The Sermon on the Mount
Daily Bible Studies for October 6-11, 2008
Learn what we believe and how we are to behave!
This Week’s Scripture: Matthew 7:15-23 MOT
[Jesus said] “15Beware of false prophets who come to you in [the] clothes of sheep but within are greedy wolves. 16From their fruits you will know them. They do not gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles, do they? 17Thus every good tree produces good fruit, but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. 18A good tree is not able to bear evil fruit, nor does a corrupt tree bear good fruit. 19Every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Therefore, from their fruits you will know them.
21Not all the ones saying to Me, ‘Lord! Lord’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens. But [only] the ones doing the will of my Father in the heavens. 22Many will say to me on that [the] day (obviously meaning “judgment day” since it is THE day), ‘Lord, Lord, did we not in Your name prophesy, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many mighty works? 23And then I will declare to them, I never knew you! Depart from me all you ones working lawlessness.”
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know that the most important matter of life is putting Jesus first, not just with my words, but with my actions. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may hear Your voice and do Your will, now and always. This I pray in the strong name of Jesus, my Savior and Lord. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
[Jesus said] “15Beware of false prophets who come to you in [the] clothes of sheep but within are greedy wolves.
What does it mean that false prophets are “wolves in sheep’s clothing”?
Why do you think Jesus would find it necessary to warn us of false prophets as He nears the end of the Sermon on the Mount?
Today’s Challenge: I will keep my eyes focused on Jesus today, so I won’t fall prey to false prophets!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Jesus’ image of the “fruit” being the test of our lives reminds me that unless I call on You to fill me with the Holy Spirit, I am unable to bear good “fruit.” Fill me now, with the Spirit that my thoughts, words and actions will glorify You. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
16From their fruits you will know them. They do not gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles, do they? 17Thus every good tree produces good fruit, but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. 18A good tree is not able to bear evil fruit, nor does a corrupt tree bear good fruit.
What is the point of Jesus’ metaphor?
What do Jesus words call us to do?
Today’s Challenge: I will remember that my thoughts, words and actions reflect the reality of my heart, and live to honor God!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You alone are capable of making the determination of whether to “prune” or “cut down” a “tree.” I pray that you will prune me, so that I may grow and flourish in the power of the Holy Spirit. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
19Every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Therefore, from their fruits you will know them.
What does the “fire” symbolize in Jesus’ metaphor?
How does Jesus say we are ultimately known?
Today’s Challenge: I will call on God to “prune” me so that I will grow and not be “cut down”!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for the power of your Holy Spirit to not only call out to You with my voice, but to live for You with my life. Be glorified in me in every situation I face throughout this day. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
21Not all the ones saying to Me, ‘Lord! Lord’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens. But [only] the ones doing the will of my Father in the heavens.
What is the value of saying, “Lord! Lord!” according to Jesus?
Is Jesus saying we are saved by our works? Why or why not?
Today’s Challenge: I will call on Jesus with my words, and live for Him in everything I say and do!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to do signs and wonders in your name, but from a heart that is fully devoted to You, not for a desire to be recognized. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may honor You in every way, today and always. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
22Many will say to me on that [the] day (obviously meaning “judgment day” since it is THE day), ‘Lord, Lord, did we not in Your name prophesy, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many mighty works?
Why do you think Jesus points out that even those who work miracles in His name may not be saved?
What does it take to be saved?
Today’s Challenge: I will do EVERYTHING that I do from a desire to honor Jesus and bring glory to Him in my life!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, My goal is to be found in You at “the end of the day.” Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may live that way every day for as many days as you give me. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
23And then I will declare to them, I never knew you! Depart from me all you ones working lawlessness.”
How can it be considered “lawlessness” to work miracles in Jesus’ name? (See yesterday’s Scripture reading.”
What does this Scripture call you to do TODAY to be found faithful?
Today’s Challenge: I will trust Jesus alone to provide my salvation and then I will live with all my heart to serve Him!