Kingdom Commitment: Kingdom Lifestyle as a Radical Choice (Sermon on 2 July 2017)

Kingdom Commitment: Kingdom Lifestyle as a Radical Choice

Matthew 7:21-27

The passage we're looking at today cannot be studied independently, aside from the previous discourse that Jesus has been presenting so far. This particular section is very much a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount and also the conclusion to his sermon. While a first reading may give us a general understanding of what Jesus is saying, the implications of his words in this concluding passage are tremendous and would cause us to deeply ponder about Jesus' demands of a true follower. I pray that we will develop a critical understanding of what Jesus is saying, critically examine our lives and make that critical choice like that of the wise man.

In the preceding chapters that we have been studying so far, Jesus essentially teaches his listeners how to live. In chapters 5 and 6, Jesus examines issues such as divorce and lust, anger, giving, prayer, anxiety, judging others and the list goes on. In each of these topics, Jesus renews the understanding of his listeners in a radical way. Think about it: if you were to ask a non-Christian (sometimes even a christian) what it means to commit murder, you can expect some form of killing. But Jesus equates murder with anger. In fact the gravity of the matter is so severe that one needs to reconcile before going to the altar to worship. Is that not a radical worldview that Jesus presents? Suddenly, things are not so simple anymore.

Today's text shows us a way of living that is simple yet difficult. I will explain to you what I mean by that as we examine the text.

When we look at v21, Jesus affirms that it is not verbal confession of His Lordship that will guarantee entry into heaven.  It is interesting to note that the word 'Lord' is repeated - not just twice in succession ie. Lord, Lord, but also in v22. This tells us that this person is not just addressing Jesus out of respect but he expresses a recognition of authority and someone of ultimate control. It also expresses a sense of eagerness. Hence this person must be quite sincere and a person of faith, no? Jesus adds in v21 that it is the one who does the will of the Father in heaven who will enter the kingdom of heaven. Now on the surface, this is easy to understand but really, what is this will of the Father?

Jesus illustrates a misunderstanding of the above. Let's look at v22. On that day - judgement day - MANY will say. It is not a few or some, but many. They will say 'did we not...in YOUR name?' How many times is this phrase 'in your name' stated? 3! Look at what things are mentioned here. Prophesying, which means preaching, casting out demons, and doing mighty works! Wow. I would love to be able to do all these things too, don't they sound wonderful? These things are spectacular. But look at Jesus' response in v23. I never knew you, depart from me, you workers of lawlessness. What...?

There are two things that Jesus teaches here. Firstly, spectacular works are not proof of the Father's will as they can come from other sources other than God. cf Acts 19:11-16.

Secondly, spectacular works don't matter if the heart is not aligned to the Father's will. Jesus likens these spectacular deeds to lawlessness. This is a complete rejection by Jesus.

This provocative statement in v23 sharpens our understanding of a true disciple. Not everyone who says or affirms that Jesus is Lord will enter the Kingdom of heaven on that day. It is only those who do the will of the Father who will gain entry. This is also beautifully reflected in the letter of James where we learn that faith without works is dead. (James 2:14-17) For Jesus, it is the manner in which life is lived out that demonstrates whether or not someone is a true disciple. Church, we can say whatever we want, but the fruit that we bear will testify to our words.

The next few verses then make perfect sense as Jesus uses the analogy of the wise man and foolish man to drive home the point, and to make things simple to understand. Everyone then who hears these words of mine (that means the entire sermon that he has just preached) and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. Jesus continues with the same conditions and analogy, but this time illustrating a foolish man. Now what is the difference between these two examples?

Why was one man deemed more wise than the other? Simply, the wise man built his house on a rock. This rock symbolizes the foundation of faith and righteous living that God so desires for us. This is the will of the Father! That we as true disciples will be hearers and doers of His word!

Church, the Kingdom lifestyle is one that is simple yet difficult. It calls for a radical change of our worldview, and it demands an eternal commitment until Christ comes again. We can come to church every week, serve in various ministries and do spectacular things in the eyes of man but if our hearts are empty and we are not willing to live the life that Jesus calls us to live, we are the workers of lawlessness who will be rejected by Jesus at the end of the day and we are fools. We will fall, and great will be our fall. The beauty of this concluding part of the Sermon of the mount is that it offers a warning as well as a great assurance. When the rain falls, the floods come and the winds blow, will your house stand? Will we build our house according to God's ways and order our lives in a way that will grant us entry into the Kingdom of heaven?