Throughout the sermon there is condemnation as well as hope.   

In order for us to turn loose our old ways we must
   → face the fact that they don't work and
   → see a better way.   
This is the objective of the sermon.   

As we read the verses we must keep in mind that Jesus is preparing the people to receive Grace Through Faith and, as a result, to inherit His Kingdom Of Heaven.   

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: Mat 5:1 Jesus describes the Kingdom Of God to His disciples in the verses that follow.     It is two-fold in purpose: 1) Condemning 2) Prophetic.      The sermon brought condemnation on everyone that heard it.      The honest people in the crowd who had a Love Of The Truth understood and received the hope depite the condemnation in the sermon.      But, the self-righteous ScribesPhariseesHypocrites rejected the condemnation and refused to hope in Jesus.      The prophetic aspect of this sermon is redemption of the Spirit, soul and body - part of which happened at Jesus death and resurrection with the other part happening at His return.      To place Jesus' teaching in their proper light we must understand the difference between Spirit Salvation and Soul Salvation.     Otherwise, we will live our lives in frustration between the ideal that we are in the New Spirit being and the practical that we are in corruptible flesh and mind.

And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Mat 5:2 Christ Jesus expects us to open our mouths and share what He has taught us through our relationship with Him and what we have learned from the Word.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Mat 5:3 All mankind is poor in spirit.     But only those who realize their helpless state will receive the Truth and be born into the Kingdom Of Heaven as New Spirit beings.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Mat 5:4 Jesus was talking about the spirit of mourning.     When the heart is broken and life is shattered the spirit of mourning settles upon a person.     The comfort that He speaks of is the infilling of the Holy Spirit, who is the comforter, that He would make possible.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Mat 5:5 Those who humble themselves to the Lord will be exalted.     In the New Birth the person who is meek enough to receive Christ is made into a Son Of The Holy Spirit.     The benefits of our inheritance begin when we receive Jesus and never ends.      Yes, the earth is our inheritance, but to receive any part of our inheritance, we must step forward in faith and claim it.     As James said our faith must produce works to be validated.     The princes of this world step forward and claim what it is not theirs.     The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof.     We must step forward and claim it.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Mat 5:6 This is an if-and-only-if statement by Jesus.     He is saying that only those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled.     Those who do not hunger and thirst can not and will not be filled.      Draw near to the Lord and He will draw near to you.     Jam 4:8 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.     Pro 8:17

Blessed are the compassionate: for they shall obtain kindness. Mat 5:7 forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us Mat 6:12.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see the Lord. Mat 5:8 Pure In Heart is the state of a person who has a Love Of The Truth.     the Lord will reveal Himself to those that have a Love Of The Truth.     We see the Lord through spiritual revelation of the Word and fellowship with Him in the Holy Spirit.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of the Lord. Mat 5:9 ' Follow peace with all men' is the expectation of our Lord.     He has given us the peace that passes understanding and He expects us to use our superior position to effect peace where there is conflict.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Mat 5:10 We cannot deny our Lord and enter the Kingdom Of Heaven.     If persecution comes we must endure it.      The Kingdom Of Heaven is the Lord the Holy Spirit who issues from the Spirit Realm into the Physical Realm.

Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Mat 5:11 There is actually extra blessings that come to us when we are persecuted for Christ's sake.     We ought to be prepared for lies to be concocted against us.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Mat 5:12 It is an honor to be persecuted for Christ's sake and we ought to thank and praise the Lord for the privilege.

You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?     it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Mat 5:13 Our saltiness is our relationship with Christ Jesus.     Our relationship with Him is in the Holy Spirit and Word.      Without the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us by the authority of the Word we are worthless to the Kingdom Of God.

You are the light of the world.     A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Mat 5:14 Jesus is the llght and by receiving Him through the New Birth by the Holy Spirit we become light.      We ought to recognize the responsibility upon us to let our light shine.

