Matthew 7:23
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And then will I profess unto them--or, openly proclaim--tearing off the mask. I never knew you--What they claimed intimacy with Christ, is just what He repudiates, and with a certain scornful dignity. "Our acquaintance was not broken off--there never was any." depart from me--(Compare Mat 25:41). The connection here gives these words an awful significance. They claimed intimacy with Christ, and in the corresponding passage, Luk 13:26, are represented as having gone out and in with Him on familiar terms. "So much the worse for you," He replies: "I bore with that long enough; but now--begone!" ye that work iniquity--not "that wrought iniquity"; for they are represented as fresh from the scenes and acts of it as they stand before the Judge. (See on the almost identical, but even more vivid and awful, description of the scene in Luk 13:24-27). That the apostle alludes to these very words in Ti2 2:19 there can hardly be any doubt--"Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the rain descended, and the floods came,.... Such builders, and such a building, cannot stand against the violent rain of Satan's temptations, the floods of the world's persecutions, the stream and rapid torrent of their own heart's lusts, nor the blowing winds of heresy and false doctrine, and much less the storms of divine wrath and vengeance. They are in a most dangerous condition; they cannot support themselves; they must fall, and great will be their fall; their destruction is inevitable, their ruin is irrecoverable. The Jews make use of some similes, which are pretty much like these of Christ's. "R. Eliezer ben Azariah used to say (z), he whose wisdom is greater than his works, to what is he like? to a tree, whose branches are many, and its roots few, "and the wind comes", and roots it up, and overturns it; as it is said, Jer 17:6 but he whose works are greater than his wisdom, to what is he like? to a tree, whose branches are few, and its roots many, "against which, if all the winds in the world were to come and blow", they could not move it out of its place: as it is said, Jer 17:8.'' Again (a), "Elisha ben Abuijah used to say, a man who hath good works, and learns the law much, to what is he like? to a man that "builds with stones below", and afterwards with bricks; and though , "many waters come", and stand at their side, they cannot remove them out of their place; but a man who hath no good works, and learns the law, to what is he like? to a man that "builds with bricks first", and afterwards with stones; and though few waters come, they immediately overturn them.'' The same used to say, "a man who hath good works, and learns the law much, to what is he like? to mortar spread upon bricks; and though , "the rains descend upon it", they cannot remove it out of its place: a man that hath no good works, and learns the law much, to what is he like? to mortar thrown upon bricks; and though but a small rain descends upon it, it is immediately dissolved, and "falls".'' (z) Pirke Abot, c. 3. sect. 17. & Abot R. Nathan, c. 22. fol. 6. 1, 2. (a) Abot R. Nathan, c. 24. fol. 6. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:23 I never knew you: These people were never converted, even though they did great things in God’s name. They break God’s laws through rejection of the Father’s will as taught by Jesus. Having never known Christ, they never learned to do what he commanded.
Matthew 7:23
A Tree and Its Fruit
22Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Satanic Deception Regarding Salvation
By Charles Stanley8.5K44:25Satanic DeceptionMAT 7:23JHN 1:29JHN 10:15GAL 2:16EPH 2:8TIT 2:11TIT 3:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the true source of authority in life, death, and morality. He asserts that the final authority is found in the Bible, and any other opinions or societal norms are irrelevant. The preacher then addresses the belief that salvation can be earned through good works, providing several biblical references that contradict this notion. He goes on to give ten reasons why this argument is flawed, emphasizing that salvation is solely through the grace of God and cannot be achieved or maintained through works.
The Mightiest Weapon God Can Have at His Disposal
By Keith Daniel2.9K1:06:13PrayerMAT 7:232CO 13:5JAS 1:211JN 2:31JN 3:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith accompanied by works. He quotes from the book of Matthew, where Jesus teaches that a good tree will produce good fruit, while a corrupt tree will produce evil fruit. The preacher urges the audience to examine themselves in the mirror of God's Word to determine if they are truly in the faith. He also references passages from 1 Peter and 2 Peter, highlighting the call to holiness and the promise of partaking in the divine nature through faith. The sermon concludes with a thought-provoking question from the book of James, questioning whether faith without works can truly save a person.
