What is the theme of this chapter?
The Practice and Proof of Kingdom Life.
What is the key verse(s) of this chapter? Verse 12
So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
What can I apply to my life from this chapter (things to do/avoid)?
Same as last chapter, I will keep the timeless principles found here only as I walk in the Spirit.
For example, as a member of the body of Christ, Galatians 5:14 tells me: "For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (See also Rom 13:8, 10.) Therefore, a timeless principle I can take to heart is — So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
However, I must use discernment when reading verses 7-11 — "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" — because I will not receive everything I ask for. This was written to a certain audience during a specific period of time when a requirement for following Him was giving up all earthly possessions. When looking at progressive revelation, I see that we are not asked to give up everything when following Him. Instead we are told in 1 Timothy 5:8 — "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." — which of course means we are not to give up and/or sell everything (Matt 4:18-22; cf. Matt 19:21; Mk 10:21; Lk 18:22).
Additional observations/questions:
As previously stated, although timeless principles abound throughout Scripture, it should be remembered that Matthew 7 wasn't written directly to us or about us. This chapter speaks of the standards of the kingdom to be established on earth. Once we realize this, we can proceed to look for applications that are for all believers. Going directly to personal applications, without first considering the subject and to whom the passage was written, will ultimately lead to confusion.
The Practice and Proof of Kingdom Life.
What is the key verse(s) of this chapter? Verse 12
So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
What can I apply to my life from this chapter (things to do/avoid)?
Same as last chapter, I will keep the timeless principles found here only as I walk in the Spirit.
For example, as a member of the body of Christ, Galatians 5:14 tells me: "For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (See also Rom 13:8, 10.) Therefore, a timeless principle I can take to heart is — So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
However, I must use discernment when reading verses 7-11 — "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" — because I will not receive everything I ask for. This was written to a certain audience during a specific period of time when a requirement for following Him was giving up all earthly possessions. When looking at progressive revelation, I see that we are not asked to give up everything when following Him. Instead we are told in 1 Timothy 5:8 — "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." — which of course means we are not to give up and/or sell everything (Matt 4:18-22; cf. Matt 19:21; Mk 10:21; Lk 18:22).
Additional observations/questions:
As previously stated, although timeless principles abound throughout Scripture, it should be remembered that Matthew 7 wasn't written directly to us or about us. This chapter speaks of the standards of the kingdom to be established on earth. Once we realize this, we can proceed to look for applications that are for all believers. Going directly to personal applications, without first considering the subject and to whom the passage was written, will ultimately lead to confusion.
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