Good morning,

This week we will look at love from God’s perspective.

Valentine’s day promotes the love between couples. It is relational and centered on the world’s system of love. Sometimes physical, sexual, and immoral. Gifts, flowers, candy, are all given to the one we love.

God’s love is different.

God is love. He demonstrates His love. He gives His love. He shows us examples of love. He explains that His love is opened to all. He defines love.

Join us this week as we explore the God of love.

Definition of God’s Love

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: (1Corinthians 13:4-8a)

The following is a description of agape love, also called “charity” in the New Testament (1 Cor. 13). This paraphrase is based upon research of the Greek and English words and their meanings in 1 Cor. 13:4-8.

LOVE BEARETH ALL THINGS. God’s love makes it possible to withstand all stress and difficulty. Because God is love, He supports and carries on His own Person whatever is placed upon Him. God’s love protects, covers, and keeps off anything which threatens the benefit and welfare of another. God’s love holds back, refrains, and is tolerant and patient in all circumstances.

LOVE BELIEVETH ALL THINGS. God’s love puts faith in others, believing the best of everyone (without criticizing or looking for fault).

LOVE HOPETH ALL THINGS. God’s love persists in hoping, against all odds, in confidence and expectation of fulfillment of that which is promised.

LOVE ENDURETH ALL THINGS. God’s love causes one to carry on through, despite hardships.

LOVE NEVER FAILETH. God’s love never proves insufficient in duration or is unsuccessful in effectiveness. Love will never disappoint or prove undependable. God’s love goes on forever and will never come to an end.

These five descriptions of love set the bar really high.

We can bear all things through God’s love. Why? When we are in a situation of great distress, God is their also. When we cannot go on, God picks us up, encourages, and helps us.

Although we are not God, we are capable of helping others in their time of need.

God’s love sees the best in everyone. That should be our aim. Everyone has something positive. Why do we assume the negative? Look for best in each individual.

God’s love hopes and endures. We can do that because we know our God and His promises. We are expectantly awaiting the fulfillment of God’s promises. He has always been faithful and always will be. Have we told others about our hope? Do people know we are saved? Will we take our hope in Christ to others? That is the greatest gift of love anyone could receive.

God’s love never fails.

Credit due to: http://www.krowtracts.com/agape.html

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will look at love from God’s perspective.

Valentine’s day promotes the love between couples. It is relational and centered on the world’s system of love. Sometimes physical, sexual, and immoral. Gifts, flowers, candy, are all given to the one we love.

God’s love is different.

God is love. He demonstrates His love. He gives His love. He shows us examples of love. He explains that His love is opened to all. He defines love.

Join us this week as we explore the God of love.

Definition of God’s Love

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: (1Corinthians 13:4-8a)

The following is a description of agape love, also called “charity” in the New Testament (1 Cor. 13). This paraphrase is based upon research of the Greek and English words and their meanings in 1 Cor. 13:4-8.

LOVE DOTH NOT BEHAVE ITSELF UNSEEMLY. God’s love does not act, react, function, or perform in a manner which is in bad taste, improper, or in violation of what is right.

LOVE SEEKETH NOT HER OWN. God’s love does not demand its own way.

LOVE IS NOT EASILY PROVOKED. God’s love is not easily annoyed or incited to anger or resentment.

LOVE THINKETH NO EVIL. God’s love does not reason about or reflect upon that which causes or constitutes misfortune, suffering, difficulty, or the like. God’s love does not ponder upon wickedness.

LOVE REJOICETH NOT IN INIQUITY. God’s love feels joyful when right, sincerity, integrity, honesty, and truth prevail.

Today’s culture has twisted the word “love” and made it mean the opposite of God’s meaning. Their meaning is negative, while God’s is positive.

Our papers are full of people who behave wickedly in the name of love. In many marriages, one of the spouses demands their own way. Many times this results in some kind of evil.

In contrast, God’s love always act uprightly. It never demands. Is not annoyed or provoked. Is always thinking the best of an individual. Always lives righteously.

Is this the lifestyle we strive to obtain? We will never be as loving as these definitions, but it should be our desire to try and fulfill them.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will look at love from God’s perspective.