3 Ways to Hell
By Jack David Daniels2.8K1:17:46HellMAT 6:33MAT 7:13MAT 7:23JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ACT 4:12ROM 10:9In this sermon, the preacher uses an illustration of a tightrope walker to emphasize the importance of belief. He shares the story of a tightrope walker who successfully pushes a wheelbarrow across a tightrope and asks the crowd if they believe he can do it again. The preacher then transitions to discussing the concept of hell and the need to believe in Jesus to avoid it. He highlights that many people are going to hell and urges the audience to take this seriously and seek salvation through Jesus. The sermon emphasizes the importance of belief and the consequences of not believing in Jesus.
What's Wrong With Preaching Today?
By Albert N. Martin2.6K1:06:26PreachingPSA 119:11PRO 4:23MAT 7:23MAT 25:411TI 4:162TI 3:15REV 21:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and weight of the Scriptures. He explains that the key to a powerful sermon lies in packing it with solid biblical substance, making the audience feel the presence of divine truth. The preacher also highlights the importance of audience contact and effective communication, urging preachers to be sensitive to whether their message is being understood and received. He uses personal experiences, such as a cultural reference to Mickey Mantle, to illustrate the need for clear and relatable language in preaching. Ultimately, the sermon encourages preachers to have a sense of urgency and to focus on specific application in their messages.
Things to Forget and Things to Remember
By Zac Poonen2.4K59:12RememberingEZK 6:9MAT 7:23PHP 3:13HEB 10:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering and forgetting certain things in life. He refers to the Apostle Paul's attitude in Philippians 3:13, where Paul determined to forget the things that are behind and focus on what lies ahead. The preacher suggests that we should forget the evil that others have done to us and also forget the good that we have done for others. He highlights the danger of being caught up in our past accomplishments and urges us to have a single purpose like Paul, pressing forward towards the upward call of God. Additionally, the preacher discusses how the Old Testament law was a shadow of the good things to come and explains the significance of forgetting our sins and past mistakes.
The Baptism of Fire
By Zac Poonen2.3K58:53LEV 9:24PSA 139:23JER 6:16JER 8:8MAL 4:5MAT 3:2MAT 7:23LUK 16:13GAL 2:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and preparing our hearts to receive Christ, drawing parallels to John the Baptist's ministry of preparing the way for Jesus. It highlights the need for genuine repentance, understanding the seriousness of sin, and the danger of neglecting the message of turning from sin. The sermon stresses the significance of fathers taking responsibility for their children's spiritual upbringing and the necessity of being baptized in the fire of God for true transformation and spiritual growth.
Peachtree Baptist Church - Part 4
By Paul Washer2.1K1:28:06MAT 7:20MAT 7:23ROM 3:23ROM 5:121JN 2:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking in the footsteps of Jesus. He uses the analogy of a little boy trying to imitate his father's walk to illustrate the desire to live like Jesus. The preacher also highlights the role of the world and its father, the slanderer and accuser, in discouraging believers from following Jesus. He warns against superficial interpretations of biblical texts and emphasizes the need to truly understand and live out the gospel. The sermon concludes with a reminder that having a personal relationship with Jesus is the key to eternal life.
Winning God's Approval - Part 8
By Zac Poonen2.0K55:18ApprovalMAT 7:23MAT 16:13LUK 5:3LUK 6:12In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the contrasting attitudes and actions of Peter and Judas. He starts by discussing the story in Luke 5 where Jesus teaches from Peter's boat and then asks him to go fishing despite a previous unsuccessful attempt. The preacher emphasizes Peter's humble obedience to Jesus' command, even though it went against his own reasoning. He then highlights Judas' response to Jesus' words in Matthew 26, where he immediately goes to betray Jesus for personal gain. The preacher concludes by discussing the importance of accepting correction and appreciating others, using examples from his own life and encouraging the audience to do the same.
The Resurrection of Christ
By William MacDonald1.8K43:54Resurrection Of ChristISA 61:3MAT 7:23MAT 25:21JHN 20:27ACT 17:301CO 15:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by reviewing a chorus from the previous week called "Tell out my soul the greatness of the Lord." The congregation sings the first verse of the chorus and practices it. The speaker then discusses how we will recognize Jesus by the marks of Calvary, such as the wounds on his hands, feet, side, and brow. He also mentions that Jesus will say "well done, thou good and faithful servant" to those who are saved, but to those who are not saved, he will say "I never knew you." The speaker then references Acts 17:30, which talks about the philosophy of life if there is no afterlife, and emphasizes the importance of Jesus' resurrection for our justification. He gives an illustration of someone being sentenced to jail but being saved by someone else's intervention.
