Teacher’s Outline: Building a Life That Lasts (Matthew 7:15-29)
Opening Statement: Well, hello there, friends. I’m so glad you’ve pulled up a chair to study the Word today. We’ve been journeying with Jesus up the mountainside for a good while now, listening to His Sermon on the Mount. We’ve heard about being salt and light, loving our enemies, and praying in secret. But now, Jesus is bringing it all home. He’s looking us in the eye and telling us that listening isn’t enough—we have to decide what we’re going to do with what we’ve heard. It’s a serious passage, maybe the most serious in the whole sermon, but it’s given out of love. He wants to make sure we aren’t fooled by fakes and that our lives don’t wash away when the storms roll in. Let’s open our Bibles and see how to build something that lasts.
Part 1: The Fruit Test (Verses 15–20)
1. Matthew 7:15 (KJV)
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”
Commentary: Jesus starts off with a warning sign: “Beware.” In the first century, prophets were expected to speak God’s will, but there were plenty of counterfeits. Jesus uses a vivid picture here. A wolf is dangerous—it’s driven by hunger and greed. But these wolves are smart; they don’t show up growling and bearing teeth. They dress up like sheep. They wear the wool of the flock to blend right in. This means they might look like us, talk like us, and use all the right religious words. But inwardly, their motivation isn’t to feed the sheep, but to feed on the sheep. They are “ravenous,” which implies a greedy, grasping spirit that wants to use you for their own gain.
Cross-References:
- Acts 20:29-30 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
- 2 Peter 2:1-3: A warning about false teachers who exploit believers with deceptive words.
Practical Application: Folks, don’t be dazzled by a preacher’s charisma or a writer’s smooth words. Just because someone stands behind a pulpit or holds a Bible doesn’t mean they are shepherding your soul. We have to keep our eyes open. If a leader demands your money, your unquestioning loyalty, or tries to isolate you, check under the wool—there might be a wolf hiding there.
Discussion Question: Can you think of a time you were swayed by someone’s appearance or charm, only to find out later their character didn’t match up?
2. Matthew 7:16 (KJV)
“Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?”
Commentary: So, how do we spot a wolf in a sheep costume? Jesus gives us a simple country test: check the fruit. In Palestine, there were buckthorn bushes with berries that looked a bit like grapes, and thistles with flowers that might pass for figs from a distance. But you’d never go to a thornbush expecting to make grape jelly. It’s impossible. Jesus is saying there is an unbreakable link between who a person is on the inside and what they produce on the outside. “Fruit” here involves both their teaching (is it true to Scripture?) and their character (do they live like Jesus?).
Cross-References:
- Galatians 5:22-23: The fruit of the Spirit love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance against which there is no law.
- James 3:12: A fig tree cannot bear olive berries, nor a vine figs.
Practical Application: Time is the best truth-teller. Sometimes you can’t tell right away if a person is genuine. But if you watch long enough, the truth comes out. If a person preaches love but treats their family with contempt, or preaches generosity but lives in greed—that’s a thornbush, no matter what they claim. Don’t try to gather spiritual food from a source that keeps pricking you with thorns.
Discussion Question: What are some specific “fruits” or behaviors you look for to determine if a person is a trustworthy influence in your life?
3. Matthew 7:17–18 (KJV)
“Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.”
Commentary: Jesus is doubling down on this nature lesson. He’s telling us that the quality of the fruit proves the health of the tree. A “good” (healthy) tree naturally produces good fruit. A “corrupt” (diseased or rotten) tree produces bad fruit. It’s not that a good person never makes a mistake, but a rotten tree cannot consistently produce righteous, life-giving fruit. The heart determines the output. You can’t fake true godliness forever because, eventually, what’s inside comes out.
Cross-References:
- Luke 6:43-45: 43 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
- Matthew 12:33: 33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
Practical Application: We often try to fix our “fruit”—our behaviors—without fixing our “root”—our hearts. If you’re struggling with anger, jealousy, or dishonesty, don’t just try to tape some fake apples on your branches. Go to the Lord and ask Him to heal the tree. When your heart is right with God, the good actions will start to grow naturally.
