Sunday, December 23, 2007

Part 21 - Mere Professing

INTRODUCTION

Matthew 7:21 – 23 Mere Professing

21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 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 perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

I. Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord

a. Salvation takes place in the heart

Repetition of the word Lord, tells us the one speaking is astonished, or surprised.

Prayer of salvation, magic words to save?

Sin takes place in our hearts first, so does commitment.

b. Believe is not enough, you must be committed to

The devils believe and tremble. Yet they are not redeemed.

If we are committed to Jesus Christ, placing Him first in our lives, we will be saved from judgment.

Salvation lies in the commitment we make in our heart.

c. You cannot serve to masters

If you serve anyone or anything before Jesus, then Jesus is not the Lord of your life.

It does not matter if it is a false god, an idol, or even your own flesh.

If you choose anything other than the Lord in your life and in the decisions you make daily, then you are not committed to Christ.

II. Only he who does the Will of the Father in heaven.

a. God has three wills for you in your life

i. That you be saved

It is the Will of God that all are saved and come to a knowledge of the Truth, who is Jesus Christ.

He is not willing that even one should perish.

ii. That you rescue others from this world

The great commission given to us by Jesus;

Go into all the world…

Baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Teach them to obey all that I command.

iii. The way you complete His 2nd Will

Our gifts from the Holy Spirit are to accomplish God’s Will on earth. To build (add to the number of) the Body of Christ, and to Edify (strengthen that Body of Christ).

III. Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord…

a. MANY…not a few, not some, not a couple

Jesus told us about false prophets…but we know about them today.

Brother TV Evangelist, sow your $1000 seed and be rich…

Send in your $500 love offering and get a prayer cloth of healing…

Give a love offering of any amount and receive the mother mary pencil sharpener.

b. Few find their way on the narrow path

The rich young man had fame and fortune, and would not part with it to serve the Lord.

There are many today who refuse to give up something that is between them and the Lord.

c. The church is failing in this world

Because it is misleading the people for its own selfish gain.

IV. But Lord, we prophecy in your name…drove out demons in your name…performed miracles in your name…

a. The power & authority is in His name, not in us or our deeds

b. His power & authority has nothing to do with our standing

V. Then I will plainly tell them.

a. Depart from me, for I never knew you

b. Jesus wants a relationship with you

c. Commit your heart to Him today

Conclusion

Doing things in the name of God does not mean you have a relationship with Him.

Believing He exists does not mean you have a relationship with Him.

But if you confess you have sinned against Him, because we all have. We are guilty because of the Law.

Repent of that sin, and trust in the Lord, committing your heart to Him, He will change your life.

He will make you a new creature and a new creation, the old will pass away and you will become His child.

No comments: