21 “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.”
22 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?’
23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Setting the Scene for Matthew 7:21-23
The scene in Matthew 7:21-23 takes place on a hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Jesus is surrounded by a large crowd of people who have gathered to hear His teachings. Among the crowd are His disciples, who have been following Him closely and learning from His wisdom and miracles.
As Jesus begins to speak, He addresses the crowd about the importance of not only hearing His words but also putting them into practice. He warns them about the dangers of merely professing faith without genuine obedience to God’s will. In this scene, Jesus emphasizes the significance of true discipleship and the necessity of bearing good fruit in one’s life as evidence of a genuine relationship with God.
The atmosphere is tense as Jesus speaks with authority and conviction, challenging the crowd to examine their hearts and motives. The disciples listen intently, realizing the weight of Jesus’ words and the importance of living out their faith in a way that honors God. The scene is a powerful reminder of the call to authentic discipleship and the need for a genuine relationship with God that goes beyond mere words or outward appearances.
What is Matthew 7:21-23 about?
This verse highlights the importance of genuine faith and actions in the Christian faith. It warns against mere outward expressions of faith without a true commitment to living in accordance with God’s will. Simply acknowledging the Lordship of Jesus without genuine obedience and a transformed heart is not enough to ensure entry into the kingdom of heaven. It challenges us to reflect on the authenticity of our faith and the sincerity of our relationship with God.
Have you ever stopped to consider if your actions and words truly reflect the depth of your faith? Do you simply call upon the Lord in times of need, or is your faith a constant guiding force in your life? This verse reminds us to strive for a faith that is not just proclaimed with our lips but lived out daily in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Let us examine our hearts and strive to live in a way that honors God and reflects the true essence of being a follower of Christ.
Understanding what Matthew 7:21-23 really means
Structure
- Introduction to the Passage
- Context Within the Bible
- Detailed Analysis of Key Phrases
- Cross-Referencing with Other Scriptures
- Relevance to Modern Life
- Anecdote for Personal Connection
- Jesus delivers a powerful message about the importance of genuine faith and obedience over mere outward declarations in Matthew 7:21-23. This passage serves as a sobering reminder that not everyone who claims to follow Christ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Context Within the Bible
This teaching is part of the Sermon on the Mount, a comprehensive guide that Jesus provides for living a life that honors God. The sermon encapsulates key principles of Christian ethics and spirituality. Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of doing the will of the Father rather than just professing faith.
Detailed Analysis of Key Phrases
The phrase “not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’” highlights the distinction between verbal profession and actual practice. Jesus is warning against a superficial faith that lacks substance. The term “the will of my Father” underscores the necessity of aligning our actions with God’s commandments and teachings.
“I never knew you” is perhaps the most chilling part of this passage. It implies a relationship—or lack thereof—that goes beyond mere acquaintance. Knowing Jesus means living in accordance with His teachings and fostering a genuine relationship with Him.
Cross-Referencing with Other Scriptures
This theme of genuine faith versus empty words is echoed in James 2:17, where it states, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Similarly, in Luke 6:46, Jesus asks, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” These passages collectively stress that true faith manifests in actions, not just words. Performative Christianity is easy to fall into in today’s world—attending church, participating in rituals, and yet not living out the teachings of Christ in daily life. This passage challenges us to self-examine and ensure that our faith is not just skin-deep but rooted in genuine commitment and obedience to God’s will. A man attended church every Sunday, sang in the choir, and participated in all church activities. Yet, outside of church, his life was indistinguishable from someone who didn’t claim to follow Christ. He was dishonest in business, unkind to his neighbors, and rarely prayed or read the Bible. One day, he faced a personal crisis that brought him to his knees. He realized in his moment of desperation that his faith had been more about appearances than a true relationship with Jesus. This awakening led him to transform his life, aligning his actions with his professed beliefs.
Conclusion and Reflection
Matthew 7:21-23 serves as a crucial reminder to examine the authenticity of our faith. Are we merely saying “Lord, Lord,” or are we doing the will of the Father? This passage invites us to move beyond superficial faith and into a deeper, more genuine relationship with Christ. Reflect on your own life: are your actions consistent with your words? Are you living out the will of the Father in your daily life?
Are my actions aligning with God’s will?
The passage in Matthew 7:21-23 emphasizes the importance of aligning our actions with God’s will. Simply professing faith or doing good works may not be enough if they are not in line with God’s plan for us. It reminds us that true discipleship involves not just outward expressions of faith, but a genuine relationship with God that is reflected in our obedience to His will.
Therefore, it is crucial for us to constantly evaluate our actions and motivations to ensure that they are in accordance with God’s desires. We must seek to live out our faith in a way that honors God and serves His purposes, rather than simply seeking our own recognition or rewards. We can be confident that our actions align with His will and bring glory to His name by submitting our will to God’s and seeking His guidance in all that we do. We ultimately are called to be obedient to God’s will and to surrender our own desires and plans to His higher purpose. We can trust that our actions, when aligned with His will, will bear fruit and bring about His kingdom on earth as we strive to live in a manner that reflects God’s love and truth.
Application
Think of your life as a complex puzzle, where finding the right piece brings clarity. Reflect on Matthew 7:21-23, understanding that it’s not just about saying the right things or appearing impressive but living with purpose. Imagine your faith as a journey with your family—deep, truthful, and full of love. Are you ready to turn words into real change and align your life with God’s path?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.