More Than Just "Lord, Lord": Understanding the Will of the Father

 


Not Everyone Who Says "Lord, Lord"

In Matthew 7:21, Jesus delivers one of the most sobering warnings in all of Scripture: "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."

It is easy to admire Jesus. It is easy to use the right religious vocabulary. But Jesus makes it clear: our Father requires obedience, not just admiration. Words are never a substitute for a heart that seeks to follow His will.

What Exactly Is the Will of God?

If entering the Kingdom depends on doing the Father's will, we must understand what that looks like. According to Scripture, God’s will isn't a hidden mystery; He has stated it plainly:

  • To Rejoice and Give Thanks: "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thess 5:18).
  • To Do Good: By doing good, we silence the talk of foolish men (1 Pet 2:15).
  • To Believe in the Son: God’s will is that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life (John 6:40).
  • To Be Sanctified: This includes living a holy life and avoiding sexual immorality (1 Thess 4:3).
  • To Repent: God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet 3:9).

The Call to Bear Fruit

Jesus teaches that those who truly belong to Him will produce fruit. Fruit is the outward manifestation of an inward reality. As believers, we are often quick to be "fruit inspectors" of others, yet we forget to examine our own branches.

Why is fruit important?

  • It is a sign of genuine faith.
  • It is the manifestation of our Father to the world.
  • It is the means of glorifying God.

In John 15:8, Jesus says, "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

The Danger of "Faking It"

This passage in Matthew is heartbreaking because it describes people who performed religious works—prophesying and casting out demons—yet Jesus says, "I never knew you."

In the Bible, "knowing" someone implies a deep, personal relationship. You can know about Jesus without knowing Him. You cannot "fake" Christianity until you make it. Outward actions without an inward heart change are like a house built on sand.

Two Builders, Two Foundations

Jesus concludes with the famous comparison of the two builders. Both heard the same words, but only one put them into practice.

  • The Wise Man: Builds on the Rock (Obedience). When the storms of judgment come, the house stands.
  • The Foolish Man: Builds on the Sand (Hearing without doing). When the storm hits, the fall is great.

The difference isn't in what they heard; it’s in how they responded.

How to Practice Your Faith Daily

Growth in the Christian life isn't effortless; it takes practice. Just as a musician practices an instrument to make the movements permanent, we must practice our faith to stay rooted.

  1. Abide in Christ: Start your day by inviting God into your thoughts and choices.
  2. Feed on the Word: Don't just read the Bible; meditate on it and apply it.
  3. Walk by the Spirit: Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s conviction and correction.
  4. Be Willing to Be Pruned: Trust God even in difficult seasons where He is cutting away unhealthy habits to make room for new growth.

A Personal Invitation

Maybe you’ve been in church your whole life, but you realize today that you have an "acquaintance" with Jesus rather than a "relationship" with Him. Today is the day to move from the sand to the Rock.

Don't just go through the motions. Recognize your need for a Savior, ask for His forgiveness, and begin the journey of true, fruit-bearing obedience.

Originally delivered 2025.05.25

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