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house. Mat 5:15 freely we have received, freely we should give.     This happens as we make opportunity for the light that is in us to be manifested wherever we go.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your heavenly Father. Mat 5:16 Since the light is the Word and Holy Spirit in us, it will have a positive effect on those who see it issuing from us.     The positive effect is that they are drawn to Christ Jesus and in so doing glorify the Lord.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Mat 5:17 Jesus kept the whole law perfectly and so was qualified to be the lamb of the Lord to take away the sins of the world.

For truly I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Mat 5:18 The Lord s Word will be fulfilled and nothing can thwart it.

Whoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Mat 5:19 The law defines the Lord's moral standards.     As New Creatures we have that law written in our hearts.     Whether it is on stones or in our hearts or whether man chooses to ignore it, it is still the Law Of God by which man will be judged.      Christ created new law which superceded the original law.     It is the law of Grace Through Faith.

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Mat 5:20 Christ told the people this to completely unnerve them.     Their understanding of righteousness was wrong.     He wanted them to understand that there was a new definition for righteousness and they had to let go the old definition.      The new righteousness is the righteousness of faith by which the righteousness of the Lord is imputed to believers in Jesus Christ.      The Kingdom Of Heaven is the Lord the Holy Spirit who issues from the Spirit Realm into the Physical Realm.

You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not kill; and whoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: Mat 5:21 Here Christ makes sure they understand that they are all guilty of breaking the Law: "You shall not kill."

But I say unto you, That whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whoever shall say, You fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Mat 5:22 'Without a cause'?     There is always a cause in the minds and hearts of those with anger against another person.      He is implying that there are some offenses that justify anger.     cursing people is not of the Lord.      But remember, the purpose of Jesus statement is not for the hearers to do better, rather it was to make them aware that they are all guilty and need a Saviour.

Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has ought against you; Mat 5:23 This is another aspect of 'Following peace with all men.' and 'doing unto others as you would have them to do unto you' and 'showing mercy in order to receive Mercy'.

Leave there your gift before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Mat 5:24 unity is of the Lord.     division is of Satan.

Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison. Mat 5:25 Don't make mountains out of mole hills.     On issues that have no spiritual implications, settle them quickly.

Truly I say unto you, You shall by no means come out there, till you have paid the uttermost farthing. Mat 5:26 An adversarial and belligerant attitude will only get you in trouble.

You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not commit adultery: Mat 5:27 fidelity is a demonstration of integrity and faithfulness which are characteristics of the Lord our Father.

But I say unto you, That whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. Mat 5:28 Jesus again raises the bar for righteousness.     He is making sure the people have no sense of righteousness and that they realize they need a Saviour.

And if your right eye offend you, pluck it out, and cast it from you: for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish, and not that your whole body should be cast into hell. Mat 5:29 It is wisdom to sacrifice that which is temporal for that which is eternal.

And if your right hand offend you, cut it off, and cast it from you: for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish, and not that your whole body should be cast into hell. Mat 5:30 It is wisdom to sacrifice that which is temporal for that which is eternal.

It has been said, Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: Mat 5:31 Jesus emphasises the rigidity of the law.     Though man makes allowances, the Lord doesn't.

But I say unto you, That whoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery: and whoever shall marry her that is divorced commits adultery. Mat 5:32 'You shall not commit Adultery'.     Period.      To do so makes a person guilty of eternal damnation.     This is according to the law, not Grace.      Jesus is making sure the people understand that they need a Saviour - not more laws or better behavior.

Again, you have heard that it has been said by them of old time, You shall not forswear yourself, but shall perform unto the Lord your oaths: Mat 5:33 The need to swear is a sign that under normal circumstances one may tell lies.

But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is the Lord's throne: Mat 5:34 You should not swear because you should always tell the truth.

Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Mat 5:35 As a human being we have no authority to invoke power that is not ours.

Neither shall you swear by your head, because you can not make one hair white or black. Mat 5:36 Either we tell the truth or we don't.     The truth needs no special support by oaths.     lies cannot be supported even by the strongest oaths.

But let your communication be, Yes, yes; No, no: for whatsoever is more than these comes of evil. Mat 5:37 If a simple 'yes' or 'no' is not sufficient for the person you are communicating with, then that is a sign that there is untruth in you which is evil.

You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: Mat 5:38 This law is good because it controls evil by the threat of equal evil.

