Matt. 7:1-5 – A judgmental disciple will not be effective. Jesus was effective because He cared for people. The religious elite in Jesus’ day majored in condemning the common people and supposing they were selectively favored by God. That’s why the common people did not follow them. They wanted to follow a leader who had their best interest as His priority, so they sought out Jesus by the hundreds and thousands. In turn, people will follow us when they see we have their best interest in our hearts.
Matt. 7:6 – However, some people clearly demonstrate they are not ready for the Kingdom of God. They have no desire for spiritual things. Don’t waste precious time with them. They don’t value what you are offering them, just like pigs don’t value pearls. But pray for them that their hearts will change, and they will seek God in another season of their life.
Matt. 7:7-11 – I must never stop asking/praying to God. He is my Father, and He desires (even loves) to grant me my requests. Developing a relationship with my Father in heaven demands continual communication. Ask, seek, knock.
Matt. 7:13-14 – Discipleship is difficult, like trying to squeeze through a narrow opening or gate, but it leads to life. May I never think that becoming a disciple is choosing an easy path.
Matt. 7:21-27 – Just because I call Jesus Lord or Master does not by those words make me a doer. Discipleship is active; it is dynamic; it is demonstrative. So, hearing is not the end of the matter. Doing must follow. And the doing is what causes me to become mature and discerning and fruitful.