Writings

Friday, 21 February 2025

“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: Matthew 7:26

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And all the hearing – these, My words – and not doing them, he will be likened to a moronic man who – he built his house upon the sand” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus described the state of the house that was founded on the rock. Now, He begins a contrasting thought, saying, “And all the hearing – these, My words – and not doing them.”

Jesus, speaking as a state of fact concerning what He says, conveys to His disciples the thought that His words are necessarily to be heeded. In doing so, there is to be one result. However, in failing to do so, there will be another. Of this alternative result, He next says, “he will be likened to a moronic man.”

The adjective móros, moronic, has already been seen in Matthew 5:22. It speaks of a dull, mentally inert person or someone lacking a grip on reality. This is the state of someone who hears Jesus’ words and doesn’t heed them.

It is as if there is an electric outlet in front of him saying, “Caution, electrical hazard.” And yet, he extends his index finger and shoves it in the socket anyway.

Jesus is speaking words of life. To reject them means death lies ahead. Hence, rejecting what He says is truly moronic. Understanding that, Jesus again provides a metaphor for understanding, saying, “who – he built his house upon the sand.”

The word ammos, sand, is introduced. It is derived from hama, an adverb meaning together, at the same time, or along with. One can see the connection when considering innumerable grains of sand on the beach all lying together.

Despite this unity, there is no true cohesion. Sand is not bound together but simply rests freely along with their billions of partners to form the borders between the oceans and the dry land. Sand performs its particular function, but one thing it is not good for is stability as a foundation.

Life application: Jesus has been speaking since Matthew 5 about various issues. His words have been filled with the wisdom of God because He is the God/Man. Once people understand this, they immediately want to reread and carefully consider what He says. It would be foolish to know that what He says is to be heeded and then to ignore His teachings.

However, as has been seen, the audience and surrounding context must be considered. When there is a seeming conflict or even contradiction between the words of Jesus in the gospels and the words of the apostles in Acts or the epistles, a state of confusion can result in the minds of the readers.

For those who fail to consider the context properly, an “all or nothing” mentality arises. In other words, “If Jesus said this and it appears to be contradicted by what Paul says, I must follow Jesus and reject Paul.”

This false dilemma eventually results in arrogant or uninformed proclamations, such as, “Who are you going to trust, Jesus or Paul?” The responsible answer to this should be, “Both, with their words being considered in their proper context.”

We are to instruct others in what is proper concerning this matter. At times, there are those who will utterly reject such a notion because they are steeped in whatever theology they have been taught and they are unwilling to consider anything else.

However, for those who understand that God is working in dispensations and laying out a program for the world to see and understand His ways, such seeming contradictions immediately clear up.

Peter, Paul, and the other writers of the epistles are not contradicting Jesus’ words. Instead, they are building their thoughts upon His completed work and instructing their audience on what the completion of that work means for the people of the world. Once this is understood, the purpose of the law and Jesus’ instruction under it becomes obvious.

Keep things in context and contemplate why disparate thoughts are not contradictory but are merely teachings that belong in different theological boxes from other teachings. When the boxes are kept separate, there will be soundness of doctrine to guide you.

Lord God, help us to be diligent in contemplating Your word. May our walk with You be appropriate according to the times in which we live. We have the fulfillment of Christ’s work behind us, and so, we have the freedom from law that comes with it. Thank You for this walk of freedom in the grace of Christ Jesus. Amen.

Thursday, 20 February 2025

and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Matthew 7:25

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And the rain, it descended. And the floods, they came. And the winds, they blew. And they fell towards the house, that. And it fell not, for it had been founded upon the rock” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus noted that he who hears His sayings and then does them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. He continues that thought next, saying, “And the rain, it descended.”

Jesus gives the first of several short thoughts, one following right after the next. This first one contains a new word, broché, rain. It is only seen here and again in verse 7:27. It is derived from the verb brechó, to rain.

This is something that happens all the time in Israel. However, there are times when the rain is especially heavy or that lasts longer than normal. In such instances, the rains overflow the lands. In such instances, Jesus gives the next short thought, “And the floods, they came.”

Another new word is seen, potamos, a flood. It speaks of a flood, be it a running river, water that is unrestrained and flows heavily, etc. It is believed to be a derivative of the word pino, to imbibe or drink. Jesus uses the word metaphorically in John 7:38 when speaking of rivers of living water flowing out of the heart of the one who believes in Him.

In the case of Jesus’ words now, the word is plural, floods. The rain has come in such quantities as to flood everything in the area. This can be especially catastrophic depending on where a person is situated during such an event. But this rain and flooding is not all that has occurred. Jesus next says, “And the winds, they blew.”

The word pneó is first seen here. It is a primary word meaning to breathe hard. As such, it further signifies to blow or breathe as the wind does. It isn’t just a deluge, but a strong storm that is raging. The winds, along with the flooding, can be quite disastrous.

Anyone who has been through a major event like this can testify that it is frightening and dangerous. In the case of the wise man’s house, He says, “And they fell towards the house, that.”

The word translated as “fell towards” is prospiptó. It is derived from pros, toward, and piptó, to fall. It has already been seen when describing someone falling down and worshiping. The rains fell in the direction of the house. The floods then fell towards it. Along with them, the winds fell toward it. The entire scene taken together is like a barrage set against that house. And yet, Jesus next says, “And it fell not, for it had been founded upon the rock.”

Jesus uses yet another new word, themelioó. It signifies “to lay a basis for,” coming from themelios, a foundation. Thus, it is to found, as in setting a foundation to ensure rigidity. In this case, the word is used in the pluperfect tense. The person had completed the founding of his house in the past. Because he prepared in advance, the foundation was solid and stood when the violence of the elements was thrust upon it.

Remembering now that Jesus is equating the founding of this house to hearing and doing His words completes the thought in the mind. When one hears the word of Christ, heeds it, and follows through by applying His words to his life, the greatest trials of life will not prevail over him.

What He says here must naturally be taken in the proper context of the times, meaning the dispensation of the law, the audience, meaning the people of Israel under the law, and the situation, meaning heeding the word of God as it has been presented in contrast to the traditions, incorrect teachings, or falsities that have been introduced into the lives of the people.

Eventually, Jesus will fulfill the law and these things will have to be considered from that light. However, that has not yet occurred. He is telling the people to trust His word of instruction and to then see how it will fit into the greater context of His ministry as He continues on the path toward the cross.

Life application: It is wholly inappropriate for those in the church to insert themselves into the words of Jesus at this time. What Jesus is saying is instruction to God’s people while they are living under the law. This was clearly stated by Him in Matthew 6:32 where He contrasted the people He was speaking to, meaning Israel, to the Gentiles.

This confirms that He was not speaking to the Gentiles. It also means that the Gentiles were not under the law, an obvious point, but one that continues to escape so many in the world today. This does not mean that Jesus’ words do not have value for the instruction of the church, but that the context must be considered.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17

All Scripture is useful and profitable, but it must be taught or contemplated while considering the surrounding context.

Lord God, help us to consider Your word in the appropriate way that You intend. We are to learn from those things that are stated but not directed specifically to us, but we are only to apply those precepts that apply to us today. May we not confuse the intended audience of the words as we consider them. Help us to remember this truth. Amen.

Wednesday, 19 February 2025

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: Matthew 7:24

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“Therefore, everyone – whoever he hears these, My words, and he does them, I will liken him to a wise man who, he built his house upon the rock” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus told those who claimed to do things in His name but who do not do His Father’s will that He never knew them and to depart from Him. He now makes a general conclusion concerning the things He has been saying, beginning with, “Therefore, everyone – whoever he hears these, My words.”

