Track 30 in Songs Set E – Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (Next week’s verse is also part of this song. Matthew 7:22-23 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’)
Speaking and professing the name of the Lord Jesus is not the only evidence of genuine faith. One who believes in Jesus must also do the will of God.
Is your faith evident to everyone?
Practical suggestions this week:
– Meditate upon this verse and pray for a deeper knowledge of God and the faith do obey His commandments.
– Explain this verse to your children. Who is the one who obeys the Lord in Matthew 21:28-31? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.
How will you use this scripture verse in your life this week? with your spouse? your children? your family? your neighbors?
Track 30 in Songs Set E – Matthew 7:17-20 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. (Last week’s verse is also part of this song. Matthew 7:15-16 – Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?)
Only the heart that is soft and loves God is able to bear good fruit.
Continuing from last week’s verse, false prophets bear bad fruit and will be shown for what they are by what they do.
The fruit that a tree bears tells what kind of tree it is. The good works or bad works that come out of a person are the result of what is in their heart.
Is their heart a regenerate heart that has been given by God and has the Holy Spirit as a “Holy Heart Tenderizer?” Is the person’s heart made soft and sensitive to God and others? Is the person a child of God? If so, the heart will overflow in good works, genuine love and other fruits of the spirit.
Does the heart show that the person is a child of the devil? Is the heart wicked to the core? Is the heart diseased and full of evil intent? If so, the Holy spirit is not present. The heart is cold and feels no joy towards God. The heart overflows in selfishness, pride and other evils.
You will know the heart by the overflow of the heart and it’s effect on others. You will know Christians by their love.
Does the Christian still sin? Can a Christian bear bad fruit season after season and still be a Christian?
I believe the answer is clear and encourage you to look to your Bible and discern this.
The last part of the verse is the most poignant . Every person who does not have a heart toward God that overflows in genuine love is destroyed.
What does your heart produce? How does your heart show to the world?
Practical suggestions this week:
– Meditate upon this verse and pray for a fruitful heart. If your heart does not overflow in joy for God, turn from your selfish desires and pray that He will change your heart and forgive you.
– Search out the doctrine of “progressive sanctification” and how it applies to your life. Here is what CJ Mahaney has to say on it.
“Sanctification is a process – the process of becoming more like Christ, of growing in holiness. This process begins the instant you are converted and will not end until you meet Jesus face-to-face. Sanctification is about our own choices and behavior. It involves work. Empowered by God’s Spirit, we strive. We fight sin. We study Scripture and pray, even when we don’t feel like it. We flee temptation. We press on; we run hard in the pursuit of holiness. And as we become more and more sanctified, the power of the gospel conforms us more and more closely, with ever-increasing clarity, to the image of Jesus Christ.”C.J. Mahaney
– Demonstrate this to your children. Ask them how fruit is like the hearts of people. Show them good fruit and bad fruit and ask which they would like? Which is their heart? You may be surprised by the answers they give.
Discipleship. Big word. Simple concept. Christians should obey and heed the call to discipleship every day.
Pastor Kenny Stokes preached on this and the importance of obeying God’s command to make disciples.
Discipleship is:
Proclamation of the word.
Power for the spirit for which we pray.
People. (Loving them and preaching the word to them.)
As a disciple who is called to be a disciple maker, Pastor Kenny exhorts us to, “Begin to and weave into your life, open your mouth to speak or read a passage of scripture to another person praying for the power for the spirit to be at work.”
Every day though? I think we are called to preach the gospel, pray and love people every day. Not once in a while when we think about it. Not when it is convenient. Every single day.
The apostle Paul makes the case for me…
“But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:13)
The disciples of the early church preached to one another every day.
“And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” (Acts 5:42)
Is this really necessary? Not only is it necessary for obedience, but also for our great joy!
“For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”(1 Corinthians 9:16)
How?
It seems daunting, but should be as natural as breathing. The Fighter Verse Bible memory program is designed to get the word implanted so that you may be able to recall it in time of need.
Here is how you can get started in 3 simple steps: (I didn’t say easy!)
Memorize scripture (See this blog for scripture songs to help you do just that!)
Pray through it with intention and plan to share it with 1 person today.
Share it. Proclaim the word to a person, praying for their joy. Do this for 21 days and it will become habit.
What changes would happen in your life if you did this? How about in those you love?
You can listen to the whole sermon by Pastor Kenny Stokes here.
Track 30 in Songs Set E –Matthew 7:15-16 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? (Next week’s verse is also part of this song. Matthew 7:17-20 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.)
Jesus commands us to beware and recognize.
