Matthew 7:15-16

Beware of the false prophets, (teachers) who come to you dressed as sheep but inwardly are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them (that is by their contrived doctrine and self-focus). Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?

We are to have strong bible knowledge to understand when someone is teaching false doctrine. We are to test what we hear and make sure it lines up with the word of God. God wants to keep us on the clear path to Him.  The devil will twist scripture to deceive and discourage us away from God. 

Matthew 7:7

Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking it will be opened.  

We must be persistent in prayer and faith, being assured that God has heard our prayer and is sending an answer. Jesus said our persistence will be rewarded if we only believe and ask. Don’t get discouraged or give up because when we seek, we will find, and when we knock, it will be opened.

Matthew 6:14-15

For if you forgive others their trespasses (their reckless and willful sins), your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others (nurturing your hurt and anger with the result that it interferes with your relationship with God) then your Father will not forgive your trespasses.

The devil uses offense for the sinner or the saint to derail a connection to God. If we become blinded by offense and our feelings, we lock our focus on our minds, wills, and emotions, leaving God out of our direction. It becomes a spiral of self, and love gets choked out when we focus on self. Forgiveness is vital for us to remain in close contact with God. God is unable to reach the heart which is blocked by unforgiveness.

Matthew 5:44-45

But I say to you, love (that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for) your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may (show yourselves to) be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on those who are evil and on those who are righteous and the unrighteous (the unrepentant, and those who oppose Him).

Christians lacking in bible knowledge of belief and behavior have tarnished the true meaning and example of the Christian faith. As Christians, we are to model Jesus and show His values and character. We cannot act like the world and its sin nature and expect our faith to be an improvement for their lives. It is only by increasing our Love for others and our knowledge of God that we can stand as examples of faith. 

Matthew 5:39

But I say to you, do not resist an evil person (who insults you or violates your rights); but whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other toward him also (simply ignore insignificant insults or trivial losses do not bother to retaliate-maintain your dignity, your self-respect, your poise).

We live in a world of unsaved, unmannerly people. We must practice not letting the flesh be triggered by insults, rejection, lies, and bad language. Jesus was insulted, beaten, and hung on a cross, but He didn’t repeat in kind what was said to Him. We are to be an example of what is good, even when it is rejected by those who do evil. 

Matthew 5:22

But I say to you that everyone who continues to be angry with his brother or harbors malice against him shall be guilty before the court; and whoever speaks (contemptuously and insultingly) to his brother, Raca shall be guilty before the supreme court and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ Shall be in danger of fiery hell.

We need to understand that strife between us and others only causes spiritual harm. When we step out into anger, gossip, and accusations against others, we are speaking words for the enemy. Yes, there are times when we need to speak out against wrongs. However, monitor our speech, feelings, and words that we use. Do not make the problem large and God small. Stand on the word of God and let Him be your advocate.

2 John 1:9

Anyone who runs on ahead and does not remain in the doctrine of Christ (that is, one who is not content with what He taught), does not have God; but the one who continues to remain in the teaching (of Christ does have God), he has both the Father and the Son. 

When Jesus died on the cross, it was a finished work. The example for the followers of Christ has been clearly set and does not need to be modified. Our knowledge of the word and the works of Jesus keep us from being deceived and pulled away from Jesus. We are to test the spirits and the preachers to make sure what they say lines up with the word of God.

Amos 5:10

They hate the one who reprimands (the unrighteous) in the (court held at the city) gate (regarding him as unreasonable and rejecting reprimand), And they detest him who speaks (the truth) with integrity and honesty.

God will reprimand those He loves. A person with a sound heart who listens to God will not have an issue with reprimand when heading in the wrong direction. The reprimand will be welcome because of the understanding of the consequences of sin. When we have an attitude of love and obedience for God, we welcome it when He speaks truth into our lives.

Psalm 36:7-9

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! The children of men take refuge in the shadow or Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You allow them to drink from the river of Your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.

God loves us without measure, and His will is always for our best. We can take refuge in God’s shadow and find peace and comfort. When the world turns against us and rejects us, God will not. God is the fountain of life and the source of the light of truth. When we finally stand in heaven and feel the love of God, our hearts will be full.

Psalm 37:29-31

The righteous will inherit the land and live in it forever. The mouth of the righteous proclaims wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice and truth. The law of His God is in his heart.

When we keep our focus on the law of God and meditate on the word, we will speak wisdom. Our minds need to stay focused on the positives of Jesus and salvation to overcome the enemy’s attacks. Keep truth and justice in your thoughts and don’t meditate on sinful, nonproductive thoughts.  We can succeed and inherit the goodness of this land when we are willing and obedient to the Word.