Obedience is Youth: The Fear of God in Matthew 7:21-23

"Think of 'Obedience' as being like 'Youth.' Just as young people are full of energy, always learning, and ready to start fresh, so should our relationship with God be lively, ever-growing, and deeply connected to Him."

Focusing on verses 21-23 of the seventh chapter. Through these verses, our understanding of obedience and the profound concept of the 'Fear of God' is deeply challenged.

*"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 who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’"* - **Matthew 7:21-23**

1. **The Genuine Fear of God**

- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It isn't a paralyzing dread but a profound reverence for our Almighty God. This fear motivates us to live righteously, knowing that while God is loving, He is also just. The passage makes it clear: merely using the Lord's name isn't enough; one must also live in obedience to His will.

2. **Obedience as an Outward Expression of Our Fear of God**

- Just as youth is filled with the zest to explore and learn, our reverence and awe towards God should push us to continually align our actions with His commandments. When we truly fear God, we will prioritize His will over our desires.

3. **Going Beyond Lip Service**

- Proclaiming our love for God is easy, but true fear and reverence for Him is reflected in our actions. Are we genuinely seeking His will, or are we just going through religious motions, hoping for a reward?

4. **The Consequences of a Superficial Relationship**

- When Jesus says, *"I never knew you,"* it's a solemn reminder that without a genuine relationship rooted in the fear of God, even seemingly righteous acts can be rendered meaningless.

5. **The Intimacy of Reverence**

- A true relationship with God, marked by genuine fear and reverence, isn’t about simply avoiding wrong. It’s about actively pursuing intimacy with Him, earnestly seeking His face, and embracing His guidance in every aspect of our lives.

In wrapping up, Matthew 7:21-23 serves as a clarion call, urging us to examine the depth and authenticity of our relationship with God. Let the fear of God not be a mere term we toss around but a foundational aspect of our faith, leading us to live in true obedience.

Let us bow our heads in prayer...

*[Conclude with a prayer asking for a heart that truly fears and reveres God, seeking His will in every decision and action, and for the grace to walk in obedience every day.]*