Ep. 225. Matthew 7 | Sermon on the Mount Part 5

EPISODE 225

SERMON ON THE MOUNT PART 5: MATTHEW 7:1-14

Jesus doesn't use the term "hypocrite" to talk about wayward Christians. He uses the term exclusively for those who claim to be in a relationship with God but have missed him completely. The Pharisees are NOT Christians. John the Baptist and Jesus both call the Pharisees a "brood of vipers." Jesus says of the Pharisees they belong to their father, the devil. We read a text like Matthew 7 or even Matthew 23, and we, from the pulpit, encourage Christians not to be hypocrites. Christians ARE NOT hypocrites. Those who pretend to be Christian, who pretend to know God, who have lips that are near to him but hearts that are far from him, are the real hypocrites.

This text must be interpreted in light of Jesus's reference to hypocrites. Comparing these verses to those in Matthew 23 makes it much clearer.

Matthew 7:7-11 comes into crystal clear focus when we read the parallel text in Luke 11. Jesus, having dismantled the Jewish perspective of righteousness, offers righteousness that comes by faith by asking the Father for it. And God, who is abundantly good, WILL give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. There is no need to try to earn it. There is no need to try to be perfect, as God is perfect. Come to God as you are, as a sinner, weak in your will, and practice and find rest for your soul.

There isn't anything I want more for people (who have already come to salvation) than that they would rest in the righteousness Christ has supplied.

ADDITIONAL READING: Matthew 23:23-24; Matthew 23:13,15,23,25,27,29; Luke 11:11-13; Philippians 3:9; Matthew 11:28-30; John 6:29