Lesson 19: The Danger of Empty Religion
The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 7:21-23
Thank you for taking the time to join me today as we reflect together on a sobering and clarifying teaching of our Lord in Matthew 7:21-23. My prayer is that God would use his Word to deepen our understanding of authentic discipleship and anchor our assurance in Christ alone.
The Danger of Mere Profession
In Matthew 7:21, Jesus turns our attention to the Day of Judgment with unsettling clarity: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.” At first glance, this sounds contradictory to the good news of grace, but Jesus isn’t speaking against confession; rather, he’s warning against empty confession. The double address, “Lord, Lord,” indicates fervor or religious enthusiasm, but Jesus says that not all who profess loyalty truly possess it.
This is a solemn moment in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus, now revealing his role as Judge, draws a sharp line between outward appearances and inward realities. As J.C. Ryle once wrote, “It is not knowledge of religion, or outward profession, or loud talk about religion that is the proof of a man’s Christianity. It is not saying, but doing.”
This warning must be heard within the larger context of the Sermon. Jesus has described the narrow gate and the hard road (vv. 13-14), the need for fruit-bearing (vv. 15-20), and now emphasizes that entry into his Kingdom isn’t based on verbal allegiance alone, but on a life of obedient faith.
The Mark of True Discipleship
Jesus clarifies the standard in verse 21: “...but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Genuine discipleship is marked not by mere verbal acknowledgment but by alignment with the will of God. This is not salvation by works, but a warning that saving faith is never fruitless. As James puts it, “faith apart from works is dead” (James 2:26).
Obedience, then, isn’t the cause of salvation but its evidence. True faith produces repentance (Matthew 3:8), surrender (Romans 12:1-2), and perseverance (Hebrews 10:36). John Wesley emphasized that holiness and obedience are inseparable from grace: “The faith which does not produce holiness is not the faith which justifies.”
The Shock of Self-Deception
Verse 22 intensifies the warning: “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name… and do many mighty works in your name?’” These aren’t fringe people; they appear to be engaged in public ministry. The phrase “in your name” is repeated for emphasis - they believed their works validated their relationship with Christ.
Yet, their confidence is tragically misplaced. They relied on performance rather than relationship, gifts rather than grace. Oswald Chambers warned, “The greatest competitor of true devotion to Jesus is the service we do for him.” This haunting reality reminds us that religious activity can mask spiritual barrenness.
We must not mistake spiritual power or religious success for intimacy with Christ. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), not ministry effectiveness, is the true mark of Christian maturity.
Depart from Me
In verse 23, Jesus delivers the most chilling words in all of Scripture: “And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” The key issue is relationship: “I never knew you.” Not that he once knew them and they fell away, but that he never knew them at all.
To be known by Christ is to be united to him by faith (John 10:14; 2 Timothy 2:19). These individuals had knowledge of Jesus, and even served in his name, but lacked true fellowship with him. Their lives, though filled with impressive acts, were marked by “lawlessness,” a disregard for the commands of God.
This is a deeply pastoral moment. We must not traffic in spiritual truths that we do not live out. As disciples of Christ, we’re called to guide others away from presumption and into a life of grace-fueled obedience. Augustine once said, “If you believe what you like in the gospel, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself.”
Key Principles
Mere profession without obedience is a dangerous deception. Saying “Lord, Lord” is not enough; Christ calls for a life shaped by the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21).
Religious activity doesn’t guarantee relationship. Even impressive acts done in Jesus’ name can be counterfeit if they lack true faith and obedience (Matthew 7:22).
True discipleship is marked by being known by Christ and doing his will. Salvation rests not on what we do for Christ, but on knowing him and being transformed by his grace (Matthew 7:23).
Bible Study Questions
What does Jesus mean by “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’” (v. 21)? How does this challenge common assumptions about salvation?
What does it mean to “do the will of my Father who is in heaven”? How does this relate to grace and obedience (cf. James 1:22; Romans 12:2)?
Why might people assume that their ministry efforts are evidence of salvation (v. 22)? What dangers are present in such thinking?
How do Jesus’ words here correct both legalism and cheap grace?
What does it mean for Jesus to say, “I never knew you”? How does this phrase connect with John 10:14 and 2 Timothy 2:19?
In what ways might religious activity become a substitute for genuine relationship with Christ?
How can churches cultivate discipleship that emphasizes both doctrine and devotion?
What does Jesus mean by calling them “workers of lawlessness”? (cf. 1 John 3:4-6)
How does this passage connect with the preceding verses on false prophets and good fruit?
What is the role of spiritual examination in the Christian life? (cf. 2 Corinthians 13:5)
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
How has this passage shaped or challenged your understanding of salvation and assurance?
Are there areas in your life where you’ve been relying more on performance than relationship?
What spiritual practices help you cultivate intimacy with Christ?
Have you ever struggled with self-deception in your walk with Christ? How did God bring clarity?
How can your church better distinguish between giftedness and godliness?
What does a life marked by “doing the will of the Father” look like for you?
How can we avoid both legalism and lawlessness in our pursuit of holiness?
Do you find it difficult to examine your heart honestly before God? Why or why not?
What role does accountability play in helping you stay on the narrow path?
Who can you encourage this week to pursue not just knowledge of Christ, but true relationship with him?
Action Steps
Take time this week to examine your spiritual life: Are you relying on past religious experiences, or are you daily seeking to walk with Christ in obedience?
Choose one specific area of life where you need to move from hearing to doing (James 1:22). Surrender it to God in prayer and take one concrete step of obedience.
Set aside intentional time each day this week to read Scripture, pray, and listen, focusing not on productivity but on knowing Christ more deeply (Philippians 3:10).
Thank you again for joining me in today’s reflection on Matthew 7:21-23. May we be a people not merely of words, but of faithful, obedient lives shaped by the grace of God and rooted in true relationship with Christ. For more devotionals, Bible studies, and spiritual resources that don’t go out via email, please visit Walking Points. If you’ve found this study helpful, I encourage you to share it with others and invite them to subscribe as well.
An excellent lesson Dale.