Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

So far in Matthew chapter 7, Jesus has given some litmus tests to help us determine whether we are truly born again or not. These tests are part of the grace of God seeking to make sure our profession of faith is real. In the context of Matthew's gospel, Jesus wanted all His disciples to see that self righteous people like the Pharisees, are self deceived. They wear an outer garb of religion such as praying publicly, fasting with disfigured faces, or giving tithes with great fanfare. Inwardly, their hearts were full of sin and depravity. Thus, Jesus' spiritual litmus tests addresses spiritual blindness of those who are self deceived, such that they may fully repent and trust Christ for salvation. Do not lose sight of God's salvation intention.  He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentant faith in Christ (See 1 Timothy 2:1-6; 3 Peter 3:9). He wants each person to be regenerated by His Spirit that they become adopted children in the family ...

Chapter 7 of Matthew's gospel began with Jesus strongly encouraging us to pray to our Father because He loves and cares for us. As parents, we would give our children good things such as bread or fish if they asked it of us. The premise for praying to our Father is that He is perfect and will always give what He knows is best for us. Next, Jesus began teaching us about two gates, two paths and two very different destinations, in order to teach us about heaven and hell. He showed the distinction between a true Christian and one who merely professes faith in Christ but fails to keep His commands. A strong warning to diligently guard against false prophets who pervert God's truth. Matthew 7:15  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  Jesus then gave a sober warning to His disciples about false prophets. As we study through Matthew's gospel we will see that Jesus gave many more warnings about false prophets.  ...

We all begin life going through the wide gate and walking on the broad way toward judgment. Matthew 7:13-14  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  14)  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.  What is the wide gate where many pass through? In this context  the wide gate refers to how we are born into this life. By Adam's sin, made all humanity since the fall, a race of sinners in need of salvation. It must be pointed out that God sought Adam and Eve after they sinned, and He provided a way for their sin to be covered by the sacrifice of an innocent substitute lamb, and the application of its' blood to atone for them. Thus, the gospel or good news that God will save sinners who repent and trust Him by faith has been operative since the fall of man. The wide gate is where all people enter this...

We must enter through the straight gate in order to walk on the narrow, God pleasing path. Matthew 7:13-14  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.  In John 10, we saw that Jesus is the door for all the sheep who follow Christ our Shepherd. A sheep pictures those who have repented of sin and believe on the Lord Jesus christ.  In this text, Jesus is the straight gate that leads to heaven. Salvation is something God does in us at the individual heart level. Church membership is good but it cannot confer salvation. Growing up in a Christian home or going to a Christian school is good but they cannot confer the new birth. Each sinner must be convicted of their sin by the Spirit of God when they hear gospel preaching.  The apostle Paul lived as a str...

  Two gates, two roads, two eternal destinations. Which road are you traveling on? Matthew 7:13-14  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14)  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.  I cannot think of a more clear way to declare the  gospel of Christ than using the words of Jesus in this text.  Jesus' teaching in this place is a very effective tool to share the gospel with someone who does not know the Lord. This lesson about two gates, two paths and two eternal destinies goes right to the heart of man's depravity and God's offer of salvation.  There are two spiritual gates through which a person can enter during this life. There are two spiritual roads which one can travel through this life. There are two opposite eternal destinations that can be reached at the...