But I say unto you, That you resist not evil: but whoever shall strike you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. Mat 5:39 Again, Jesus is laying an unreasonable standard in front of the people so they realize their inability to measure up.     society would collapse under the control of evil people if the good people took this literally.

And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. Mat 5:40 If you are sued, there is a good chance that you have done something wrong.      This verse is about making things right with those we have offended or done wrong.     We ought to do extra to make sure we represent Christ appropriately.      If we understand and operate in the law of Seed Time And Harvest and give, even to those who are unworthy, we will rreceive a great harvest.      On a personal level we are always trying to bring the unbeliever to a knowledge of the Truth that brings salvation.

And whoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him two. Mat 5:41 This makes no sense because it gives your enemy control over you.     It is an unreasonable standard that makes us aware of our inability to be righteous.     We need a Saviour.

Give to him that asks you, and from him that would borrow of you turn not you away. Mat 5:42 This is again an unreasonable standard and those listening recognized it as such.      Jesus was setting an impossible standard so that the hearers would recognize their need for a Saviour.      We are inundated with homeless people asking for handouts.     Most of these people are professional pan-handlers many of which use the money for drugs and alcohol.      We ought to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit who will enable us to get a reading on the person.     Furthermore, our gifts should at least purchase an opportunity for us to minister to the recipient the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

You have heard that it has been said, You shall love your neighbour, and hate your enemy. Mat 5:43 This was an understanding under judaism.     It still causes them to be considered clannish for which they are despised by some people.     gentiles are considered enemies in traditional judaism.      Jesus is the last Old Testament prophet.      The Sermon On The Mount was given as a bridge between law and Grace.      Jesus extends the law in this Sermon, making every one a sinner, including the pharisees.      He never meant for us to implement His new laws on our own.     He knew we would be condemned by the new standards.      The standards that are laid out reflect in His sermon are aspects of the nature of the Lord, which judaism did not understand and so did not teach or live by.     These impossible standards infuriated the self-righteous ScribesPhariseesHypocrites.     And so they rejected Jesus, the Truth, about the Lord and His love, mercy and Grace.      For those who followed Jesus and heard Him teach, they came to understand that the condemnation that is implicit in the unreachable standards of the Sermon On The Mount were prophecies of the transformed life that He would make possible through His death, resurrection and sending us the Holy Spirit.

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Mat 5:44 This is impossible for human beings by Human Love.     Jesus is saying that the Lord loves everyone and that is the righteous position.      Only the love of the Lord which proceeds from His Holy Spirit can enable you to Love Your Enemy in the right way.      It is important to note that Jesus loved His enemies enough to die for them.      But He also 1) rebuked them (Mat 23:29), 2) called them names (Mat 3:7), 3) warned them of perishing except they repent (Luk 13:3) and 4) ultimately rejected them that rejected Him (Mat 12:41,42 Rom 11:25).      We need to discern the difference between a lost person who is our enemy and a reprobate person who is our enemy.      Jesus set free all those who believed on Him but He repudiated those who resis rebuked them Mat 23:29, 2) called them names (Mat 3:7), 3) warned them of perishing except they repent (Luk 13:3) and 4) ultimately rejected them that rejected Him (Mat 12:41,42 Rom 11:25).      We need to discern the difference between a lost person who is our enemy and a reprobate person who is our enemy.      Jesus set free all those who believed on Him but He repudiated those who called them names Mat 3:7, 3) warned them of perishing except they repent (Luk 13:3) and 4) ultimately rejected them that rejected Him (Mat 12:41,42 Rom 11:25).      We need to discern the difference between a lost person who is our enemy and a reprobate person who is our enemy.      Jesus set free all those who believed on Him bu warned them of perishing except they repent Luk 13:3 and 4) ultimately rejected them that rejected Him (Mat 12:41,42 Rom 11:25).      We need to discern the difference between a lost person who is our enemy and a reprobate person who is our enemy.      Jesus set free all those who believed on Him but ultimately rejected them that rejected Him Mat 12:41,42 Rom 11:25.      We need to discern the difference between a lost person who is our enemy and a reprobate person who is our enemy.      Jesus set free all those who believed on Him but He repudiated those who resisted the Truth.

