest blessing now and throughout eternity. In Jesus’ name, amen.