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In Malachi 2:6-9 God condemned the ancient priests for selectively
teaching scripture.
True instruction was in his mouth and unrighteousness was not found on his lips . . . For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction . . . you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality in the instruction. (NASB) Mal. 2:6-9 The priests were being partial in their instruction. Were they seeking
to please the people? What is clear is that they were not teaching all
of scripture. The priests were teaching only parts of the Bible. This
is a problem with topical preaching. It can and usually does ignore major
sections of the Bible.
If you ever look for a church, please be careful. It can
take about 1-2 years before one can determine if a pastor is faithful
in his teaching. Remember Proverbs 14:15. A man or woman can be a false
teacher without blatantly committing doctrinal error. Look for the characteristics
of a false teacher. The more you find, the greater should be your concern.
There are more teachers who are walking the wide road than there are
walking the narrow road. We must examine their fruit. Bad trees produce
bad fruit. Good trees produce good fruit. Look for what they do and not
what they say.
Few True Servants (v. 21-23). Jesus’ next
illustration is familiar.
Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?” And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.” (NASB) Matt. 7:21-23 “Lord, Lord . . .” and yet Jesus says, “I do not know
you!” We often wonder how anyone could prophesy, cast out demons,
and perform miracles and yet be rejected by God. These are signs that
some Christians are seeking today as proof that they are real Christians.
But Jesus warns us that one day He will reject some who practice these
activities!
How did these people do these things if they were not believers
who followed God? While it is obvious they were self-deceived, it is
also obvious that others were following them. Miracle workers will have
followers, and those who speak for God must have someone following or
they will stop. They must have thought they were great since they prophesied
and did great things.
It would appear that they had great “fruit.” Many
probably thought they were wonderful Christians. But look closer at Jesus’ words.
Why did He reject them? Jesus actually tells us. He tells us that they
did not do the Father’s will. There is the answer. Once again Jesus
did not say that they did “not believe.” The issue is that
they did not do the Father’s will.
The Father’s will is contained in all of scripture.
Unfortunately, there are few who care. Most of the world is on the wide
road that leads to destruction.
Before we leave this passage, we must ask this question, “How
did they claim that they had prophesied, cast out demons, and performed
miracles?” The answer is that some may attempt to deceive
God by lying, but God will know the truth. Another answer is that some
will be self-deceived and think that they have served God. But probably
the most stunning answer of all is that God performs miracles, speaks,
and ministers through unbelievers too! The false Balaam is an example
of this truth.
We are told in 2 Peter 2:15 and Revelation 2:14 that Balaam
was a false prophet. Yet in Numbers 24:1-4 we are also told that the
Holy Spirit came upon him. We are told in Numbers 24 that as Balaam lifted
his eyes to see the Israelites, the Holy Spirit came “upon him,” and
then Balaam blessed Israel. He prophesied. The false prophet was not
a follower of God. The ministry of the Spirit resulted in prophetic predictions
and a blessing upon Israel.
There are many on the wide road but few on the narrow one.
The wide one is comfortable, but the narrow one is difficult. Is your
Christian walk difficult? Does your obedience to God cost you anything?
Are you pursuing holiness? Listen to Jesus’ words once again, “I
never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.” (NASB)
Matt. 7:23.
Few Real Christians (v. 24-29). Jesus’ third
illustration of the wide and narrow roads is about two houses. One was
built on the sand and the other on a rock.
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall. (NASB) Matt. 7:24-27 Once again Jesus’ illustration is about our activity. Each house
represents what you are building in this life. The sand represents spiritual
stupidity and the rock represents spiritual wisdom. Only a spiritual
fool will build his or her house on sand. The solid rock is the truth
that Jesus taught. His teachings are revealed in the Bible. The shifting
sand is worldly wisdom, cultural morals, and human philosophy - the very
things that Jesus rejected.
Many are rejecting Jesus’ teachings. Oh, many like
His teachings about loving others, having mercy, and being kind. Many
like what they think the Sermon on the Mount is all about, but they do
not like the part that we will read later in the gospels where Jesus
declares that He is God.
Some are building their houses of Christian politics, moral
campaigns, and building wonderful ministries, but the question that Jesus
may ask some day is, “Do I know you?” Who is following His
will? 1 Corinthians 12:3 tells us that only those who really belong to
God will call Jesus “Lord” and do His will. Do you?
Conclusion. Throughout the Sermon on the
Mount Jesus has been describing external obedience. It is the proof that
you are a real Christian. You might agree with the crowd in the following
passage, but it will not be enough.
When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. (NASB) Matt. 7:28-29 God is looking for more. He is looking for your heart to say, “I
believe in you. I yield myself to you. I give myself to you. I am ready
to serve you. What shall I do?” Is this you?
If you say, “Yes,” you are on the narrow road.
It is marked with trouble as you seek to do His will and live a holy
life. If you do, you will be building your spiritual house on Jesus Christ,
and this narrow road leads to God.
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