The Story of Jesus Entering the Kingdom of Heaven (Lesson 86)
Introduction:
1. To grow in the knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18) we must carefully search the Scriptures (John 5:39). 2. In this lesson we are studying the Lord's teaching in Matthew 7:21-27. a. Those who call Jesus "Lord" will be divided into 2 groups. b. One group will consist of wise people who will enter the kingdom of heaven. c. The other group will consist of foolish people who will not enter the kingdom.
Discussion:
I. (vs.21-23) THOSE WHO CALL JESUS "LORD" WILL BE DIVIDED INTO 2 GROUPS
A. One group will not be allowed to enter the kingdom of heaven. 1. (vs.21a) Jesus indicated that some who call Him "Lord" will not be saved. 2. (vs.22) Many will think that doing great works in His name will allow them to be saved. 3. (vs.23) 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 (vs.21b). 2. As we compare these 2 groups we see that there is a difference between calling Jesus Lord and making Him Lord. C. We should be impressed with the importance of making Jesus our Lord or "striving to enter in at the strait gate" (Luke 13:24). D. 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: 1. hear and obey the Lord's sayings 2. are compared to a man who built his house upon a firm and stable foundation. B. Such people are also mentioned in James 1:25; 1 John 2:3, 5. C. These are the people who will enter the kingdom of heaven -- they will have made Jesus 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 without obeying them 2. are like a man who built his house upon a foundation of sand. B. Such people are also mentioned in James 1:22-24; 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, 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: 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. Simply calling Jesus Lord will not enable us to go to heaven -- we must do His will.