Jesus is summing up the entirety of the Sermon on the Mount which began in Matthew 5:1. There, it specifically said that when He was seated, His disciples came to Him. From there it said, “Then He opened His mouth and taught them.”

Despite this being an address specifically to them, the coming verses will show that it was a larger crowd gathered there who listened. These were all people of Israel, living under the Law of Moses, and who anticipated the coming of Messiah.

It is clear from His discourse that He is speaking with the authority of the Father, whether they each realize it or not. Regardless of whether all did or not, He has set forth precepts that have shown the higher standard expected of the law. If the people accepted His words, they would see that more was required than mere rote observance.

God is looking at the heart and intent behind what people do. All of this instruction, then, is pointing beyond the law to faith in Him. Jesus is giving them the final tutoring under the law in His ministry. When He is complete, and His work is finished, He will offer a new direction based on His tutoring. It is a foundation that is based on Him and His words.

That continues to be seen with His next words, “and he does them.” Jesus has said a lot in these three chapters. However, the key point in what He has said is to be found in verse 5:17 –

“You, deem not that I came to disintegrate the law or the prophets. Not, I came to disintegrate but to fulfill” (CG).

Jesus didn’t come to ignore the law. Nor did He come to tell people they didn’t need to do the things of the law. Remember that He is talking to Israel under the law. They were bound to it. If He told them they didn’t have to do the things of the law, He would be violating the words of the Lord in the law.

However, He came to both do them and fulfill them. In doing so, He could then introduce a New Covenant with a new direction for the people. Hence, doing His words, as He just said, is inclusive of what He will say throughout His ministry. It is not limited to the words of these three chapters. That was seen in verse 7:21 –

“Not all, the ‘saying to Me, “Lord, Lord,”’ he will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of My Father the ‘in heavens’” (CG).

One cannot tear the Sermon in the Mount out of the rest of the book and say, “You must do these things, and you will stand approved.” As was seen in the commentary on verse 7:21, doing the will of the Father is equated to doing the works of God. And those works, according to John 6:29, are to believe in the Son whom the Father has sent.

For those who do such, Jesus continues with, “I will liken him to a sagacious man who, he built his house upon the rock.”

Jesus introduces a few new words. The first in phronimos, sagacious. In Greek, the word sophos refers to being wise, learned, skilled, etc. It focuses on practical skills or acumen. The word phronimos signifies a cautious character. He has keen mental discernment and good judgment.

The next new word is oikodomeó, to be a house builder. Thus, it signifies to construct or figuratively to confirm something. The word ultimately comes from oikos, house, and demō, to build a house.

Finally, the word petra, stone, or rock, is used. It is the basis for the name Peter. But this doesn’t mean Peter is the first pope nor that Catholicism is the basis and approved structure of the Christian faith. That will be explained in Matthew 16. A leap like that is unfounded and should be demolished (house destroyed) immediately.

Jesus is saying that His words are the rock upon which one’s house, his structure of life and faith, should be built. In doing so, there will be a firm foundation. Paul uses the metaphorical use of the word house when referring to our bodies in 2 Corinthians –

“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1

As for the rock, Jesus is making a claim that His words are authoritative and have the approval of God. The rock metaphor is found throughout the Old Testament. An example directly from Moses explains the meaning –

“For I proclaim the name of the Lord:
Ascribe greatness to our God.
⁴ He is the Rock, His work is perfect;
For all His ways are justice,
A God of truth and without injustice;
Righteous and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 32:3, 4

Life application: What will be our foundation in our spiritual walk? Will it be a particular church or denomination? It is incredible to see how sheeple will follow Roman Catholicism, even right over a ledge of wickedness and perversion to their destruction.

Others build their house on their own deeds, trying to earn their place in heaven through law observance, taking Jesus’ words out of their overall context, and claiming that is the way to be pleasing to God.

But Jesus is incrementally instructing His people in their need for Him. There is a logical progression of thought being presented from the first pages of the Bible. Each step is part of a much larger body of history that has been recorded to show us what God is doing as He directs our attention to Jesus.