That you may be the children of your heavenly Father: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Mat 5:45 So, here we get the punch line.     the Lord wants us to be His children.     But we are incapable of living up to His standards.     Thus we need to be Born Again and filled with the Holy Spirit who makes us righteous children of the Lord.

For if you love them which love you, what reward have you?     do not even the publicans the same? Mat 5:46 Reciprocity of love and hate is the human way.     There is no reward in such carnal behaviour.

And if you salute your brothers only, what do you more than others?     do not even the publicans so? Mat 5:47 But that's what humans do.

Be you therefore perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect. Mat 5:48 Though Jesus had been teaching on behavioural issues, He did so to bring condemnation upon the Self Righteous, preparing them for the spiritual New Birth which would enable them to manifest right behaviour.      When Jesus used the word perfect relative to the Holy Spirit He condemned every person.     No one listening to Him could feel justified from that point on.      Essentially, Jesus pulled the rug out from under everyone.     We are none perfect through our behavior nor can we be.     We need a Saviour.     We need to be Born Again.     We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to be the children of our Heavenly Father.

Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your heavenly Father. Mat 6:1 More attacks on unrighteousness.     giving to receive back or to receive honour is unholy.     There is no reward for such giving.

Therefore when you do your alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men.     Truly I say unto you, They have their reward. Mat 6:2 It is hypocritical to appear to do good for selfish reasons.

But when you do alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand does: Mat 6:3 give as unto the Lord, willingly and joyfully.

That your alms may be in secret: and your Father which sees in secret himself shall reward you openly. Mat 6:4 The Lord looks at the heart.     When we operate from a heart inspired by His Spirit there is blessing and reward.

And when you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.     Truly I say unto you, They have their reward. Mat 6:5 The Lord looks at the heart.     Sincerity and earnestness are rewarded.     Compulsion, necessity and pride receive no credit from the Lord.

But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father which sees in secret shall reward you openly. Mat 6:6 prayer is communication with the Lord.     It is a personal matter.     It is an intimate thing.     It is besmirched by anything that is not sincere.

But when you pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Mat 6:7 The Lord is the most intelligent being in the unverse.     He hears us the first time we speak.     As a matter of fact, He knows what we need before we even ask.     On top of that, He knows the imagination of the thoughts of our hearts.      Prayer?     Keep it simple.     Keep it sincere.

Be not you therefore like unto them: for your Father knows what things you have need of, before you ask him. Mat 6:8 In prayer 'acknowledgement' should be a mainstay.         → acknowledge His sovereignty.         → acknowledge His goodness.         → acknowledge His blessings.         → acknowledge His love.         → acknowledge His provision.         → acknowledge His Plan.

After this manner therefore pray you: Our heavenly Father, Hallowed be your name. Mat 6:9 Jesus introduces the sandwich prayer - praise, petition, praise.

Your kingdom come.     Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Mat 6:10 The Lord's kingdom is coming.     His will is for earth to operate like heaven where there is uninterrupted life, love, joy, peace, faith and blessings.      Heaven is the Spirit Realm from which our Holy Spirit Father issues into the Physical Realm.

Give us this day our daily bread. Mat 6:11 Provision is for today.      Trust takes care of tomorrow.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Mat 6:12 Remind yourself of the mercy that Christ has brought to you so that you can dispense mercy likewise.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.     Amen. Mat 6:13 Direct our paths so that we avoid evil.         → Who did Jesus reference in the opening to this prayer?     Our Father.         → Who is Jesus' Father?     the Holy Spirit.         → Who raised Jesus from the dead?     the Holy Spirit    → Who gave Jesus all power in heaven and earth?     the Holy Spirit.         → Who made Jesus King Of Kings and Lord Of Lords?     the Holy Spirit.      So, the kingdom is ruled by the Incarnate Word ( Jesus) by the power of the Holy Spirit.

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you: Mat 6:14 Be merciful to obtain mercy.

But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Mat 6:15 We cannot afford not to forgive.     Unforgiveness is not an option for a Christian.

