The Sad Surprise

A. There are many disappointments in life.

1. Some have to do with family and career failures.

2. Some relate to dashed dreams or goals not reached.

B. The greatest disappointment will be missing heaven.

1. An old song says everybody talking about heaven isn’t going there.

2. The saddest surprise will be to expect heaven and arrive in hell.

C. What went wrong for the lost laborers of our text? Let’s find out.

matt 7.21-23

Matthew 7:21–23 NKJV

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

They Professed Christ but Did Not Possess Him (v. 21)

Matthew 7:21 NKJV

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

A. They said the right words but missed the message.

A. They said the right words but missed the message.

1. They called Jesus “Lord” but didn’t make Him their Lord.

2. They accepted His title but failed to trust in Him.

B. Many talked the talk but didn’t walk the walk.

1. These put on a good front but faked faith.

2. They majored on words instead of God’s will.

C. They had religion but ignored redemption.

1. Salvation requires facing our sins and receiving forgiveness.

2. Doing God’s will begins with receiving Christ. ()

John 6:37–40 NKJV

37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. 40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

3. Have you turned from your sin to the Savior?

They Worked to Impress but Earned Final Distress (v. 22)

Matthew 7:22 NKJV

22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’

A. These were busy religious people.

A. These were busy religious people.

1. They knew enough about Scripture to explain prophecy.

2. They seemed to have answers to questions about the future.

B. They claimed to have power over demonic forces.

1. People called on them to cast out demons.

2. They were bold in their claims to have power over Satan.

C. They were honored for their many religious works.

1. Others thought their works were wonderful.

2. They were proud of all they were doing in God’s name.

D. If works could have earned heaven they would have made it.

E. Salvation is by grace through faith.

eph 2.8-9

Ephesians 2:8–9 NKJV

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Titus 3:5–7 NKJV

5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

They Claimed to Be Winners but Were Really Just Sinners (v. 23)

Matthew 7:23 NKJV

23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

A. The Lord responded to their false profession.

1. “I never knew you”

2. “Depart from me.”

B. These widely honored professors were workers of iniquity. Sinners.

C. The Lord sees our hearts; hypocrisy is open to Him.

Conclusion:

A. Make sure of your salvation today.

B. Don’t wait and end up with a sad surprise.