In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 7, verses 21 to 23, Jesus delivers a powerful message about the essence of true discipleship and the distinction between superficial faith and genuine obedience. These verses serve as a sobering reminder for believers and a call to self-examination.
The verses state
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (NIV)
Contextual Background
This passage is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus outlines the principles of His kingdom. Throughout the sermon, He emphasizes the importance of inner righteousness over external religious practices.
- Verbal Confession vs. True Obedience
Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus makes it clear that just saying He is Lord is not enough to enter heaven. This challenges the idea that simply calling on Jesus or doing religious things guarantees salvation.
For many people today, it’s easy to say they are Christians or attend church services. However, Jesus teaches us that what truly matters is how we live our lives. For example, someone might go to church every Sunday and say they believe in Jesus but then act unkindly to others during the week. This shows that their faith is not reflected in their actions.
Real faith means that our lives should show our belief in God. It’s not just about talking the talk but also walking the walk. For instance, if someone claims to love their neighbor, they should help those in need, like volunteering at a local shelter or offering support to a friend in distress.
This passage encourages us to look at our lives. Are we really living out our faith, or just saying the right words? True faith comes from a relationship with Jesus, where we want to follow Him because we love Him. It’s not about being perfect, but about sincerely trying to live in a way that honors God.
- The Will of the Father
Another key point in this passage is doing the will of the Father. Jesus says that those who do God’s will, will enter heaven. This highlights the importance of obeying God’s commands, but it’s important to understand that this obedience should come from love, not just rules.
For example, God’s will includes loving others, being forgiving, and showing kindness. If someone is angry and refuses to forgive a friend, even though they might say they are a Christian, they are not living out God’s will. True discipleship means our actions should reflect God’s love, like helping someone who is struggling or being patient with a difficult coworker.
In today’s world, doing God’s is to standing up for justice, helping the less fortunate, or being honest in our dealings. It’s not just about following a list of rules; it’s about having a heart that desires to do good. When we understand the love and grace God has given us, we naturally want to live in a way that pleases Him.
Doing the will of the Father is also a journey. It means we need to keep learning, praying, and growing in our faith. For example, reading the Bible, Christian books and blogs like ours, help us understand how to live righteously. It’s not always easy, and we might face challenges, but this journey helps us become more like Christ.
Moreover, we are not alone in this journey. Being part of a true community, like a church group, can support us in living out our faith. Encouragement from friends and fellow believers can help us stay committed to doing God’s will.
- False Assurance
Matthew 7:22-23, Jesus talks about people who perform amazing acts, like miracles and prophecies, in His name. This shows that just doing impressive things doesn’t mean a person has a true relationship with Him. Many people today might think that because they are involved in church activities or can perform good deeds, they are guaranteed a place in heaven. However, Jesus warns us against this false sense of security.
In our generation, we often see individuals who are well-known for their religious activities. They may lead worship, preach powerful sermons, or even help many people. While these actions are good, they don’t automatically mean that someone is living in a right relationship with God. For example, a popular pastor might be admired by many, but if he doesn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, he is not truly connected to God.
This serves as a reminder for all of us to look beyond outward appearances. Just because someone seems to be doing God’s work doesn’t mean they are genuinely following Him. It’s essential to evaluate our own lives and ask ourselves: Are we just going through the motions, or are we truly seeking God?
Many people may attend church regularly and participate in community service, but if their hearts are not aligned with God’s will, they risk being misled. This is a call for authenticity in our faith. We need to ensure that our actions stem from a real desire to know and serve God, rather than just for show or to gain approval from others.
- The Consequence of Rejection
When Jesus says, “I never knew you,” it emphasizes that knowing Him is about building a genuine relationship, not just following rules or performing tasks. Many people think that if they do enough good things, they can earn their way into heaven. However, Jesus teaches us that salvation comes from knowing Him personally.
In today’s world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that our good deeds will secure our place in heaven. We might volunteer at shelters, give to charities, or even help friends in need. While these actions are commendable, they cannot replace the importance of having a relationship with Jesus. It’s not a transaction where we do good things to get something in return; it’s about a heartfelt connection with God.
For example, consider a friendship. If you only spend time with a friend to gain something, that relationship will feel shallow. True friendships are built on mutual understanding, trust, and care. Similarly, our relationship with Jesus should be based on love and a desire to know Him better.
