Page 121 - TH130 Kingdom of God A4 Final

The Sermon on the Mount and the Kingdom

follow this Kingdom directive, we will fulfill the purpose of the Law and
the Prophets (compare Matthew 22:39–40).

Enter Life through the Narrow Gate (Matthew 7:13–14)

Jesus turns again to the topic of how one enters into the kingdom of
heaven. He says one must enter through the “narrow gate,” and he or she
must travel the “narrow road.” The narrow gate is faith in Christ alone
for salvation. Jesus declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6; compare
Acts 4:12). The narrow road is the way of life Jesus has described here in
His Sermon on the Mount.

Do Not Be Deceived by False Prophets (Matthew 7:15–20)
There are many false prophets in the world. This is especially true in
Africa today. These men and women boldly claim that they have been
sent from God. Jesus warns us, “Watch
out for false prophets. They come to you
in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they
are ferocious wolves” (v. 15). The Golden Rule is
a measuring stick
How can we know these false
prophets? Jesus says that we can know for how we should
them by their fruit. That is, we can know treat others.
them by the way they live their lives
and by the message they preach. False
prophets live self-centered and ungodly
lives, and they preach a message contrary to the message of faith and
holiness preached by Jesus and the apostles. Jesus calls these people
“thorn bushes” and “bad trees.” We must strongly oppose these false
prophets because they lead people into hell.

Do the Will of God (Matthew 7:21–23)

Only those who do the will of the King are true citizens in His kingdom.
Jesus explained, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the
kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in
heaven” (v. 21). On the Day of Judgment, many who on earth appeared
to be powerful members of Christ’s kingdom will be exposed as evildoers.
Jesus said, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not
prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform

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