Valentine’s day promotes the love between couples. It is relational and centered on the world’s system of love. Sometimes physical, sexual, and immoral. Gifts, flowers, candy, are all given to the one we love.

God’s love is different.

God is love. He demonstrates His love. He gives His love. He shows us examples of love. He explains that His love is opened to all. He defines love.

Join us this week as we explore the God of love.

GOD IS LOVE

1) God is Love

I John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth (demonstrated) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Gen 1 In the beginning God

Gen 2 Made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

Gen 3 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

Gen 37-50 Joseph In all Joseph’s adversity, God loved him and cared for him

Exodus God loved his children Israel and provided a way of escape from the Egyptians

Judges 2,6 Rahab was a harlot but God loved her and saved her and her family

Ruth Ruth was a Moabite

2 Sam 11 David had a man killed

1 Kings 11 Solomon disobeyed God

Acts 9  Saul, persecutor of the church on the road to Emmaus

2) How do we respond to God’s love?

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

I John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

I John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

3) Definition of God’s Love

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: (1Corinthians 13:4-8a)

The following is a description of agape love, also called “charity” in the New Testament (1 Cor. 13). This paraphrase is based upon research of the Greek and English words and their meanings in 1 Cor. 13:4-8.

LOVE SUFFERETH LONG. God’s love has a tolerance for and endures trying situations and persons beyond an average standard. God’s love is patient.

LOVE IS KIND. God’s love is of a friendly nature, generous, hospitable, warm-hearted, and good. God’s love is charitable and helpful, showing sympathy and understanding for others. It is considerate, forbearing, tolerant, courteous, and thoughtful, desiring only to promote another’s welfare. It is generous, liberal, and beneficial, demonstrating itself in kindly acts.

LOVE ENVIETH NOT. God’s love does not resent another’s good fortune or desire to have what is his. God’s love is not jealous and does not deprive another of what he has.

LOVE VAUNTETH NOT ITSELF. God’s love does not boast and brag or abound with self-praise. It is not vain nor proud.

LOVE IS NOT PUFFED UP. God’s love is not high-minded or puffed up with pride.

LOVE DOTH NOT BEHAVE ITSELF UNSEEMLY. God’s love does not act, react, function, or perform in a manner which is in bad taste, improper, or in violation of what is right.

LOVE SEEKETH NOT HER OWN. God’s love does not demand its own way.

LOVE IS NOT EASILY PROVOKED. God’s love is not easily annoyed or incited to anger or resentment.

LOVE THINKETH NO EVIL. God’s love does not reason about or reflect upon that which causes or constitutes misfortune, suffering, difficulty, or the like. God’s love does not ponder upon wickedness.

LOVE REJOICETH NOT IN INIQUITY. God’s love feels joyful when right, sincerity, integrity, honesty, and truth prevail.

LOVE BEARETH ALL THINGS. God’s love makes it possible to withstand all stress and difficulty. Because God is love, He supports and carries on His own Person whatever is placed upon Him. God’s love protects, covers, and keeps off anything which threatens the benefit and welfare of another. God’s love holds back, refrains, and is tolerant and patient in all circumstances.

LOVE BELIEVETH ALL THINGS. God’s love puts faith in others, believing the best of everyone (without criticizing or looking for fault).

LOVE HOPETH ALL THINGS. God’s love persists in hoping, against all odds, in confidence and expectation of fulfillment of that which is promised.

LOVE ENDURETH ALL THINGS. God’s love causes one to carry on through, despite hardships.

LOVE NEVER FAILETH. God’s love never proves insufficient in duration or is unsuccessful in effectiveness. Love will never disappoint or prove undependable. God’s love goes on forever and will never come to an end.

Credit due to: http://www.krowtracts.com/agape.html

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will look at love from God’s perspective.

Valentine’s day promotes the love between couples. It is relational and centered on the world’s system of love. Sometimes physical, sexual, and immoral. Gifts, flowers, candy, are all given to the one we love.

God’s love is different.

God is love. He demonstrates His love. He gives His love. He shows us examples of love. He explains that His love is opened to all. He defines love.