The consequence of not having this relationship is significant. When Jesus says, “I never knew you,” it indicates a painful separation. This serves as a serious warning for all of us. We must seek to truly know Jesus, spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, and engaging in conversations about faith.
To cultivate this relationship, we can start by being honest with ourselves about our faith. Are we genuinely seeking to know Jesus, or are we just relying on our actions to define our relationship? It’s important to create space in our lives to hear from Him, whether through quiet moments of reflection or in community with other believers who can encourage us.
Application for Today
- Self-Examination
As believers, self-examination is a vital practice. It’s essential to regularly reflect on our faith and consider whether we are genuinely pursuing a relationship with God or simply going through the motions. This self-assessment involves asking ourselves tough questions about our motives and actions. Are we attending church out of habit, or do we truly desire to grow in our faith?
One effective way to engage in self-examination is through journaling. Write down your thoughts about your spiritual journey, your struggles, and your victories. Reflect on moments when you felt close to God and times when you felt distant. This practice can help illuminate areas where you may need to seek deeper connection and understanding.
Additionally, consider discussing your faith with trusted friends or mentors. They can provide valuable insights and help hold you accountable. Engage in conversations that challenge you to think critically about your beliefs and how they influence your daily life. This level of reflection can lead to personal growth and a more profound commitment to living out God’s will.
- Cultivating a Relationship with Christ
To truly know Christ, we must invest time and effort into our relationship with Him. This involves engaging in prayer, studying Scripture, and participating in community with other believers.
Prayer is a powerful way to communicate with God. Set aside dedicated time each day to pray, whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or at night. Use this time to express your thoughts, concerns, and gratitude. Prayer can be a source of comfort and guidance, allowing you to align your heart with God’s will.
Studying Scripture is equally important. The Bible is God’s Word and provides invaluable wisdom for living. Consider joining a Bible study group to explore the Scriptures with others. This communal approach not only deepens your understanding but also fosters relationships with fellow believers.
Participating in community is key to spiritual growth. Find a local church or fellowship group where you can connect with others who share your faith. Being part of a community can provide support, encouragement, and accountability. This environment also offers opportunities to serve and grow together in your understanding of Christ’s teachings.
- Serving with Authenticity
In our service to others, authenticity is crucial. It’s easy to fall into the trap of serving for recognition or personal gain, but true service should stem from love for Christ and a desire to help others.
When we serve authentically, we reflect the heart of Jesus. For example, consider volunteering at a local food bank or mentoring a young person in your community. Approach these opportunities with the mindset of serving others selflessly, without expecting anything in return. This attitude not only honors God but also enriches our lives and the lives of those we serve.
Think about the ways you can incorporate service into your daily life. Acts of kindness, such as helping a neighbor with groceries or offering a listening ear to a friend in need, can make a significant impact. These small gestures, when done with genuine love, reflect Christ’s love for us.
Moreover, serving authentically can lead to deeper relationships within your community. When people see your genuine desire to help, they may be more open to discussing faith and exploring their relationship with God. This organic approach to service creates opportunities for meaningful conversations about Christ and His love.
- Understanding Grace
Understanding grace is fundamental to our faith. The passage reminds us that our good works are a response to God’s love, not a means to earn salvation. This distinction is essential in our spiritual journey.
Many people struggle with the idea of grace, often feeling that they must prove their worth through good deeds. However, grace teaches us that we are loved and accepted by God not because of what we do, but because of who He is. This understanding can be liberating, allowing us to live freely in the knowledge that we are secure in Christ’s love.
Embracing grace leads to a life that genuinely reflects Christ. When we understand that our actions are an overflow of His love, we are motivated to serve and love others without fear of judgment or failure. This mindset fosters a spirit of humility and gratitude, encouraging us to extend grace to those around us.
As we navigate our daily lives, let’s remind ourselves of the grace we have received. This awareness can transform our interactions with others, prompting us to be more forgiving, compassionate, and loving. By embodying grace, we become a reflection of Christ in a world that desperately needs His light.
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Conclusion
Matthew 7:21-23 is a clarion call to all believers to move beyond mere words and to cultivate a life of obedience and authenticity in our relationship with Jesus. As we reflect on these verses, may we strive to do the will of the Father and seek a deeper connection with our Lord, ensuring that our faith is not only professed but also lived out in truth.