To beware is to be vigilant and on guard as though you were being hunted! 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
To recognize is to use our minds to discern, by the power of the Holy Spirit, what is true. (“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:3)
Beware and recognize false prophets.
A false prophet is one who looks like a sheep, perhaps even docile and mild. But, the false prophet is bent on your destruction.
With a gentle, diplomatic exterior, you may be persuaded by one that the gate is NOT narrow and the way is easy that leads to life. (In contradiction of the truth in Matthew 7:13-14.) They may come with big smiles and promises of good health and material prosperity.
So, how do you know them? How does one recognize a false prophet?
It is by their fruit. Not necessarily by the tree itself. Each tree bears its own fruit. (More on that next week.) The fruit helps you recognize what kind of tree you have. Likewise, the practical effect and result of the teaching of a false prophet will show them for who they are. They are ravenous wolves and children of the devil who are corrupted and seeking to tear you away from the living God.
The practical effect of false teaching lessens our faith in the true God. Oh, Lord help us recognize the devil in all his guises! “By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.” (1 John 3:10)
What is fruit? It is used metaphorically in many ways throughout the Bible.
Here are some “fruits” that you can use in discerning:
– Fruits of the Spirit are important evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit transforming a person’s heart. Of “love, joy pease, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23) We should desire more of this fruit.
– Professed belief in the Son of God (I John 2 :23)
– Adherence to sound doctrine and the word of God (Hebrews 4:12)
– Plugged into the vine and Adibing in love (John 15:4)
– Love of God and Obedience to God’s commandments (1 John 5:2)
Are you aware and awake? How are you at recognizing fruit?
Practical suggestions this week:
– Meditate upon this verse. Are you listening to false prophets? Do you believe any truths that are false and in contradiction with the Bible?
– What fruit are you bearing? At your heart are you a thistle or a fig tree?
– Preach this verse to another and encourage them to beware and recognize the devil in all his work.
How will you use this scripture verse in your life this week? with your spouse? your children? your family? your neighbors?
Track 28 in Songs Set E –Matthew 7:13,14 Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
In what areas of your life are you following God? In what areas are you taking the easy path to destruction?
There are many metaphors that Jesus uses to describe following him to eternity. Rather than giving us a checklist, Jesus gives us a picture. A hard path and an easy path is something we can relate to.
How then shall we live?
The way is hard that leads to life. The whole way is as difficult as the first step through the narrow gate. God must change our hearts. Our natural inclination is toward destruction.
This picture applies to many areas in our lives as we walk on our way.
The way of sin – It is easy to gratify the desires of our flesh. It is hard to put to death the sin that is in us.
The way of suffering – It is easy to try to avoid suffering and to seek comfort. But, this ultimately fails. It is hard to bear suffering. But, it is worth it for the future glory to come! (Romans 8:18)
The way of time – It is easy to waste time on ourselves, our comfort. But, God provides the most satisfaction. Use your time wisely. (Eph 5:15-16)
In whose way will you walk today?
Practical suggestions this week:
– How is God calling you? Have you entered the narrow gate, or are you on a path to destruction?
– What habits do you have that are destructive? Pray through this verse and identify areas in your life where you are taking the easy path. Measure this against what the Bible says.
– Create inevitability to avoid destruction and gain life! If you stumble on your way each day, remove the stumbling block. (e.g. If you are looking at pornography on the internet, remove your ability to see it.) Ensure that you take the way to life. (e.g. Read your Bible and pray first thing in the morning, or at key times in your day.)
How will you use this bible verse in your life this week? with your spouse? your children? your family? your neighbors?
Track 27 in Songs Set E –Matthew 7:9-12 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
The Golden Rule. Love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus is pointing out here that all of the Bible points toward loving God and loving others. (Matthew 22:37-40)
He even points out that even in fallen, sinful people, the conscience that is imparted to us by God knows how to give good gifts.
However, what is a good gift from God is one that is perfect for us. (James 1:1) God gives us His holy spirit to help us. (Luke 11:13)
So…there is that transition word again…So, Jesus sums up the Law and the Prophets by pointing us to love our neighbors. As you wish others would do to you, do also to them.
It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we will truly love others.
How will you love others today?
Practical suggestions this week:
– Pray through this verse reflecting on God’s kindness to you, ask Him for help in loving others and seeing what they would wish you would do to them.
– Reflect upon your heart’s feelings for those you encounter. Is it loving? Confess to the Lord where you fall short and ask Him to give you the Holy Spirit to love like Him.