Stand Fearless for God
By Erlo Stegen1.2K50:53CourageDAN 3:19DAN 3:28MAT 7:21MAT 7:23EPH 6:12COL 1:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. The sermon emphasizes the importance of true freedom, which comes from a relationship with God, rather than political freedom. The preacher highlights the courage of these three men who refused to bow down to an image and only worshiped their God. Despite facing the threat of being thrown into a fiery furnace, they remained steadfast in their faith, trusting that God would save them. The sermon also draws parallels to the New Testament, mentioning the apostles Peter and John who also chose to obey God rather than man.
Rebuilding the Wall
By Jim Cymbala1.1K44:43RebuildingNEH 2:18MAT 6:33MAT 7:231CO 15:58In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following orders and being obedient to God. He uses examples from different scenarios, such as a business and a basketball team, to illustrate the necessity of people working together and following instructions. The preacher also highlights the story of certain men from Tokohut who refused to do manual labor assigned to them, showing the consequences of disobedience. He concludes by urging the audience to give themselves fully to God and to be willing to work for Him.
The Beloved
By Randy Jones1.1K44:28BelovedMAT 6:33MAT 7:21MAT 7:23LUK 6:46JHN 14:9JHN 17:3COL 1:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of staying focused on Jesus and not getting distracted by religious rituals or the enemy's tactics. He emphasizes the need to know and be conformed to Jesus, desiring to look like His son when standing before God. The speaker shares personal experiences of struggling with spiritual growth and settling for religion instead of pursuing a deeper relationship with Jesus. He encourages the audience to preach Jesus and trust in His power, as signs and miracles will follow those who are focused on Him. The sermon concludes with the assurance that nothing can separate believers from the love of God, even in the face of tribulation and distress.
Everything Is Recorded
By Erlo Stegen1.1K1:05:29Judgment DayPSA 51:17ECC 11:9MAT 7:23LUK 18:13ROM 2:6HEB 9:27REV 20:11In this sermon, the speaker shares a dream he had where he found himself standing before the great white judgment throne. He expected to receive praise for his good works, but instead found himself alone and filled with terror. He realized that each person's records are stored and will be brought out for judgment according to their works. The speaker reflects on the files he saw in his dream, including those of people he had preached to, books he had read, and things he had viewed. He is shocked to see that everything is recorded in exact detail, causing him to tremble. The sermon emphasizes the importance of standing before the judgment throne and being accountable for our actions.
Sin and Iniquity in the Church
By Richard Langworthy9601:02:43IniquityISA 1:4MAT 6:33MAT 7:232TI 2:152TI 2:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of playing with sin and iniquity. He uses the analogy of a spider's web, explaining that sin starts small but can quickly become strong and destructive. The preacher warns against drawing sin closer and allowing it to become as thick as a cart rope. He emphasizes the need for freedom from sin and encourages the congregation to seek God's help in breaking free. The sermon also references Bible verses, such as 2 Timothy 2:15, which urges believers to rightly divide the word of truth and avoid idle babblings that lead to ungodliness. The preacher concludes by reminding the congregation of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, which not only forgives sin but also addresses the rebellion and iniquity in our hearts.
The Education of a Prophet: Jonah
By John Piper87416:59JON 4:6JON 4:9MIC 6:8MAT 7:23LUK 18:131PE 2:23In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jonah and how God teaches him a lesson about mercy. God appoints a fish, a plant, a worm, and a hot wind to teach Jonah about mercy and justice. The preacher emphasizes that God's mercy knows no boundaries and that we, as God's people, should also show mercy and do justice. The preacher also shares personal experiences of witnessing racism in a Baptist church and highlights the contradiction between racism and the teachings of Jesus.
John 7:14
By Venus Brooks78443:21MAT 7:23JHN 5:8JHN 7:14JHN 7:17JHN 7:19JHN 7:21JHN 17:9In this sermon, the preacher reflects on a woman who drove her car to a river bridge and ended up in the hospital, hinting at her longing for something she never found. The preacher emphasizes the importance of coming to Jesus for rest and salvation, using the verse from Matthew 11:28-30. The preacher also references the story of Jesus turning water into wine in John chapter 2, highlighting the significance of Jesus' power to transform and bring joy. The sermon concludes with a reminder that in the presence of God, we can find both our lost and ruined condition and the perfect redemption through the seven drops of blood, symbolizing perfection.
