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…Did you know that it is possible to believe certain truths about Jesus, do
all kinds of good works and even be a church member and still be lost and on
your way to the Lake of fire?
…In the final verses of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus concludes by warning
his hearers against the things that can hinder one from obtaining Eternal
Life. First was the warning to get off the broad road by making a personal
decision to enter the narrow gate. The second warning told us of false
teachers who deceive many.
…Today we will study Jesus’ third warning, for He tells that there will be
those in the history of the church who will confess to knowing Jesus as Lord,
but who have never entered into a personal relationship with Him. Such people
will be found throughout the church and even in the pulpits. Jesus now turns
from false prophets to false professors. Beware of self-deception!!!! You
may have fooled yourself.
TWO OBSERVATIONS WARNING YOU OF THE GREAT DANGER OF
SELF-DECEPTION…For
you may still be on the wrong road while thinking you are headed to
heaven!!!!!
I.
It
Is Possible For You To Think You Know The Savior As Lord And Still Be Lost In
Your Sin. (vv 21-22)
A. Hear
what the self-deceived, nominal Christian, will say to the Lord Jesus. (v.
21)
1.
They will call Jesus, “Lord, Lord.” This is a term referring to His divinity…
…To us His title twice, implies an urgent, intimate, respectful knowledge of
Jesus.
…Jesus tells us that “not all” calling Him Lord are true Christians. Some are
but…
2.
Jesus contrasts true Christians with the false professing Christians.
…Truly saved men and women confess Christ as Lord and live lives that actively
do the will of God. The Father’s will, first of all, includes repentance and
faith.
…Obedience to the Word of God will describe the life of a true Christian.
3.
James and Jesus agree, “a faith without works is dead.”
B. Hear
the words of the nominal Christians speaking to Jesus at the Final Judgment.
(v. 22)
1.
Jesus tells that there will be many self-deceived Christians at the judgment.
…they will be brought forth from hell to stand before Him on this day.
(Revelation 20:11-15) “I saw the dead, great and small, standing before
Him…”
…this is the last day of the broad way…it ends in complete disaster.
2.
Again, Jesus tells us what these men and women will say: “Lord, Lord.”
3.
Coming from hell, they attempt to make their case…we were very busy doing all
sorts of “good works,” and “religious things for you.”
…3 times they will tell Jesus that these works were done in His name.
NOTE: What deceives so many professed Christians into thinking that they
will be in heaven?
1.
A
false doctrine of assurance is often at the root…
…We have no right to ever certify a person’s salvation experience as true.
2. The
failure of personal self-examination. We are told to examine ourselves… (2
Corinthians 13:5) Such an exam looks deeply into the heart…
... the Bible tells, “ the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom. (1
Corinthians 6:9-10)
3. The
filling up of one’s life with “religious activity” rather than coming to the
“Narrow door” and calling on the name of the Lord to save you. You must do
this!!!
II. It
Is Possible That You Too Could Hear The Most Terrible Words Ever Spoken. (v.
23) …Jesus
will speak these words to many at the final judgment.
A. Even
though they knew some things about Him and used His name freely, Jesus tells
that their names were unknown to Him. “I never knew you.” What counts: our
relationship with the Lord.
B. Here
are the most terrible words of all: “Depart from me.” Jesus orders them away
from Himself to be thrown into the Lake of Fire that lasts forever. They
thought they knew Him…
C. Jesus
tells that these had a life-style of sin. They continually and habitually
practiced lawlessness. The profession of Christ and the practice of sin are
totally incompatible. Such a life does not reflect the righteousness of our
Savior. This is what God is producing in His children…
LESSONS FOR OUR
LIVES:
1. Are you a
counterfeit Christian? You must confess your sin, repent and personally
receive Christ.
2. If you are
unsure, you must ask the Lord to reveal the true condition of your heart.
Allow Him to lead you to true salvation.
3. If you are
truly saved your life will increasingly be like the Lord's (Holy).
4. The issue is:
obedience to the Word of God. Does your life reflect obedience? It
must!!!
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