Stopping at any particular step, or ignoring the focus of God’s calling of our attention to Jesus, will result in a faulty understanding of what we are being shown. The point of Jesus’ coming is not to establish something beyond Himself, like a church filled with sexually deviant priests. Nor is it to show us how we must repeat what Jesus has already done by observing the Law of Moses.

Rather, we are to direct our attention to Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 sums it up, “Eyeballing unto the ‘the faith Pioneer and Perfecter,’ Jesus” (CG). Nothing else will do. All else will lead to a sad end.

Heavenly Father, may we rightly consider Your plan of redemption, understanding that Jesus is the focus of it and that in honoring Jesus, we are honoring You. Help us to never forget this fundamental point in our lives. Amen.

Tuesday, 18 February 2025

And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matthew 7:23

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And then, I will assent to them that, ‘Never I knew you! You depart from Me – Those working lawlessness!’” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of those who will call out saying that they had prophesied in His name, cast out demons in His name, and done many wonders in His name. And yet, it will be seen that their conduct was not because of faith in Him. That is realized in His next words which begin with, “And then, I will assent to them.”

The word homologeó is introduced here. It is derived from homou, the same or together, and logos, a word, as in a statement or speech. Thus, the thought is more than just “declare.” It signifies to agree with or speak the same. As such, it means to assent, a word defined as the expression of approval or agreement.

These people have stated their case before the Lord. They have claimed that their actions were based on His name. He, knowing that it was a false pretense, will assent “that, ‘Never I knew you!’”

The word oudepote, never, is introduced here. It is derived from oude, not, and pote, a disjunctive particle signifying once, formerly, ever, etc. Taken together, it signifies “not ever” and thus, never. There is no point at which Jesus knew them. Their works were always unsanctioned by Him.

Therefore, the assent or agreement is that they had, in fact, done these things. He will acknowledge it is so, but their actions, despite being done in His name, were not with His approval. They simply went about saying and doing things without the proper authority for them to be done, meaning that they were not truly His followers. His words are a denial that they are. Because this is so, He next says, “You depart from Me – Those working lawlessness!”

Again, Jesus introduces new words. The first is apochóreó, to depart. It is derived from words signifying away and to make room. A paraphrased thought based on these roots would be “Get away from me and give me space.” But saying depart sufficiently explains the matter.

The next new word is the verb ergazomai. It is derived from ergon, work. Thus, it is the action of working. It is something a person is engaged in to accomplish a task. In this case, Jesus tells them to depart from Him because they are engaged in anomia, lawlessness.

The word is formed from the negative particle a and nomos, law. Hence, it signifies without law, lawlessness. Despite having done the things they did in Jesus’ name, they had no law allowing them to do so. Deeds done in Jesus’ name must be done in faith or they have no true basis of being in His name.

The reason for this is that saying or doing something in the name of someone you don’t believe in is a fool’s business. It is like a professor who teaches the Bible but who doesn’t believe the Bible is what it claims to be.

Life application: Politicians love to invoke the name of Jesus when it is convenient. But few of them will actually stand up and say, “I am a follower of Jesus Christ.” Someday, people will be gathered before the Lord and they will understand that He truly is the Lord of all.

When they are there, many will fall back on their words. Those politicians who invoked Jesus’ name or who arbitrarily used Jesus’ words for their own purposes might call out, “I proclaimed your name in churches all over America while on the campaign trail.” He will say to them words in accord with those of Matthew 7:23.

This will be true of many people in the pulpit as well. Based on his life and actions, this appears to be the case with the current pope. These people invoke Jesus’ name, but their lives and actions have nothing in common with the truth of who Jesus is and what He directs as is recorded in Scripture.

