Matthew 7:12-20

Matthew 7:12-20He lays down a general principle for our guidance in all doubtful questions between man and man. Our Lord gives us a general caution against the way of the many in religion. The Lord Jesus gives us a general warning against false teachers in the church. "We are to deal with others as we would like others to deal with us. This is real Christianity.""We have no reason to be discouraged and cast down, if the religion we profess is not popular, and few agree with us.""Nothing supplies false prophets with followers so much as spiritual sloth under a cloak of humility."Questions:We find here what has been called the Golden Rule: "treat others the way you want to be treated." Do you have questions that the Bible doesn't answer directly? Do you wish there was a clear rule laid out to give clarity to the situations you face? Well, as Ryle says, this verse is the answer to the unspoken situations we face. How often are we applying this rule to what we do? Jesus declares to us here that there are two places that every person on the planet may be found: either on the wide or narrow path. The narrow path, as Ryle points out, is the way of repentance (turning away from sin), faith in Christ (turning toward Christ in trust), and holiness of life (growing in Christlikeness). These things, he says, have never been in style. The true flock has always been small, and despite how we feel, it is a good sign that the world would call us narrow-minded and bigoted. Where are you? Do we fit into the world, or do we stand out from the world?Jesus not only warns of a broad road but that it is also filled with false teachers, wolves in sheep's clothing. Ryle warns that there always have been, are many today, and there always will be. Pastors and teachers are gifts to you (Ephesians 4:8-11) but only to the extent that the Word of God is faithfully taught. And that, Ryle says, is the best safe-guard against false teaching: to be regularly in God's Word with prayer asking for the teaching of the Holy Spirit. Do not be fooled by seminary degrees and speaking skills, is what is said from God's Word or not? And so we must ask ourselves: do I trust my pastor or other teachers blindly? Am I able to recognize when they are off? Am I willing to ask honest and humble questions if I am unsure of something that has been said? Ryle promises that the one who reads the Bible aright will never be allowed greatly to err. May it be true of us!