Back to the Bible: Matthew 7:21-29

Just because you call Jesus “ruler” doesn’t mean much. What matters is doing what the Father wants. The people pictured in this passage may have had amazing powers, but they didn’t follow the instructions, so Jesus didn’t know them. They were not what they claimed to be. Just having a “spiritual gift” power didn’t indicate right standing with the Lord (see I Cor. 13:1-3). They were guilty of lawlessness, working outside the will of God (I Jn. 3:4). While Jesus motivates with the promise of eternal life (Mt. 5:10-12; 6:19-20) He also motivates with warnings of judgment (Mt. 7:13-14).

Jesus explains that the way to build a life that will stand is to hear His words and do them. That is a way to build on the sure foundation. That’s a wise approach.

But, if you hear Him and don’t obey, you’re building on sand. Notice Jesus isn’t saying they don’t know. They have heard, but won’t heed. That’s foolish because that won’t stand in the face of trials and it certainly won’t stand in the face of judgment.

When the crowds heard Jesus talk like this they were struck by His claim to authority. He spoke as if He had the right to command and expect to be obeyed. He didn’t cite other references to bolster His points. He called for obedience to His words.

Lessons to Learn:

Claiming Jesus as Lord isn’t worth anything if you don’t obey Him as Lord. Following Jesus demands our allegiance to Him. We won’t be perfect, but we strive to obey Him. And, we don’t pick and choose the ways we will and won’t. He is Lord. Don’t be tricked by those who say your obedience doesn’t matter. Check out these passages: Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 6:46; Romans 6:17-18; II Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 5:8-9; James 1:19-27

How do you build a good life? If you obey Jesus, then all that Satan throws at you will not throw you down. Faithfulness to Jesus can bring you through the storms of sickness, loneliness, suffering, and temptation.

A life that doesn’t heed Jesus’ instruction is hopeless– now and eternally.

Jesus has authority. He has the right to command and expect to be obeyed. He is the expert on the way things are and on the way things should be. He is the risen King on heaven’s throne. He sits in the highest place of honor. Let’s respond with loyalty to the Lord (Phil. 2:5-11).

We’re thankful to share these considerations of God’s word. It’s best if you have a Bible close to evaluate what we say. We want to go “back to the Bible” for all we teach.

Tune in to 100.7 WGOL Sunday at 8:30am for our Back to the Bible Radio Program.

Reach out with your questions, comments, or requests for personal Bible study at backtothebiblepodcast.com or at info@backtothebiblepodcast.com