Join us this week as we explore the God of love.

Definition of God’s Love

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: (1Corinthians 13:4-8a)

The following is a description of agape love, also called “charity” in the New Testament (1 Cor. 13). This paraphrase is based upon research of the Greek and English words and their meanings in 1 Cor. 13:4-8.

LOVE SUFFERETH LONG. God’s love has a tolerance for and endures trying situations and persons beyond an average standard. God’s love is patient.

LOVE IS KIND. God’s love is of a friendly nature, generous, hospitable, warm-hearted, and good. God’s love is charitable and helpful, showing sympathy and understanding for others. It is considerate, forbearing, tolerant, courteous, and thoughtful, desiring only to promote another’s welfare. It is generous, liberal, and beneficial, demonstrating itself in kindly acts.

LOVE ENVIETH NOT. God’s love does not resent another’s good fortune or desire to have what is his. God’s love is not jealous and does not deprive another of what he has.

LOVE VAUNTETH NOT ITSELF. God’s love does not boast and brag or abound with self-praise. It is not vain nor proud.

LOVE IS NOT PUFFED UP. God’s love is not high-minded or puffed up with pride.

Now the challenge comes. There are 15 terms God uses to define love. How many of these are active in our lives? Do people see us as patient, kind, not being jealous, not being prideful, or high minded?

We should strive to love as Jesus does.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will look at love from God’s perspective.

Valentine’s day promotes the love between couples. It is relational and centered on the world’s system of love. Sometimes physical, sexual, and immoral. Gifts, flowers, candy, are all given to the one we love.

God’s love is different.

God is love. He demonstrates His love. He gives His love. He shows us examples of love. He explains that His love is opened to all. He defines love.

Join us this week as we explore the God of love.

1) God is Love

I John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth (demonstrated) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

HOW AND WHO GOD LOVES

Gen 1 In the beginning God

Gen 2 Made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

Gen 3 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

Gen 37-50 Joseph In all Joseph’s adversity, God loved him and cared for him

Exodus God loved his children Israel and provided a way of escape from the Egyptians

Judges 2,6 Rahab was a harlot but God loved her and saved her and her family

Ruth Ruth was a Moabite

2 Sam 11 David had a man killed

1 Kings 11 Solomon disobeyed God

Acts 9 Saul, persecutor of the church on the road to Emmaus

2) How do we respond to God’s love?

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

I John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

I John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Genesis 3 is the darkest chapter in God’s word. Adam and Eve, created by, and in the image of, God, chose to rebel against God. They disobeyed God’s one and only command. They were deceived by the devil. Sin enters into the world. All future wickedness comes from that one act of disobedience.

God could have destroyed them. He did not. A blood sacrifice was made for the young couple. Naked, God gave them clothes to wear, then cast them out of the Garden of Eden. All mankind are their descendants.

God’s love extends to all people willing to come to God with a broken and contrite heart. Understanding that God sent Jesus to pay the sin debt we owed, that we could not pay. Jesus went to the cross, was crucified, died, was buried, and on the third day was resurrected from the dead.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

That is God’s love for His creation. Trust Christ today and begin to experience God’s love.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we conclude our study of the Sermon on the Mount. In chapter 7, Jesus continues teaching His disciple about judging others, the golden rule, entering in at the strait gate, false prophets, false believers, solid foundation, and His ability to teach with authority.

The two foundations (24-27)

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:²⁵ And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.²⁶ And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:²⁷ And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

“Jesus’ sermon concludes with an illustration emphasizing the difference between merely hearing Jesus’ teaching and fully living by it. Those who apply His words are like a wise man who built a house on a rock. Those who don’t are like a foolish man who built a house on sand. When both houses are hit by the same storm, the house on the rock will stand while the house on the sand falls hard. Life brings challenges to all people. The foundations of life, faith, and belief will be tested by those experiences. Only those with faith grounded in something true—which is Christ alone (Acts 4:12)—will endure those storms intact (Matthew 7:24–27).” (BibleRef.com/Matthew/7/Matthew-chapter-7.htm)

Where are we grounded? In Jesus and His word? Or in the wisdom of this world.