Discussion Question: Why is it easier to try to fake good behavior than to let God change our hearts?
4. Matthew 7:19 (KJV)
“Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”
Commentary: This is a solemn warning. A fruit tree that doesn’t produce fruit is just taking up space and soaking up nutrients. In the end, useless trees are cut down for firewood. This echoes the preaching of John the Baptist earlier in Matthew. It reminds us that there is a judgment coming. It’s not enough to just look like a tree (to look religious); there must be life and productivity.
Cross-References:
- Matthew 3:10: John the Baptist uses these exact words.
- John 15:2, 6: Jesus said, Branches that do not bear fruit are taken away and burned.
Practical Application: This isn’t meant to scare us into working for our salvation, but to wake us up from spiritual laziness. Faith without works is dead. Ask yourself: “Is my faith benefiting anyone else? Am I growing?” We want to be trees that provide shade and food for others, not dead wood waiting for the axe.
Discussion Question: How does knowing that God expects “fruit” change the way you view your daily work and relationships?
5. Matthew 7:20 (KJV)
“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
Commentary: Jesus repeats the main point to make sure we didn’t miss it. This is our inspection tool. We are not called to be the judges of men’s souls—that’s God’s job—but we are called to be “fruit inspectors” for the sake of our own safety and the health of the church. We must discern who we follow.
Cross-References:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21: Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
- 1 John 4:1: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God.
Practical Application: Use your common sense and spiritual discernment. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s probably not a sheep! Don’t be afraid to walk away from a teaching or a movement if the fruit—the outcome of that lifestyle—is rotten.
Discussion Question: Why do you think Jesus repeated this phrase twice (in verse 16 and verse 20)?
Part 2: The Relationship Test (Verses 21–23)
6. Matthew 7:21 (KJV)
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
Commentary: Now Jesus moves from the false teachers to the false followers. This is a heart-check. Calling Jesus “Lord, Lord” implies enthusiasm and outward respect. But Jesus says vocal profession isn’t the ticket to heaven. It’s about doing the will of the Father. Obedience is the hallmark of true faith. It’s not about earning heaven, but proving that our faith is real by how we live.
Cross-References:
- Luke 6:46: Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
- James 1:22: Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.
Practical Application: It’s easy to sing the songs on Sunday and say “Amen” to the sermon, but the real test is Monday morning. Do we obey God when we’re doing our taxes, treating our spouses, or handling our anger? Saying “Lord” means He is the boss. If we say it, we need to live like we mean it.
Discussion Question: What is the difference between admiration of Jesus and obedience to Jesus?
7. Matthew 7:22 (KJV)
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?”
Commentary: Imagine the scene “in that day” (Judgment Day). There are people who are shocked. They aren’t presenting a list of sins; they are presenting a resume of ministry! They prophesied, cast out demons, and did miracles. They were busy in religious activities. But notice, they are pointing to their works to justify themselves. They focused on the spectacular gifts rather than the quiet fruit of righteousness.
Cross-References:
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-2: I can have all faith to move mountains, but if I have not love, I am nothing.
- Matthew 25:11-12: 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Practical Application: You can be busy for God without knowing God. You can serve on every committee, teach Sunday School, and even preach sermons, but if your heart isn’t surrendered to Him, it’s just noise. Don’t rely on your religious resume. Rely on a daily, humble walk with the Savior.
Discussion Question: Why is it dangerous to rely on “wonderful works” or spiritual experiences as proof of our standing with God?
8. Matthew 7:23 (KJV)
“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Commentary: These are perhaps the most frightening words in Scripture. “I never knew you.” The word “knew” here (Greek ginosko) implies intimate, relational knowledge—like a marriage. It’s not that Jesus didn’t know who they were; He didn’t have a relationship with them. He calls them workers of “iniquity” (lawlessness). Even though they were doing religious stuff, they were living as if God’s law didn’t apply to their hearts. They wanted the power of the Kingdom without the ethics of the King.
Cross-References:
- Psalm 6:8: Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
- 2 Timothy 2:19: The Lord knoweth them that are his.
Practical Application: Christianity isn’t a club you join; it’s a relationship you enter. Jesus wants to know you—your fears, your hopes, your daily walk. Don’t be a stranger to the One you call Lord. Spend time with Him, not just doing things for Him.
Discussion Question: What does it mean to you personally to be “known” by Jesus?
Part 3: The Foundation Test (Verses 24–27)
9. Matthew 7:24–25 (KJV)
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 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.”
Commentary: Jesus closes with a story about two builders. In that region, there were wadis—dry riverbeds that looked flat and easy to build on in the summer. But in winter, flash floods would rush through. The wise man digs deep. He doesn’t settle for the easy surface; he digs down to the bedrock. The “Rock” here represents obedience to Jesus’ words. Notice that the storm comes to the wise man too. Being a Christian doesn’t stop the rain from falling, but it keeps your house from collapsing when it does.
Cross-References:
- Psalm 18:2: The Lord is my rock, and my fortress.
- James 1:25: A doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Practical Application: Building on the rock is hard work. It means digging through the dirt of our lives to plant our feet on Christ’s teachings. When cancer strikes, or job loss comes, or tragedy hits—that’s the storm. If your faith is just words (sand), it will wash away. If it’s built on obedience and trust in Christ (rock), you will stand firm.
Discussion Question: What is a “storm” you have faced that tested your foundation? How did your faith hold up?
10. Matthew 7:26–27 (KJV)
“And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 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.”
Commentary: The foolish man isn’t necessarily an atheist; he hears Jesus’ words. He’s in church. But he doesn’t do them. He builds on the sand—the easy way, the way of popular opinion, feelings, or convenience. When the pressure comes, the structure collapses. The phrase “great was the fall of it” suggests a total, catastrophic ruin—a life completely undone because it had no solid footing.
Cross-References:
- Ezekiel 13:10-12: Woe to those who build a wall with untempered mortar; it will fall in the storm.
- Hebrews 6:4-6: The danger of falling away after tasting the good word of God.
Practical Application: Sand shifts. Feelings change. Culture changes. If you build your life on “what feels right” or “what everyone else is doing,” you are building on sand. Check your foundation today. Are you resting on the solid Rock of Scripture and obedience to Christ?
Discussion Question: What are some examples of “sandy foundations” people build their lives on today?
Part 4: The Authority of the King (Verses 28–29)
11. Matthew 7:28–29 (KJV)
“And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”
Commentary: The crowds were “astonished”—literally, their minds were blown. Why? Because the scribes (the religious scholars) taught by quoting other people. They would say, “Rabbi So-and-so says this.” They relied on precedent and tradition. Jesus didn’t do that. He said, “I say unto you.” He spoke as the Lawgiver Himself, not just an interpreter. He spoke with the authority of the King. He didn’t just give advice; He issued a manifesto for His Kingdom.
Cross-References:
- Mark 1:22: They were astonished at his doctrine.
- John 7:46: Never man spake like this man.
Practical Application: Jesus isn’t just a good moral teacher or a nice philosopher. He is the Authority. When we read the Sermon on the Mount, we aren’t reading suggestions for a better life; we are reading the decrees of our King. His word is final. Does He have that kind of authority in your life?
Discussion Question: How does recognizing Jesus’ authority change the way you read the Bible?
Closing Statement: Friends, we’ve reached the bottom of the mountain, but the journey is just starting. Jesus has laid it all out for us. He’s warned us about the wolves, He’s told us that He wants our hearts and not just our lips, and He’s showed us the difference between building on sand and building on rock. Now, the ball is in our court. We’ve heard the words. The question is: Will we do them? Let’s go out this week and be wise builders, digging deep into His truth and living it out every single day. God bless you as you walk with Him.
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