“Do to others what you want them to do to you. This is the meaning of the law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets. “Be careful of false prophets. They come to you looking gentle like sheep, but they are really dangerous like wolves. You will know these people by what they do. Grapes don’t come from thorn bushes, and figs don’t come from thorny weeds. In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. In the same way, you will know these false prophets by what they do. “Everyone who hears my words and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and hit that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on rock. Everyone who hears my words and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and hit that house, and it fell with a big crash.”
Matthew 7:12‭, ‬15‭-‬17‭, ‬20‭, ‬24‭-‬27

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What is going on in this scripture?

• This chapter continues and finishes Jesus’ sermon on the mount, which is solely useful, commanding us to form our conversation correctly, both toward God and man; because the purpose of the Christian religion is to make men good; in every way good. The end of the whole sermon shows the necessity of overall obedience to Jesus’ commands, without it, we can’t expect to be joyful.
• V.12 is often called the “Golden Rule,” this principle was stated by a number of ancient thinkers as, “Do not do to others what you do not want done to you.” Jesus made it a positive responsibility. Here it shows up after the conversation about God’s goodness and His willingness to give.
• VV.15-20 – The message of false prophets may be attractive and even seem orthodox. The only way to know for sure is to allow time to see “their fruits” (vv. 16–20). Some of the false prophets’ fruits are mentioned in the New Testament: controversies (1 Timothy 1:3), divisions (1 Timothy 6:3-4), destruction of faith (2 Timothy 2:18), and self-destruction by heresy (2 Peter 2:1).
• VV.24-27 – Storms in Palestine are infrequent but can be violent. Although the houses of the foolish and the wise may for a long time appear equally secure, when the storm comes the destruction of the foolish one’s house is total (Isaiah 28:14-18). So it is with the life of those who ignore the words of Jesus.

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What is God’s word saying?

• First off, the “Golden Rule” is common and used by many people from many walks of life. It’s something everyone can relate to and adopt. We can advocate it and it can be a great segway into sharing the Gospel/Good News of Jesus.
• Next, because there are wolves in sheep’s clothing, we must be on guard all the time and not fall prey to false teachers.
• Disobedience to God leads to wicked lifestyles and as a result of such, being punished by the consequences of the wickedness.

How can we apply this scripture to our own lives?

1. Be obedient to God.
2. Attend a Bible-believing, teaching, and preaching church service.
3. Be in fellowship with like-minded Christians.
4. Be in His Word. Knowing God’s word will help against false teachers.
5. Be in prayer; communicate with God to have that personal relationship.
6. Share the Gospel. Planting seeds for God to harvest when the time comes.

These are just a concise list of things… Being obedient and in His word will bring forth more things in our personal walk with Jesus.

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Prayer: Dear Father God, thank You for all that You do and will continue to do in my and others’ lives. I pray that we get out of Your way and stop blocking You while Your plan and purpose are ongoing. You’re the Alpha and Omega. You have the final say. In Jesus’ name, amen.