Choose Jesus!

Jesus taught with authority (28-29)

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: ²⁹ For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

“The crowds were astonished by Jesus’ teaching because He taught with authority. Rather than speaking in half-measures, or referring to the wisdom of others, Christ speaks as One who absolutely knows the truth, first-hand. Not only is the character of Jesus’ life different from that of Israel’s religious leaders (Matthew 5:20), both the style and substance of His teaching are unique, as well (Matthew 7:28–29).” (BibleRef.com/Matthew/7/Matthew-chapter-7.htm)

Are we astonished by Jesus teachings? Will we take and put into practice the things we have learned from our study of the Sermon on the Mount? If so, it will change our lives.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we conclude our study of the Sermon on the Mount. In chapter 7, Jesus continues teaching His disciple about judging others, the golden rule, entering in at the strait gate, false prophets, false believers, solid foundation, and His ability to teach with authority.

I never knew you (21-23)

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. ²² Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? ²³ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

“Having warned His listeners to beware of false prophets, Jesus made it clear that it’s possible for other people to “put on” a show of faith and fool us. Christians should be aware of false leaders, and other people who claim to represent God when they do not (Matthew 7:15–20). Here, He offers the other side of this two-part alert: beware of false followers. Specifically, Christ is warning those who hear Him not to fool themselves into thinking they are true believers, when in fact they are not.

Jesus declares that not everyone who refers to Him as “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. The title of “Lord” implies a master, a leader, and someone to whom the speaker submits. In prior teaching, Jesus indicated that mere words and actions are not enough—they must be motivated by sincerity and truth (Matthew 6:1, 5, 16). In that same way, Jesus states in no uncertain terms that merely referring to Him as Lord is not enough. Neither are acts of supposed righteousness. Entrance to the kingdom of heaven is limited to those who truly, fully do the will of His Father in heaven (2 Corinthians 13:5). That starts with sincere faith in Christ (John 6:28–29) and extends to humility in how we live our lives (John 14:15).

For the first time in this sermon, Jesus refers to God as “my Father.” Jesus Himself did the will of His Father in heaven. Those who truly follow Him will do the same.” (BibleRef.com/Matthew/7/Matthew-7-21.htm)

When talking to someone, ask them how they received Christ. Most times that will indicate the state of their salvation. If they refuse to answer, they probably have no salvation testimony to give. Be wary.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Sermon on the Mount

Chapter 7

Judge not (1-11)

Judge not, that ye be not judged.² For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.³ And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?⁴ Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?⁵ Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.⁶ Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.⁷ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:⁸ For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.⁹ Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?¹⁰ Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?¹¹ If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

“In Matthew 7, we come to how these acts of righteousness apply to how, as a child of the King, we treat other children of the King. Jesus warns us first not to judge each other (7:1). Often misunderstood, this instruction means we are not to condemn another’s inward motive, because we don’t know why someone acted as they did. When you judge harshly, you will be known by your critical attitude. Instead, Jesus said, “Consider your own faults. Don’t judge that piece of sawdust in your brother’s eye, when you’ve got a whole log in your own. You’re in no position to do that” (7:2-5). The warning is good: Be careful of harsh judgment. But then Jesus clarifies the way we are to discern other’s motives and character—by their fruits (7:16). By the results of their lives. Someone has aptly said we’re not to be a judge, but a fruit inspector. Look at their lives and it will be clear whether a Christian is producing fruit or not. Jesus also calls us to be discerning of how to entrust spiritual things to others. He shows us what to judge (comparing foolish people to dogs and pigs). It won’t do any good to talk to certain people. You’re wasting your time. How do you determine when to judge and not to judge? Jesus’ answer is to ask for the Father’s help. Ask, seek, and knock. This counsel is helpful in other situations, but this is the first application. When you meet a person, ask God to show you how to act. Some people will need your help, and you can help them. But you’d be wise to let others be. Make it a matter of prayer. God wants to help you.” (Through the Bible, Matthew Bible Companion, pgs. 38-39)

The golden rule (12)