Moreover when you fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.     Truly I say unto you, They have their reward. Mat 6:16 Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord and not as men pleaseers.     Eph 6:6

But you, when you fastest, anoint your head, and wash your face; Mat 6:17 Try to look good, not pathetic.

That you appear not unto men to fast, but unto your Father which is in secret: and your Father, which sees in secret, shall reward you openly. Mat 6:18 do it as unto the Lord and not as a man pleaser.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: Mat 6:19 Don't count on earthly wealth.     It is fleeting whether by theft or by corruption.

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust does corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: Mat 6:20 invest in the Kingdom Of Heaven where your wealth will be secure and eternal.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Mat 6:21 Your heart and treasure are in the same place.     If your treasure is in material things, that is where your heart is.     If your treasure is in spiritual things, that is where your heart is.

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore your eye be single, your whole body shall be full of light. Mat 6:22 Singlemindedness is good.     Doublemindednes is evil.      When we are singleminded for Christ we are full of light and provide a beacon to others of His glory.

But if your eye be evil, your whole body shall be full of darkness.     If therefore the light that is in you be darkness, how great is that darkness! Mat 6:23 An evil eye is one that entertains evil.     When evil appears it does not avert but gazes.      If you allow darkness to be your focus you will become evil.     It is inevitable.

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.     You cannot serve the Lord and mammon. Mat 6:24 Don't be Double Minded.     It is an unacceptable state manifesting confusion and weakness.

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your body, what you shall put on.     Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Mat 6:25 Jesus is telling us that the Lord is our provider and He guarantees our health and prosperity.     no need for us to fret over either.

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feeds them.     Are you not much better than they? Mat 6:26 yes, the Lord loves humans more than the animals.

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? Mat 6:27 We were designed by the Lord.     Our limits were set by the Lord.     It is impossible for us to make anything of ourselves that the Lord has not willed.     We can, however, destroy ourselves.

And why take you thought for raiment?     Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: Mat 6:28 Clothing is just a specific part of the Lord's provision.

And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Mat 6:29 Man approximates and imitates glory, whereas the Lord is glory and everything He does is glorious.

Wherefore, if the Lord so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Mat 6:30 The Lord wants to glorify us with His glory just as He did for Christ Jesus.

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat?     or, What shall we drink?     or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? Mat 6:31 Jesus is telling us not to worry about the provisions for life.     It is not what we were designed to do.     He has bigger and better things to occupy us.

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your Heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. Mat 6:32 We seek the Lord and He provides out of our relationship with Him.

But seek you first the kingdom of heaven, and the Lord's righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Mat 6:33 understanding and adopting this Spiritual Law is the secret to Abundant Life.      So, how do we seek righteousness?      We believe the Gospel and receive the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ by faith in Him.      The Kingdom Of Heaven is the Kingdom Of Christ in whom resides all power in heaven and earth.

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.     Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Mat 6:34 We are incapable of anticipating all the issues of tomorrow.     Hence, all our plans are apt to fail.     focus on the task in front of you today.     The Holy Spirit is the eternal 'I AM'.     He wants us to focus on what He is doing today.

Judge not, that you be not judged. Mat 7:1 Jesus speaks of the characteristics of His kingdom and emphasizes how that He is the Narrow Way and the Strait Gate to the Father.     Knowing Jesus and doing His words is the way to salvation and discipleship.

For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again. Mat 7:2 mercy and Grace are given to us in the measure we mete it out to others.

And why behold you the mote that is in your brother's eye, but consider not the beam that is in your own eye? Mat 7:3 Objectivity is not possible for the Carnal Minded person.     Only Spiritual Minded people can look at themseelves and their neighbor with the same objectivity.

Or how will you say to your brother, Let me pull out the mote out of your eye; and, behold, a beam is in your own eye? Mat 7:4 Without the wisdom of the Holy Spirit operating in and through us we are incapable of operating on anyone else.

You hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of your own eye; and then shall you see clearly to cast out the mote out of your brother's eye. Mat 7:5 Objectivity is necessary to see the beam in our own eyes.     Objectivity toward ourselves comes by the Holy Spirit and Truth.

