Today’s Reading | Matthew 7
Preparation
Are verses 21-23 an encouragement to you, or do they scare you? How awful to be someone who thinks they are saved when, in fact, they are not. This section of chapter 7, verses 21-23, is sobering. It is amazing to realize that there are people who actually believe that they have eternal life when, in fact, they do not. They will even give to God examples of things that they have done which they think illustrate that they are saved. How shocked they will be when they hear the words, “I never knew you.” Could you be one of those people? Have you ever taken the time to examine your life and honestly determine if you are saved? What “fruit” is there in your life that clearly identifies you as being saved? Are you gaining more victory over sin than you were this time last year? Can you say no to peer pressure more than last year? A true believer will show it by his fruit. What does your fruit tell you? If you have concerns, ask God to show you the true condition of your heart. Use the sheet to the left to help you. Make sure you have the courage to respond to what it reveals. Is there sin in the life of one you care about? How will you respond to this passage of Scripture?
Today’s Questions
Say What?
What fruit in your life identifies you as being saved?
So What?
In what areas have you seen growth this past year?
Now What?
Where are you spiritually? What do you need to move forward?
Then What?
In light of this passage, what personal commitment can you make?