Scripture to Read: Matthew 7:21
This week’s theme is all about walking in obedience to our Lord and His Word. Too often, even within churches in this country, people have a false sense of security, thinking they are going to heaven. They base their security on praying a prayer, walking the aisle in their church, and then getting baptized. None of these things are wrong or bad. The problem in this false sense of security is that there is zero evidence of Christ’s transforming work in these people’s lives, but they still think they are going to heaven. Jesus says, in Matthew 7:21, some alarming words that should cause us to take notice. Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, ’will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” Notice that there will be those who say to Christ, “Lord, Lord” but will not enter heaven. Jesus wants us to know that proclaiming Him with our lips is not enough but that our lives must proclaim Him as well. Those who will enter heaven are those who walk in obedience to our Lord. Now, as Christians we all disobey God at times but we can rest assured that if we disobey God, as His children, He will lovingly discipline us (Hebrews 12:5-11). God also clarifies in Hebrews 12:5-11 that if anyone is walking in disobedience to Him and is without discipline that they are illegitimate children. Obedience is evidence of true faith.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about your daily walk with Him and about every believer’s daily walk with Him?
2. How will your fellowship with God change with what He taught you today?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!