The Three Great Woes of Hell
By Steve Gallagher76253:06HellPRO 11:4ISA 40:8MAT 7:23MAT 25:12MAT 25:30MAT 25:412CO 4:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of sin, the deceitfulness of riches, and the perversity of the human heart. He warns that unsaved individuals should tremble at the thought of eternal punishment. The preacher explains that during judgment, people will see the reality of their lives played out on a screen, including their thoughts, words, and actions. He also mentions the mental anguish that will be experienced in hell and urges listeners to prioritize eternity over earthly life.
Holy Spirit 9
By William MacDonald68939:45Holy SpiritMAT 7:23MAT 10:8MRK 10:46LUK 23:34JHN 16:14ACT 5:16GAL 5:22In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a woman who visited prisoners and showed them kindness by bringing them cookies and a New Testament book. The prisoners were puzzled by her kindness and she explained that it was because of a prayer her parents had prayed before they were killed as missionaries in the Philippines. One of the prisoners, Mitsuo Fushida, came across a New Testament and started reading it. When he read the story of Jesus' crucifixion and His prayer for forgiveness, he was deeply moved and accepted Jesus as his Savior. He then dedicated his life to preaching the gospel around the world. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit's role in glorifying Christ and warns against the prevalent focus on self in today's evangelical world.
The Hand Writing on the Wall
By Brian Long56256:17JudgmentEXO 20:14MAT 5:21MAT 5:27MAT 7:23MAT 25:32JAS 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the brevity and uncertainty of life, drawing from James 4:14. He compares life to a vapor, a fleeting moment that quickly disappears. The preacher also shares a powerful story of a man who was about to commit suicide but had a life-changing encounter with God. The man's realization of his sins and his cry for mercy led to his salvation. The sermon concludes with an invitation for anyone in need of Jesus to come forward and receive salvation.
Antichrist Unmasked - John Rhys Watkins
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons30356:09RadioGEN 3:6MAT 7:23MAT 24:11MAT 24:242TH 2:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He compares the church's focus on worldly knowledge to the mistake made by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The preacher discusses the three questions asked by Jesus in Matthew 24, relating to the destruction of the Jewish temple, the sign of his coming, and the end of the world. He highlights the urgency in discerning the signs of the end times and encourages believers to be ready for the unexpected return of the Son of Man.
Repentance and Conversion
By George Whitefield0GEN 25:22MAT 7:23MRK 16:16JHN 3:6ACT 3:192CO 5:172CO 6:2PHP 3:8George Whitefield emphasizes the importance of true conversion, highlighting the need for repentance and being converted to have sins forgiven and experience spiritual renewal. He points out that conversion involves a deep inner change, not just external reformation, and stresses the necessity of depending on the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Whitefield underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in conversion, stating that it is a divine work that cannot be achieved through human effort alone. He warns about the consequences of not being converted, emphasizing the urgency of seeking salvation and finding true rest for the soul before it's too late.
The Sacred Import of the Christian Name
By Samuel Davies0MAT 7:23LUK 9:23ACT 11:26ROM 8:291CO 11:12TI 2:191PE 2:21Samuel Davies preaches about the sacred importance of the Christian name, emphasizing the significance of living up to the name we bear. He delves into the origins of the name 'Christian' and the divine appointment associated with it. Davies highlights the need for Christians to depart from iniquity, deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Christ, urging them to imitate Christ in their thoughts, character, and actions. He challenges believers to embody the true essence of Christianity, warning against the hypocrisy of merely professing the faith without living it out authentically.
High Time to Awake Out of Sleep
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0MAT 7:23ROM 6:192TH 2:3TIT 2:14HEB 1:9HEB 10:171JN 3:4The preacher delves into the concept of lawlessness (anomia) as a disregard for God's law, emphasizing living as if there were no law and replacing God's law with personal desires. Lawlessness signifies rebellion against God's authority and intentional sin, describing those unregulated and uncontrolled by law. The sermon warns against practicing lawlessness while claiming Christ, urging repentance and assurance of salvation through genuine transformation and obedience to God's will.
Of the Hatred of God.