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

“Jesus concludes this section with what some have called the golden rule, “whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” (7:12). This is a great principle to operate with, but remember it’s part of a more complete package.” (Through the Bible, Matthew Bible Companion, pgs. 38-39)

The strait gate (13-14)

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: ¹⁴ Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

“Finally, Jesus compares our path to eternity to, first, two roads and then to two buildings. First, He describes two ways—a wide way and a narrow way. Think of a funnel. You enter the funnel at the broad way, but it keeps narrowing down until you come to death and destruction and hell. On the other road you begin at the narrow part, and that’s where Jesus Christ is. He’s the Way, the Truth, and the Light. When you enter through Him you have life, even “more abundantly” (John 10:10). The more you walk with Him, the wider it gets. When you are a child of God, life gets better every day.” (Through the Bible, Matthew Bible Companion, pgs. 38-39)

False prophets (15-20)

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.¹⁶ Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?¹⁷ Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.¹⁸ A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.¹⁹ Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.²⁰ Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

“Jesus then warns us of false teachers—but look at the fruit of their lives, He says. The kind of people who heed what Jesus says are like wise men who build their house on a rock foundation that withstands all weather. When you come to Jesus Christ and rest in Him, you can build a life of fruitfulness. If you build a house based on your human goodness and effort, that’s like building on sand. You need something better than what you have to offer. The fruit that endures is produced by the Holy Spirit.” (Through the Bible, Matthew Bible Companion, pgs. 38-39)

I never knew you (21-23)

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. ²² Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? ²³ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

“Having warned His listeners to beware of false prophets, Jesus made it clear that it’s possible for other people to “put on” a show of faith and fool us. Christians should be aware of false leaders, and other people who claim to represent God when they do not (Matthew 7:15–20). Here, He offers the other side of this two-part alert: beware of false followers. Specifically, Christ is warning those who hear Him not to fool themselves into thinking they are true believers, when in fact they are not.

Jesus declares that not everyone who refers to Him as “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. The title of “Lord” implies a master, a leader, and someone to whom the speaker submits. In prior teaching, Jesus indicated that mere words and actions are not enough—they must be motivated by sincerity and truth (Matthew 6:1, 5, 16). In that same way, Jesus states in no uncertain terms that merely referring to Him as Lord is not enough. Neither are acts of supposed righteousness. Entrance to the kingdom of heaven is limited to those who truly, fully do the will of His Father in heaven (2 Corinthians 13:5). That starts with sincere faith in Christ (John 6:28–29) and extends to humility in how we live our lives (John 14:15).

For the first time in this sermon, Jesus refers to God as “my Father.” Jesus Himself did the will of His Father in heaven. Those who truly follow Him will do the same.” (BibleRef.com/Matthew/7/Matthew-7-21.htm)

The two foundations (24-27)

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:²⁵ And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.²⁶ And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:²⁷ And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

“Jesus’ sermon concludes with an illustration emphasizing the difference between merely hearing Jesus’ teaching and fully living by it. Those who apply His words are like a wise man who built a house on a rock. Those who don’t are like a foolish man who built a house on sand. When both houses are hit by the same storm, the house on the rock will stand while the house on the sand falls hard. Life brings challenges to all people. The foundations of life, faith, and belief will be tested by those experiences. Only those with faith grounded in something true—which is Christ alone (Acts 4:12)—will endure those storms intact (Matthew 7:24–27).” (BibleRef.com/Matthew/7/Matthew-chapter-7.htm)

Jesus taught with authority (28-29)

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: ²⁹ For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

“The crowds were astonished by Jesus’ teaching because He taught with authority. Rather than speaking in half-measures, or referring to the wisdom of others, Christ speaks as One who absolutely knows the truth, first-hand. Not only is the character of Jesus’ life different from that of Israel’s religious leaders (Matthew 5:20), both the style and substance of His teaching are unique, as well (Matthew 7:28–29).” (BibleRef.com/Matthew/7/Matthew-chapter-7.htm)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we conclude our study of the Sermon on the Mount. In chapter 7, Jesus continues teaching His disciple about judging others, the golden rule, entering in at the strait gate, false prophets, false believers, solid foundation, and His ability to teach with authority.

