Matthew 7:13-29

< Back to Matthew Index


TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Two Gates and Ways, Two Trees and Fruits, Two Builders and Foundations

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. There are two different gates and ways.

  2. There are two different trees and fruits.

  3. There are two different builders and foundations.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Don’t be deceived by signs and wonders.

QUESTIONS

  1. What common teaching method did Jesus use in this last section of the Sermon on the Mount?

  2. How did Jesus’ teaching differ from the other teachers’ of His day?

  3. Are the two gates and ways a picture of the road to salvation?

  4. What are the two gates and ways a picture of?

  5. Will there be false prophets in Christ’s millennial kingdom?

  6. Are the false teachers of Matthew 7:23 unbelievers or backslidden believers?

ANSWERS

  1. Jesus used the “two ways” method of teaching, where a teacher would compare and contrast two items.

  2. Jesus taught by His own authority (see Matthew 7:28). He did not have to quote famous rabbis, because He spoke with the authority of God.

  3. No, this is more an issue of discipleship. The Sermon on the Mount does not present the way of salvation, but the way of righteousness. Using the hermeneutical principle, “Look for one interpretation, with many applications,” however, we can apply this illustration to salvation.

  4. Jesus is teaching that the majority of believers are not committed disciples. They do not enter the gate of discipleship. Most believers waste their lives on things that will not count for eternity.

  5. No, all false prophets will be judged at the Lord’s return. There will however be false prophets in the tribulation period preceding the millennial kingdom.

  6. These false teachers are unbelievers, even though they perform miracles in the name of Christ. The Lord says to these false teachers, “I never knew you.” God would never say this to a believer.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Have you entered the gate of discipleship? Discuss the distinction between being a believer and being a disciple. Many believers never take the step toward discipleship. Remember, you only have one life to live, and one life to give. The life of the committed disciple is not easy, but it is more rewarding. The life of a disciple has eternal value.

  2. Review the story of the wise man and the foolish man. Sing the song, if you know it. This story, like the two gates, is an issue of discipleship. After you are saved you need to ask, what are you going to build your life upon? Many believers do not build their Christian lives on the Lord and His Word. Are you building your life on the value system of this world? What would this look like? Many believers have houses on the sand. Before a storm comes, a house on the sand and a house on the rock may look the same. But the foundation will be proven when the storms of life come. Discuss how building your life on the Lord and His Word will help you weather the storms of life.

CHALLENGE

  1. Occasionally a group will arise that reports many impressive healings and miracles. As Christians, we need to be discerning of these signs and wonders. Remember, Satan has miraculous powers as well.

KEY VERSES

  • “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.” Matthew 7:13

  • “You will know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:16

  • “He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matthew 7:29



Matthew, Talks, New TestamentDeb HarmsMatthew 7:13-29