41
T h e
K i n g ' s
B u s i n e s s
January 1930
from (cf. Matt. 12:33). Good teaching leads to good conduct, and vice versa. IIiI. False Disciples (21-23). V. 21. Not every one t h a t saith. Fruitless profession and empty form in prayer and worship, are valueless. He that doeth. Doing God’s will proves one to be fit for the kingdom. My Father. This is the first time in the Gospels that Jesus uses this expression. V. 22. In that day. To the Jews, the reference would plainly be to the great judgment day. In thy name. Three things they claimed to have done in His name— they had prophesied, cast out demons, performed miracles. V. 23. Then. When they professed these great things. Will I profess. One may do wonders in the name o f Jesus and yet not know Him (cf. 1 Cor. 13:2). Jesus uses emphatic language; He had not recognized them as His own at any time during their great ministry. Depart from me. A fearful sentence, but de served by those who “work iniquity" (cf. Matt. 25:30, 41, 46). . IV. Wise and Foolish Builders (24-27; cf. Luke 6:47-49). V. 24. Therefore. Probahly looking i back to all of the preceding discourses— introducing a fitting climax-. Heareth . . . doeth. Not talk about poverty of spirit, meekness, etc., but exhibition o f these traits of character is required: not the legalism of the Pharisees, but true'Chris tian graces (cf. James 1:22-25). Wise, man. A thinker who carefully considers his plans and acts accordingly. The rock. Not any individual rock, but a solid rocky foundation (cf. 1 Cor. 3:11). V. 25. Rain . . . floods . . . winds. Likely to come at any time in the tropics during the rainy season. The Christian, building his house upon the Rock Christ Jesus, is able to endure the strain of trial and of judgment. V. 26. Foolish man. A thoughtless man, who does not consider the kind of foundation he has. . A river bed during the dry season may be an easier place to build than the rocky cliff, but the rains will come—then what ? V. 27. The rain descended. Rain fell upon the house from above; a flood of waters undermined the foundation; then the wind beat upon (literally, fell upon) it. This is not so much a study in founda tions as a study in character. The thoughtful man digs deep at great cost in view of coming storms: The thoughtless man takes a chance. . Great was the fall. Not necessarily indicating a large build ing but immediate and complete ruin. It is easy to think that Jesus had in mind the Pharisaical religion, which was “stage play.” Upon such a foundation charac ter could only be superficial, self-cen tered, covetous, etc. Their “house” was soon to fall. * * * L esson Q uestions V. 12. How are we asked to act to ward others? In how many things (see R. V .) ? What is summed up in this rule? Has any one ever perfectly obeyed? If one could fully obey the rule, would something still be lacking (Matt. 22:37, 38) ? , V. 15. Of whom must we beware? Are there false prophets abroad now (1 John 2:18; 4:1; 1 Tim. 4:1, 2; 2 Tim. 3:13
chapters five and six. In the previous lesson the fact was emphasized that good works should be performed in the sight of God only. In the present lesson Jesus again rebukes the Jews and particularly the Pharisees. Another of their sins was censoriousness. They exalted themselves by pulling down their neighbors (cf. Matt. 6:19, 20). He warned them that such a spirit brings retribution ( 7 : 1 , 2 ), betrays inconsistency (7:3, 4), betrays hypocrisy ( 7 :5), and should be distin guished from discernment (7:6). There follows an encouragement to prayer (7: 7-11). Then Jesus sums up the whole teaching regarding the disciples’ relation to other men in the precept which we call the Golden Rule (7:12), which embodies the essence o f the entire Old Testament. In speaking of false prophets, Jesus again aimed at Pharisaical hypocrisy; They appeared to be gentle, but inwardly were greedy wolves. He taught His disciples how to discover their deception. * * * L esson E xposition I. The Christian’s Rule o f Conduct (12) . V. 12. Therefore. This word perhaps looks back to the argument begun in Matt. 5:17. making; this “rule” a fitting; conclu sion of the teaching up to this point. Do II. False Prophets (15-20). V. 15. Beware o f false prophets. Prob ably Jesus had the Pharisees particularly in mind. There have been many false teachers- in the world. Sheep’s clothing. Perhaps a reference to the common' garb of prophets (Heb. 11:37). It also refers to their deceptive character (cf. Zech. 13:4). Inwardly, they are greedy for power, for honors, for wealth, etc. (cf. Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Cor. 11:13, 14). V. 16. By their fruits. Not by outward appearance, but by their character. The verb “know” is strong, meaning to know through and through. Grapes . . . thorns. It is said that in Palestine there are “ thorns” with grape-like f r u i t , and “ thistles” with heads like figs. The fruit is the final test (cf. Matt. 13 :24-30). V. 17. Good .tree. That is, a sound, healthy tree; the corrupt tree is a degen erate, from age, bad soil, etc. V. 18. Cannot bring forth good fruit. It is impossible in the very nature of things. So ethical culture without re generation will never build Christian char acter (cf. Gal. 5:19-23). V. 19. Is hewn down. Literally, cut out—removed from its place in the or chard. Such a tree is worse than useless. It cannot be said of any unsaved man that he is doing no harm. Eternal fire awaits all such (cf. Matt. 3:10). V. 20. Wherefore. Because o f their fruits men can be known. Recall that Jesus had in mind false teachers. The context makes it appear that He thought of their works or conduct, rather than their teaching. In the parallel passage in Luke (6:43-45) the reference is to good or bad teaching and the result there u n t o others. The law would say, Do not injure others. Grace s ay s , Do good and communi cate to others. Both rules apply to the Christian (cf. Rom. 14:21).
we should like to go apart to talk with our heavenly Father who loves us and knows all about us. Jesus gave the disciples a model prayer which is called “The Lord’s Prayer.” They had often seen Him praying and were anxious to learn how to pray. Most o f you know this prayer, but how many of you have ever thought of the words as you said it? Yes, it begins with “ Our Father." Let us say it together. (Have children repeat or read.) The first part of the prayer speaks of God as “ Our Father.” He is the heavenly Father of all who believe on Jesus. Where is our heavenly Father? The next sen tence tells us: “in heaven.” His name is to be “hallowed,” or honored and rev erenced. Our Father is a great God, holy and wonderful, but full o f love for His children. There are six petitions, or things asked for, in this prayer. If you have your Bibles, you can number them. The first three concern God our Father. The second three, the needs of Jesus’ disciples, or those who follow Him. We do not always have to pray these very words, but as we talk to God each day we must remember to whom we are talking, and after worshiping Him with praise and thanksgiving, we are to tell Him all about our own needs. He cares for us and loves to have us come and talk to Him. If we would be true to Jesus, our best Friend, we will take time each day to be alone with Him and talk to Him. Prayer. (Speak of Quiet Hour, which even little children can keep.) —o— February 9, 1930 Warnings and Promises (Temperance Lesson) Lesson: Matthew 7 :l-29. ( Lesson Text: Matt. 7:12, 15-27). * * Hs L esson in O utline I. The Golden Rule (12). II. False Prophets (15-20). 1. Their o u t w a r d appearance— “sheep’s clothing” (15). 2. Their true n a t u r e—“ravening wolves” (15). 3. Their character revealed—“by their fruits” (16-18, 20 ). 4. Their fate (19). III. False Disciples (21-23). 1. Their profession—“Lord, Lord” ( 21 , 22 ). 2. Their “wonderful works” (22). 3. Their failure—not doing the will of God (21). 4. Their testing day—“in that day” ( 22 ). 5. Their fate—“Depart from me” (23). IV. Wise and Foolish Builders (24-27). 1. The wise—hearers and doers (24). 2. The foolish—hearers only (26). 3. The foundations—the rock or sand (24, 26). 4. The testing day—rain, floods, wind (25, 27). 5. The issue—“it fell not,” or “great was the fall” (25, 27). H* * * A pproach to the L esson In chapter seven, Matthew gives the practical application of the teaching in
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