PROFILING THE WISE

PROFILING THE WISE

Thursday, November 09, 2017

  Matthew chapters 5 thru 7

  There are times in Bible study that I profit from stepping back from details and examine an overview. We begin reading Jesus’ sermon on the mount on Matthew chapter 5. I share a brief overview that you too may find helpful:

·          In verses 5:1-16 Jesus profiles authentic believers, His true disciples. The list includes authenticity of heart, mind, and activity.

·         In 5:19 Jesus’ tells of the unwise: false teachers using Scripture.

·         In 6:1-18 He identifies and warns against mere religious externalism.

·         In 6:25-34 Jesus explains that trust in the Father’s all-seeing care prevents anxiety. Jesus did not segue out then back in here. Lack of angst is serious matter in facilitating beatitudes and similitudes He before listed.

·         In 7:1-11 Jesus details unhealthy detrimental judging versus appropriateness in compassionate constructive judgment. This proper judgment requiring thoughtful prayer and personal examination. (This topic is best understood through comprehensive Bible study on the matter. DT series IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE? Is available upon request.)

·         Then beginning with conclusive summarizing statement “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.“ (7:12) that is also introductory statement for His further explanation of the two ways (7:13-14), warning against and the test of false teachers (7:15-20), the danger of religious profession and practice without authentic faith (7:21-23), the eternal distinction between the two foundations (7:24-27).

  Now, having again reviewed these sayings of Jesus, are we astonished at His doctrine?

EBB4