How can we ensure Jesus never says, "I never knew you" to us? The Sobering Scene in Matthew 7:23 • “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’ ”(Matthew 7:23) • Jesus speaks to those who profess His name yet live in disobedience. • It is a real, future judgment; the words are literal and final. What It Means to Be “Known” by Jesus • “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent” (John 17:3). • Biblical “knowing” is an intimate, covenant relationship, not mere acquaintance (1 Corinthians 8:3). • To be known by Him is to belong to Him—sealed by the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14). Embrace Genuine Faith, Not Mere Profession • “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). • Saving faith embraces Jesus as Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9-10). • Empty words without surrendered hearts deceive (James 1:22). Cultivate Obedience from the Heart • “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). • We obey because we are saved, not to earn salvation (Ephesians 2:8-10). • Ongoing repentance demonstrates living faith (Acts 26:20). Abide in Personal Relationship • “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you… apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5). • Daily practices: – Consistent Scripture intake (Psalm 1:2) – Prayerful communion (Philippians 4:6-7) – Fellowship with believers (Hebrews 10:24-25) Depend on Grace, Not Works-Based Confidence • “By grace you have been saved through faith… not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Good works flow from grace, proving faith’s reality (v. 10). • Boasting in self invites the dreadful verdict; boasting in Christ secures assurance (Galatians 6:14). Examine Ourselves Continually • “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). • Ask: Is the Spirit producing growth, conviction, and love? (1 John 3:14-19). • Regular self-examination guards against self-deception. Walk in the Spirit, Bear His Fruit • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). • Evidence of His indwelling: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (vv. 22-23). • Absence of fruit signals need for genuine conversion or renewal. Hold Fast to the Gospel Until the End • “By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you” (1 Corinthians 15:2). • Perseverance is the mark of true discipleship (Hebrews 3:14). • Keep your eyes on Jesus, “the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Following these Scriptural realities—rooted in grace, evidenced by obedience, sustained by abiding—ensures we will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” not “I never knew you.” |
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