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast you your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. Mat 7:6 dogs and swine are unworthy of the Gospel because they reject it.     They are content to live an animalistic existence devoid of the Lord.      When a person rejects the Holy Spirit who reveals the Truth of the Gospel to them they are guilty of Blasphemy Of The Holy Ghost.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: Mat 7:7 Jesus is teaching about faith.     To ask effectively you must speak what you desire and you must believe that you will receive.      When we seek we must seek in faith so that we will recognize what we are seeking when we see it.      When we knock we must expect the door to be opened and we must be prepared to enter in confidence.

For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened. Mat 7:8 The simplicity and elegance of Grace and faith escapes most people.

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Mat 7:9 It would be an extremely evil father who would do such.

Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? Mat 7:10 This would be cruelty and manifestation of hate.

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give good things to them that ask him? Mat 7:11 Most human parents give to their children what they ask if they can.     Our heavenly Father is not limited on resources and so He will give us whatsoever we ask of Him.      It is interesting that Mary heard Jesus say something that Matthew did not Luk 11:13.      What was that?     That our Heavenly Father will give Himself to those who ask for Him.     It is out of His presence and power in our lives that all good things flow.      The way our Lord gives us good things is through His Holy Spirit in us.     Col 1:27

Therefore all things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Mat 7:12 The golden rule which enables civilization.

Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Mat 7:13 The Truth ( Jesus) is the Strait Gate.     We can only come to the Lord through Him.      The Broad Way is every way which is not the Narrow Way.      Why are there many that take the Broad Way?     pride and deception.

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it. Mat 7:14 Jesus is the Narrow Way.     We can come to the Lord only through Him.      Why are there few?     pride and deception.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Mat 7:15 A False Prophet has a false heart but they disguise themselves to hide their true nature.

You shall know them by their fruits.     Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Mat 7:16 When a plant bears its fruit it becomes clear what kind of plant it is.

Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. Mat 7:17 The tree is determined by the seed just as the fruit is determined by the tree.

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Mat 7:18 fruit is a product of the vine or tree which is a product of the seed from which it sprang.

Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Mat 7:19 Only that which proceeds from the seed of the Lord's Word will product good fruit.     All other trees will be destroyed as they came from seed planted by the enemy.

Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them. Mat 7:20 The fruit of the Holy Spirit is what Jesus is referring to.     That fruit cannot be faked.

Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Mat 7:21 Jesus is talking to Jews - not Christians (believers in Him).      Jesus Christ is Lord the Lord.     faith in Him is critical.     faith in the Lord or the Lord apart from Jesus is unacceptable.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name?     and in your name have cast out devils?     and in your name done many wonderful works? Mat 7:22 Jesus was talking to Jews who called upon the Lord ( God) but denied Him ( Jesus) as very the Lord.     In their rejection of Him ( Jesus) they would stand before Him ( Lord) in the judgment and proclaim their works on His ( Lord) behalf.     But because of the denial of Him ( Jesus) in the flesh, He ( Jesus) would deny them.      God is just the generic name for deity.     calling upon the Lord will not save anyone.     Jesus is the express image of the only true and living deity.     It is in the name Jesus that anyone is saved.

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity. Mat 7:23 Jesus was talking to Jews who rejected Him as very the Lord.     This is why He would reject them in the judgment despite their works.

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: Mat 7:24 It is wisdom to believe on the Lord Jesus and to do His words.

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. Mat 7:25 good seed on good ground will produce a tree that can withstand any storm.

And every one that hears these sayings of mine, and does them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: Mat 7:26 Not doing the words of Jesus is a sign of unbelief in Jesus which is the height of foolishness.      We build by doing.

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. Mat 7:27 Nothing will stand except that which is rooted in the Lord.     Only the seed of His Word can produce a plant with roots in the Lord.     All other seed produces roots that are incapable of withstanding the storm.

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: Mat 7:28 The authority and disruptiveness of His teaching is what amazed them.      The Pure Gospel of Jesus Christ is still astonishing today.

For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Mat 7:29 The Holy Spirit is the authority that informed and empowered Jesus.      Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit so that we now have His power and His authority.