Be sure that when you consider the word, you don’t just do so for external show, but for internal guidance. When you praise Jesus, do it in faith that He hears. Anything, no matter how small it is, when it is done in faith will receive its rewards. Have faith and be at peace with God through His wonderful Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

O God, You have given us Jesus to lead us back to Yourself. Help us to fix our eyes on Him and maintain Him as our first love all our days. Thank You for Jesus who returns us to You through His perfection. Yes, thank You for Jesus! Amen.

Monday, 17 February 2025

Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ Matthew 7:22

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“Many, they will say to Me in that ‘the day,’ “Lord, Lord, not the ‘Your name’ we prophesied, and the ‘Your name’ we ejected demons, and the ‘Your name’ we performed many miracles?” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus noted that not everyone who would say to Him, “Lord, Lord,” would enter into the kingdom of the heavens. Now, He continues with, “Many, they will say to Me in that ‘the day.’”

The use of the demonstrative pronoun and a subsequent definite article is not always translated. Most translations just say, “in that day.” However, the two together provide an emphasis that should not always be ignored. In this case, some literal translations include both.

The BLB, for example, says, “in that the day.” The LET goes a little too far towards the hills of Kentucky and says, “in that there day.” In setting the words “the day” off with quotes, the sense is more readily understandable.

There is a specific day that is coming when people will stand before the Lord and be judged. It is at that time that they will say, “Lord, Lord, not the ‘Your name’ we prophesied.”

Again, the literal translation shows a specificity that is lacking in English. Using the word “in” gets the point across, but the statement is an assertion that these people used Jesus’ name when they prophesied. It isn’t just that they prophesied in His name, but that His name was the subject of their proclamation. With that, He continues with, “and the ‘Your name’ we ejected demons.”

Again, the ejection of the demons wasn’t so much in the name of Jesus, as if they had a part in the process. It is the use of the name itself that caused demons to be ejected. As this is so, it signifies that a power rests in His name that extends beyond this realm, even if His deity was not yet understood.

At a minimum, people would be thinking, “God has endowed this person with such spiritual power that even the proclamation of His name has power over the demons.” This is similar to the thought seen in Acts 8 –

“But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, ¹⁰ to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, ‘“This man is the great power of God.” ¹¹ And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.’” Acts. 8:9-11

These people didn’t claim Simon was God. Rather, they acknowledged him to be the great power of God. This is probably in line with what the people listening to Jesus must have thought about Him concerning His words. Next, Jesus says, “and the ‘Your name’ we performed many miracles?”

Again, the name itself is what carries the weight and authority of the action. The thing is, that in order to use a name to effect a change in another, one would think that there would be a conviction within the person stating the name that it was not only capable of conveying power but also it would be worthy of respect.

Such, however, is not necessarily true –

“Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, ‘We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.’ ¹⁴ Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
¹⁵ And the evil spirit answered and said, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?’
¹⁶ Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. ¹⁷ This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.” Acts 19:13-17

Not all who proclaim the name of Jesus are sincere, even when they understand the power the name wields.

Life application: In the church today, there are lots of people, heaps of them, who claim to do the miraculous in Jesus’ name. They claim prophetic visions and divine engagements with angels and even the Lord Himself. This has now been going on for over two thousand years.

How many of them do you believe? The Bible is written. What more do you expect from the Lord? Of what purpose is it that people claim to do these things? Paul says that we live by faith, not by sight. If we have sight, faith is excluded. Jesus said as much to Thomas.

Has one supposed prophecy or miracle over the past two thousand years since the Bible was completed added anything of value to the church? Be careful what you believe. If someone is sick, pray to the Lord for healing. If someone needs a job, pray that the Lord will provide it. But don’t go looking for miracle workers.

The true miracle worker is in heaven, and He will work out His miracles in a manner that will meet His purposes. Have faith in that. It is sufficient.

Glorious God Almighty, when we call on the name of Jesus, the greatest miracle of our lives comes about. We are saved by His precious blood. What more could we ever ask for? Thank You for Jesus our Lord. Amen.