The golden rule (12)

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

“Jesus concludes this section with what some have called the golden rule, “whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” (7:12). This is a great principle to operate with, but remember it’s part of a more complete package.” (Through the Bible, Matthew Bible Companion, pgs. 38-39)

The strait gate (13-14)

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: ¹⁴ Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

“Finally, Jesus compares our path to eternity to, first, two roads and then to two buildings. First, He describes two ways—a wide way and a narrow way. Think of a funnel. You enter the funnel at the broad way, but it keeps narrowing down until you come to death and destruction and hell. On the other road you begin at the narrow part, and that’s where Jesus Christ is. He’s the Way, the Truth, and the Light. When you enter through Him you have life, even “more abundantly” (John 10:10). The more you walk with Him, the wider it gets. When you are a child of God, life gets better every day.” (Through the Bible, Matthew Bible Companion, pgs. 38-39)

False prophets (15-20)

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.¹⁶ Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?¹⁷ Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.¹⁸ A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.¹⁹ Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.²⁰ Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

“Jesus then warns us of false teachers—but look at the fruit of their lives, He says. The kind of people who heed what Jesus says are like wise men who build their house on a rock foundation that withstands all weather. When you come to Jesus Christ and rest in Him, you can build a life of fruitfulness. If you build a house based on your human goodness and effort, that’s like building on sand. You need something better than what you have to offer. The fruit that endures is produced by the Holy Spirit.” (Through the Bible, Matthew Bible Companion, pgs. 38-39)

We are warned throughout the Bible to be aware of false teachers. As we will see tomorrow, they can seem to be real Christians. So we have to be able to discern between what is true and what is not.

Go back to last week’s lesson. Remember all those folks who were in it for themselves. Jesus called them hypocrites. That is one indication that one may not be a true Christian. Do what they correctly teach God’s word? Do they even teach God’s word?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we conclude our study of the Sermon on the Mount. In chapter 7, Jesus continues teaching His disciple about judging others, the golden rule, entering in at the strait gate, false prophets, false believers, solid foundation, and His ability to teach with authority.

Judge not (1-11)

Judge not, that ye be not judged.² For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.³ And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?⁴ Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?⁵ Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.⁶ Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.⁷ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:⁸ For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.⁹ Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?¹⁰ Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?¹¹ If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

“In Matthew 7, we come to how these acts of righteousness apply to how, as a child of the King, we treat other children of the King. Jesus warns us first not to judge each other (7:1). Often misunderstood, this instruction means we are not to condemn another’s inward motive, because we don’t know why someone acted as they did. When you judge harshly, you will be known by your critical attitude. Instead, Jesus said, “Consider your own faults. Don’t judge that piece of sawdust in your brother’s eye, when you’ve got a whole log in your own. You’re in no position to do that” (7:2-5). The warning is good: Be careful of harsh judgment. But then Jesus clarifies the way we are to discern other’s motives and character—by their fruits (7:16). By the results of their lives. Someone has aptly said we’re not to be a judge, but a fruit inspector. Look at their lives and it will be clear whether a Christian is producing fruit or not. Jesus also calls us to be discerning of how to entrust spiritual things to others. He shows us what to judge (comparing foolish people to dogs and pigs). It won’t do any good to talk to certain people. You’re wasting your time. How do you determine when to judge and not to judge? Jesus’ answer is to ask for the Father’s help. Ask, seek, and knock. This counsel is helpful in other situations, but this is the first application. When you meet a person, ask God to show you how to act. Some people will need your help, and you can help them. But you’d be wise to let others be. Make it a matter of prayer. God wants to help you.” (Through the Bible, Matthew Bible Companion, pgs. 38-39)

Our challenge is to have Godly discernment. On what basis do we judge others? Is it on the basis of our own circumstances? Do we take time to talk with the other person and try to understand their perspective? Do we condemn others, while we ourselves are doing the same thing?

The basis for all decisions in life is the Word of God, the Bible. When a situation comes up, we must see what Scripture has to say. We must seek God’s leading. We must pray for God’s wisdom. God does not want us to judge, but seek His wisdom.

When we do these things, we will not be judging others. We will love, confront, share God’s word, and be reconciled.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com