True Security
True security comes from Christ alone,
Not just in words, but actions shown.
To call Him “Lord” is not enough,
Our faith must be in deeds, not bluff.
True discipleship, the Father’s will,
In obedience, our hearts are still.
Reflecting on our lives each day,
Are we walking in His way?
The wise and foolish builders’ tale,
On solid rock, we must prevail.
Applying Jesus’ words so true,
In life’s storms, He sees us through.
Great works in His name, some will claim,
Yet without knowing Him, it’s all in vain.
His authority, the crowd amazed,
In His teachings, our lives are raised.
So let us heed His words with care,
In every moment, everywhere.
For true security, we find,
In Christ alone, heart and mind.
REFLECTION:
Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven." (Matthew 7:21)
True security comes from a genuine relationship with Christ. Jesus emphasizes that merely calling Him “Lord” is not enough. True discipleship involves doing the will of the Father. Our faith must be reflected in our actions and obedience to God’s commands. In examining our own lives and faith. Are we truly living according to God’s will, or are we merely professing faith without genuine commitment? Self-reflection helps us ensure that our faith is authentic and not self-deceptive.
The parable of the wise and foolish builders illustrates the importance of building our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus’ teachings. When we apply His words in our lives, we can withstand life’s challenges and remain steadfast in our faith. Many will claim to have done great works in His name but will be turned away because they did not truly know Him.
The passage concludes with the crowd’s amazement at Jesus’ authority. This reminds us of the power and authority of His words, encouraging us to take His teachings seriously and apply them in our lives.
Lord Jesus, our true security, We come before You with humility. Not just in words, but in our deeds, Help us to follow where Your Spirit leads.
You remind us, calling You “Lord” is not enough, True discipleship requires more than just a bluff. May our faith be reflected in actions true, In obedience to the Father’s will, we pursue.
As we examine our lives and faith each day, Guide us to walk in Your righteous way. Help us to live according to Your will, With genuine commitment, our hearts to fill.
Like the wise builder on solid ground, In Your teachings, may our lives be found. When life’s challenges come our way, Keep us steadfast, come what may.
Many may claim great works in Your name, But without knowing You, it’s all in vain. Grant us the grace to truly know You, In every moment, in all we do.
Your authority, the crowd amazed, In Your power, our hearts are raised. Help us to take Your words to heart, And from Your teachings, never depart.
Lord Jesus, we seek Your face, In Your love and truth, we find our place. Guide us, lead us, every day, In Your holy name, we pray.
Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
THE TRUE DISCIPLE/ THE TWO FOUNDATIONS
Matthew 7:21-23/24-29
Gospel Acclamation
Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him.
Gospel | Matthew 7:21-29
21 Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ 23 Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’ 24 “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. 26 And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” 28 When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
Background:
Matthew 7:21-29 is a powerful passage that concludes Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. This section is divided into two parts:
Verses 21-23: Jesus warns about the danger of merely professing faith without genuine obedience. He emphasizes that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of His Father. This highlights the importance of aligning one’s actions with their professed beliefs.
Verses 24-29: Jesus uses the parable of the wise and foolish builders to illustrate the importance of putting His teachings into practice. The wise builder, who builds his house on the rock, represents those who hear Jesus’ words and act on them. In contrast, the foolish builder, who builds his house on sand, represents those who hear but do not act. The stability of the house during storms symbolizes the steadfastness of a life built on obedience to Jesus’ teachings.
This passage underscores the necessity of genuine faith, which is demonstrated through obedience and righteous living. It serves as a reminder that true discipleship involves more than just verbal affirmation; it requires a life that reflects Jesus’ teachings.
Learning Lessons:
Matthew 7:21-29 offers several profound lessons that can deeply impact our faith and daily living:
Genuine Faith Requires Obedience: Jesus emphasizes that merely calling Him “Lord” is not enough. True discipleship involves doing the will of the Father. This teaches us that our faith must be reflected in our actions and obedience to God’s commands.
Self-Examination: The passage encourages us to examine our own lives and faith. Are we truly living according to God’s will, or are we merely professing faith without genuine commitment? This self-reflection helps ensure that our faith is authentic and not self-deceptive.
Foundation on Christ’s Teachings: The parable of the wise and foolish builders illustrates the importance of building our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus’ teachings. When we apply His words in our lives, we can withstand life’s challenges and remain steadfast in our faith.
Warning Against False Security: Jesus warns that many will claim to have done great works in His name but will be turned away because they did not truly know Him. This serves as a caution against relying on outward religious activities for assurance of salvation. True security comes from a genuine relationship with Christ.
Authority of Jesus’ Teachings: The passage concludes with the crowd’s amazement at Jesus’ authority. This reminds us of the power and authority of His words, encouraging us to take His teachings seriously and apply them in our lives.
Reflecting on these lessons can help deepen our understanding of what it means to follow Christ genuinely and faithfully.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot