1. This morning we showed from the Scriptures that Jesus is the "one Lord" mentioned in Ephesians 4:5. 2. This evening we are examining the Lord's teaching that He presented as He concluded His Sermon on the Mount. 3. In our lesson we will show that: a. those who call Jesus "Lord" will be divided into 2 groups b. 1 group will consist of wise people c. the other group will consist of foolish people.
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. (vs.21) When Jesus said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven," He indicated that there will be some who will call Him "Lord" that 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 say to them, "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." 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 we go any further we ought to be impressed with the importance of making Jesus our "Lord." E. Now we are ready to take a closer 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: 1. hear the Lord's sayings 2. do the Lord's sayings 3. are compared to man who built his house upon a firm and stable foundation. B. Such people are also mentioned in 1 John 2:3, 5 [illustration: Matthew 4:17-22]. C. These are the people who will enter the kingdom of heaven. D. Not only will they have called 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: 1. hear the Lord's sayings 2. do not do the Lord's sayings 3. are like a man who built his house upon a foundation of sand. B. Such people are also mentioned in 1 John 2:4 [illustration: Matthew 19:16-22]. 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 some one who: 1. has power or authority 2. owns or possesses another 3. has control of another 4. deserves honor and respect. B. When a person makes Jesus "Lord" in the true sense, he: 1. completely submits to Jesus' authority 2. allows Jesus to own or possess him 3. allows Jesus to control his life 4. 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: a. submit completely to His authority b. allow Jesus to own or possess them completely c. allow Jesus to be in complete control of their lives d. 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.
Conclusion:
1. The Lord has revealed His will to us in the New Testament. 2. We can understand it (Ephesians 5:17 -- "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is"). 3. Let us carefully study Jesus' word, let us understand His will, and let us do what He wants us to do. 4. By doing so we make Jesus the "Lord" of our lives. 5. Those who make Jesus their "Lord" will "enter into the kingdom of heaven."