By John Gill0God's HatredSin and RighteousnessPSA 5:5PSA 97:10PRO 6:16ISA 63:10AMO 5:15ZEC 8:17MAL 1:2MAT 7:23ROM 3:5ROM 9:11John Gill addresses the concept of God's hatred, clarifying that while God does not hate His creatures, He does hate sin and the actions of sinners. He emphasizes that God's hatred is not a passion like human emotions but is rooted in His perfect holiness and justice. Gill explains that God's love for righteousness necessitates a hatred for unrighteousness, and this is reflected in His will to punish sin and sinners. He also discusses the distinction between God's love for the elect and His comparative hatred for the non-elect, which is based on His sovereign will rather than any inherent malice. Ultimately, God's hatred is directed towards sin, while His love remains steadfast for His chosen people.
I Kings 14:6
By Chuck Smith0JudgmentAuthenticity1KI 14:6PSA 139:1PRO 15:3JER 17:10MAT 7:23LUK 12:2ROM 2:6GAL 6:7HEB 4:13JAS 1:22Chuck Smith discusses the story of Jeroboam, emphasizing the futility of disguising our true selves when approaching God. He highlights how people often come to God with hidden truths and masks, believing they can deceive Him, but God sees through all facades. The sermon warns of the heavy tidings that come from turning away from God, including judgment and the consequences of our actions. Smith stresses that just as Jeroboam faced dire consequences for his disobedience, so too will those who reject Christ face heavy tidings on the day of judgment. Ultimately, the message calls for authenticity in our relationship with God, as He knows our hearts.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And then will I profess unto them--or, openly proclaim--tearing off the mask. I never knew you--What they claimed intimacy with Christ, is just what He repudiates, and with a certain scornful dignity. "Our acquaintance was not broken off--there never was any." depart from me--(Compare Mat 25:41). The connection here gives these words an awful significance. They claimed intimacy with Christ, and in the corresponding passage, Luk 13:26, are represented as having gone out and in with Him on familiar terms. "So much the worse for you," He replies: "I bore with that long enough; but now--begone!" ye that work iniquity--not "that wrought iniquity"; for they are represented as fresh from the scenes and acts of it as they stand before the Judge. (See on the almost identical, but even more vivid and awful, description of the scene in Luk 13:24-27). That the apostle alludes to these very words in Ti2 2:19 there can hardly be any doubt--"Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the rain descended, and the floods came,.... Such builders, and such a building, cannot stand against the violent rain of Satan's temptations, the floods of the world's persecutions, the stream and rapid torrent of their own heart's lusts, nor the blowing winds of heresy and false doctrine, and much less the storms of divine wrath and vengeance. They are in a most dangerous condition; they cannot support themselves; they must fall, and great will be their fall; their destruction is inevitable, their ruin is irrecoverable. The Jews make use of some similes, which are pretty much like these of Christ's. "R. Eliezer ben Azariah used to say (z), he whose wisdom is greater than his works, to what is he like? to a tree, whose branches are many, and its roots few, "and the wind comes", and roots it up, and overturns it; as it is said, Jer 17:6 but he whose works are greater than his wisdom, to what is he like? to a tree, whose branches are few, and its roots many, "against which, if all the winds in the world were to come and blow", they could not move it out of its place: as it is said, Jer 17:8.'' Again (a), "Elisha ben Abuijah used to say, a man who hath good works, and learns the law much, to what is he like? to a man that "builds with stones below", and afterwards with bricks; and though , "many waters come", and stand at their side, they cannot remove them out of their place; but a man who hath no good works, and learns the law, to what is he like? to a man that "builds with bricks first", and afterwards with stones; and though few waters come, they immediately overturn them.'' The same used to say, "a man who hath good works, and learns the law much, to what is he like? to mortar spread upon bricks; and though , "the rains descend upon it", they cannot remove it out of its place: a man that hath no good works, and learns the law much, to what is he like? to mortar thrown upon bricks; and though but a small rain descends upon it, it is immediately dissolved, and "falls".'' (z) Pirke Abot, c. 3. sect. 17. & Abot R. Nathan, c. 22. fol. 6. 1, 2. (a) Abot R. Nathan, c. 24. fol. 6. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:23 I never knew you: These people were never converted, even though they did great things in God’s name. They break God’s laws through rejection of the Father’s will as taught by Jesus. Having never known Christ, they never learned to do what he commanded.