February 1, 2026
Feb 1, 2026 “I Never Knew You… or Did I?”(Matthew 7:15-23)
I Never Knew You... or Did I
Matthew 7:15-23
The message that Jesus is giving is addressed to those who believe in Jesus. Jesus isn't criticizing their righteous actions, efforts or diligence but their relationship with Jesus. Jesus is challenging their self-confidence.
Jesus tells His audience that real faith comes from our relationship with Christ.
Matthew 7:15 ESV
[15] “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
False prophets look like sheep not wolves. It is easy to be deceived by those who use faith language but their lives are not aligned with Jesus' ways. In church, we can deceive ourselves by not questioning our actions or intentions. We could be the wolves in sheep's clothing.
Before we look for others who are False prophets or anti-Christs, we need to look at ourselves. Anyone can imitate the life of faith with actions. However, eventually reality will come up. Faith is not something you can display, but something you live.
Matthew 7:16-17 ESV
[16] You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? [17] So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
Jesus does not say that we should evaluate faith, but we need to look at fruit. The fruit is not short term results. Yes, there are good goals and ministries we can do, but Jesus is talking about endurance.
Fruit is the revelation of faith. Worship matters, prayer matters, ministry matters, outreach matters, but they are not the end result.
Matthew 7:21-22 ESV
[21] “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
[22] On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’
This passage can be used to judge others but it is asking us to self-examination. It is about are we living for our Lord Jesus and not our actions. We can look at our service, our efforts, our results, but if our relationship was not right with Jesus what good is that.
For a Christian, this is the most terrifying statement you could hear.
Matthew 7:23 ESV
[23] And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Jesus has one standard. Are you having a proper relationship with God. Roles can be delegated, results can be measured, but your relationship with God is between you and God. No one else can fix your relationship with God but you.
It is not the lazy that Jesus is addressing, but the diligent. Jesus is not trying to discourage us from doing good works or from being diligent. He is trying to look at our relationship with Him.
Our hope is not how faithful we have been, but how faithful Jesus has been to us.
What we long for to hear that Jesus says he knows us and loves us. It is not by effort but by grace we are saved.
January 25, 2026
Jan 25, 2026 “Am I Still Blessed?” (Matthew 5:1–12)
Am I still Blessed
Matthew 5:1-12
The Beatitudes talks about blessings. There are eight blessings in particular, but the blessed people he mentions seem they are lacking, struggling or suffering.
Jesus doesn't give a message saying that their lives will get better, but he gives a new direction for living. Even the way Jesus calls his disciples to learn with him is humble and different from other leaders.
Matthew 5:1 ESV
[1] Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
Jesus then goes on to say how to live. He does not say that if you do these things you will be blessed. Instead, He says this is how blessed people are.
Matthew 5:3 ESV
[3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
This is not talking about the future. It is talking about now. God's kingdom is for those who come empty handed. They come with complete dependence.
Matthew 5:4 ESV
[4] “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
The same is true with the second beatitude. When we realize the gap between us and God is do severe. When we see what sinners we are and how much we have rebelled against God. However, God will comfort those who come to this realization.
Matthew 5:5 ESV
[5] “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Those who wait on God to right the wrongs and do not seek vengeance will be blessed.
Matthew 5:6 ESV
[6] “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
People who crave a right relationship with God are hungry for God and what is good. Following God will give a blessed life.
The first part of the beatitudes that deal with our self but then we move into the second part which deals with our relationship with others.
Matthew 5:7 ESV
[7] “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Mercy costs something. It might cost you time, comfort or some resource, and this is why we are reluctant to give mercy. Yet, we know Jesus has been merciful to us, and this alone should make us merciful to others. Those who show mercy are already living in God's mercy and this is a blessing.
A sinless life is a direction towards God that is not divided. A divided heart is always suspicious. Is this God's will? The one whose direction is straight to God can be faithful.
Matthew 5:9 ESV
[9] “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
To be a peacemaker does not mean to avoid confrontation. Sometimes we need to confront people and make people uncomfortable in order to reconcile them to God. This is choosing obedience over comfort.
What is the outcome of this path?
Matthew 5:10 ESV
[10] “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
If you love God and are serious about living for God, you will be hated by the world. Jesus also tells us to be happy when we are persecuted because we are on the right path. Our life has meaning now and pleasing to God.
We do not need to seek pain or suffering, but we do need to live for God. We start poor in spirit and move towards living for God. It will be difficult but worth the effort.
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