Tag: Matthew 7:21-23
Words no one wants to hear!
Scripture reading for April 14th: Matthew 7, Psalm 75, Proverbs 13
Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your Name, and cast out demons in Your Name, and do many mighty works in Your Name?’ And then will I declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.””
As Jesus concluded His teaching on the blessed life of the kingdom, He warned His followers against going through the motions with outward show but lacking a true relationship with God through grace and faith. At the final judgment, many would come expecting a reward, only to be declared unfit to enter into the Father’s kingdom and eternal inheritance. They would call Jesus their ‘Lord’, but Jesus would declare that He never was personally acquainted with them. All their ‘good’ religious works were done to please others or earn favor with God. God has an appointed judgment and He will execute judgment with perfect equity. He has forewarned us about presumption and religious performance.
Psalm 75:1, 6-7 “”At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity.” . . . “For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up, but it is God Who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your perfect love and also for promised perfect justice. I humbly ask You for mercy through faith in Your Son Jesus Christ. I invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in me and guide me in Your ways and in deepening knowledge and relationship with You. May none of my family, friends or neighbors hear the fearful declaration: ‘I never knew you.’
Proverbs 13:14 “The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.”
Obey the Lord!
Scripture reading for July 24th: 2nd Kings 9-10, Psalm 49, Matthew 7
Key Scriptures: Matthew 7:21-23 “”Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. On that day many will say to Me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your Name, and cast out demons in Your Name, and do many mighty works in Your Name?’ And then will I declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.””
As Jesus was ending His message, He gave a warning to the people listening and to His own disciples. Some who called Him “Lord” would not enter the kingdom of heaven! Confession of Jesus as Lord but with no repentance and obedience to God’s Word was futile. Even doing works in Jesus’ Name without a humble and submissive relationship would result in being cast out of God’s presence. These are sobering and searching words.
Psalm 49:7-9 “Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, that he should live on forever and never see the pit.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, I call you ‘Lord’ and desire to live a life of obedience to You and my Father in heaven. I trust fully in Your grace through faith in Jesus Christ.”
2nd Kings 10:28-29 “Thus Jehu wiped out Baal from Israel. But Jehu did not turn aside from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin–that is, the golden calves that were in Bethel and in Dan.”
Beware of Pride and Presumption
Scripture reading for January 9th: Matthew 7, Psalm 7, Prov. 7
Key Scriptures: Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your Name, and cast out demons in Your Name, and do many mighty works in Your Name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.'”
Jesus taught His disciples that confession of faith was not enough in and of itself to guarantee entrance into the kingdom of heaven. Even works done in the Name of Jesus would not qualify a person for entrance. Confession and good works must be accompanied by complete submission to God and yielding to His will in every area of life. Faith confessions must be demonstrated by humble obedience to God’s will and word.
Faith’s confession: Jesus, I confess that You are Lord of my life. I pray that Your kingdom would come and Your will would be done in my life on earth as in heaven. Deliver me from pride and presumption, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may truly know You better each day.
Proverbs 7:1-3 “My son, keep My words and treasure up My commandments with you; keep My commandments and live; keep My teaching as the apple of your eye; bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.”
God tests the heart!
Scripture reading for January 9th: Genesis 22-24, Matthew 7
Key Scriptures: Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your Name, and cast out demons in Your Name, and do many mighty works in Your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'”
Jesus warned His disciples that superficial religion and good works were of no value without a personal relationship of faith and obedience. We may profess His Name, but not know Him. We may do mighty works, but God will not be fooled about the true condition of our souls. All faith and works will be tested by God’s seeing eyes!
Genesis 22:1-3 “After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and his son Isaac.”
Prayer: Lord, I want to truly know you. Through Your all-seeing eyes, bring my hidden sins and evil motives to light that I might walk with You in truth. Amen