– Plan ahead to “give good gifts” today. Give as the Lord gives to us. Plan to speak a word of encouragement, or show a kindness to someone today that reflects the love of God.
How will you use this bible memory verse in your life this week? with your spouse? your children? your family? your neighbors?
Track 27 in Songs Set E –Matthew 7:9-12 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
The Golden Rule. Love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus is pointing out here that all of the Bible points toward loving God and loving others. (Matthew 22:37-40)
He even points out that even in fallen, sinful people, the conscience that is imparted to us by God knows how to give good gifts.
However, what is a good gift from God is one that is perfect for us. (James 1:1) God gives us His holy spirit to help us. (Luke 11:13)
So…there is that transition word again…So, Jesus sums up the Law and the Prophets by pointing us to love our neighbors. As you wish others would do to you, do also to them.
It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we will truly love others.
How will you love others today?
Practical suggestions this week:
– Pray through this verse reflecting on God’s kindness to you, ask Him for help in loving others and seeing what they would wish you would do to them.
– Reflect upon your heart’s feelings for those you encounter. Is it loving? Confess to the Lord where you fall short and ask Him to give you the Holy Spirit to love like Him.
– Plan ahead to “give good gifts” today. Give as the Lord gives to us. Plan to speak a word of encouragement, or show a kindness to someone today that reflects the love of God.
How will you use this bible memory verse in your life this week? with your spouse? your children? your family? your neighbors?
Track 27 in Songs Set E – Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
God is gracious and His promises are everywhere in these verses!
All we need to do is ask, seek and knock.
But, for what purpose?
God desires that we have more of Him and that we enjoy Him!
As I pray through this passage, the Lord compels me to ask Him for help in writing this. I want more of His presence. I am hungry to know him more. And the more that I taste and see that He is good, the more I love Him. I rejoice and find myself full and satisfied in the Lord’s giving of Himself.
So, right here, right now the Lord is waiting for you to ask Him, to seek Him and He will open Himself to you.
Mark 12:30-31 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
How often do you ask the Lord? seek the Lord? knock upon His door? Do you come seeking Him or His gifts?
Practical suggestions this week:
– Pray through this verse each day asking, seeking and knocking.
– Search your heart for why you ask for what you do? Whom does it benefit? Is the Lord shown to those around you as most satisfying by what you are asking for?
– Seek first the kingdom of God in your asking. (Mt 6:33)
How will you use this scripture song in your life this week? with your spouse? your children? your family? your neighbors?
Track 26 in Songs Set E – Matthew 7:6 Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.
Do not waste what is holy on people who are unholy. God calls us to discernment.
(1 Corinthians 6:3 – Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!)
If you put what is of most value, namely God and His word, before those who do not love God, then they will turn and attack you. It is a stern reminder to my heart to exercise care, by the power of the Spirit, in how I speak with others.
How do you recognize a dog or a pig? How then do you speak to them?
Practical suggestions this week:
– Pray this verse and for discernment.
– Search out the Bible and consider how you can recognize a pig or a dog. (See Pr 9:7, Pr 9:8, Pr 23:9,)
– Uphold the exceeding value of Jesus Christ. What is the value of a pearl? (See Mt 13:45-46)
How will you use this verse in your life this week? with your spouse? your children? your family? your neighbors?
Track 25 in Songs Set E – Matthew 7:3-5 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.(Song includes last week’s scripture in song also. Matthew 7:1-2Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.)
God wants us to take the time and reflection to deal with our own sin. He desire that we perform careful examination of our own hearts before moving to correct another Christian.
Imagine the damage you do to others if you do not take the log out of your eye?
Picture yourself, with someone you love, trying to peer closely into their eye and take out a small spec that is in there…..all the while, you have a log sticking out of your eye; battering, bruising and bleeding your loved one.
Ah! What a vivid picture!
The next time you reach to rebuke, admonish or correct, reach up and grab the log out of your eye first.
Practical suggestions this week:
– Confess your sin to the Lord each day.
– Write down your gospel story and preach it to yourself each day how the Lord saved your life by the blood of Jesus!
– Again, explain these verses to your children with the vivid picture of the log in your eye. They will remember this instruction.
How will you use this verse in your life this week? with your spouse? your children? your family? your neighbors?
The Scripture songs are a wonderful resource. My son likes what he calls “the boy song” (salt and light). My daughter loves “Do not give dogs…”. They both love “No one can serve two masters.” I encourage everyone to give it a listen. The biggest thing is that my children love singing God’s word to the music. May it be forever in their hearts, directing them to Jesus! - Gil McConnell, Pastor for Child and Youth Discipleship
Fighter Verse Songs 