Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 73)
Introduction:
1. We learn from James 1:27 that "pure and undefiled religion before God" includes "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world." 2. In His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Jesus gave valuable instructions that will help us to remain free from the world's spots. 3. This lesson is a study of the conclusion to this sermon (Matthew 7:21-27) in which Jesus revealed information that relates to making Him Lord. 4. Making Jesus our Lord in the true sense is a key to keeping ourselves unspotted from the world.
Discussion:
I. (vs.21-23) THOSE WHO CALL JESUS LORD WILL BE DIVIDED INTO 2 GROUPS
A. One group that calls Jesus Lord will not be allowed to enter the kingdom of heaven. 1. According to vs.21, some that called Him Lord will not be saved. 2. He went on to say in vs.22 that many of these will think that doing great works in His name will allow them to be saved. 3. However, vs.23 tells us that Christ will tell them to depart. B. The other group calling Jesus Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven. 1. The people in this group will have done [obeyed] the Father's will. 2. As we compare these 2 groups we see that there is a difference between "calling" Jesus Lord and "making" Him Lord. C. There are 2 groups of people who refer to Jesus as Lord. 1. One group will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 2. The other group will enter the kingdom of heaven. D. Before going further we ought to be impressed with the importance of making Jesus Lord. E. Let us take a closer look at the people in these 2 groups.
II. (vs.24-25) ONE GROUP WILL CONSIST OF WISE PEOPLE
A. These people are wise in that they hear the Lord's sayings, they do the Lord's sayings, and they are compared to a man who built his house upon a firm and stable foundation. B. Such people are also mentioned in 1 John 2:3, 5. C. These are the people who will enter the kingdom of heaven. D. In addition to calling Jesus Lord, they will have made Him their Lord by doing what He says.
III. (vs.26-27) THE OTHER GROUP WILL CONSIST OF FOOLISH PEOPLE
A. These people are foolish in that they hear the Lord's sayings, they do not do the Lord's sayings, and they are like a man who built his house upon a foundation of sand. B. Such people are also mentioned in 1 John 2:4. C. These are the people who will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
IV. LET US CONSIDER FURTHER WHAT IS INVOLVED IN MAKING JESUS LORD
A. "Lord" is used to refer to someone who has power or authority (Matthew 28:18), owns or possesses another, has control of another, and deserves honor and respect. B. When a person makes Jesus Lord in the true sense, he completely submits to Jesus' authority, he allows Jesus to own or possess him, he allows Jesus to control his life, and he honors and respects Jesus above everyone and everything else. C. Those who make Jesus their Lord in the true sense will be permitted to enter heaven. D. Unfortunately, many will call Jesus Lord, but they will not make Him their Lord. 1. They will not submit completely to His authority, they will not allow Jesus to own or possess them completely, they will not allow Jesus to be in complete control of their lives, and they will not honor and respect Jesus above everything and everyone else. 2. They call Jesus Lord but do not do what He says. E. Merely calling Jesus Lord will not enable us to go to heaven -- we must do His will, which includes keeping ourselves unspotted from the world.
