Equip – Necessary Internal Transformation


One of the most difficult to read and trepidatious verses in all of the Bible is Matthew 7:21. Some read right through and carry on as if nothing is there to raise question. Others, feel a tightening in their stomach as they wonder what it means, and have they made the right decisions to go to heaven.

I want you to be at peace, because we are going to look into this passage today. This verse is an excellent glimpse into what it means to be equipped. If you struggle with this passage, then my desire is that you would be filled with joy from this point on when you read Matthew 7:21. This verse is no mistake, it is a blessed turnstile, like at a ball game. It makes sure you know that you are authorized to proceed through. And if you are not, then you can acquire the proper authorization.

Jesus certainly does not want you to be surprised by not being able to pass through, so He calls our attention to this thinking preemptively. He does not want to produce fear, He wants to produce surety.

The helmet of salvation is to be securely fastened and not easily jostled around. A loose helmet can actually reduce the ability to see correctly. Proper equipping will remedy this. So, take heart this morning and prepare to be blessed – no more worry when you hear, “Lord Lord, did we not….”  

Matthew 7:21 (ESV): 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.

Alright there is no trick in the terminology. The Greek word used refers to God. So, these are individuals who know who God is. That is the part, I believe that causes many Christians to struggle, “If a person knows who God is, then why would God not know who they are, and then be cast into utter darkness?”

Scholars would agree that Jesus is speaking to the false religious system and offering caution to those who would follow false teaching. (See, we are getting closer now to equipping) Jesus started with this pointed truth back in verse fifteen and now it is taking full shape. He is directing this at false teachers.

Phew! I am no false teacher! I am an average joe Christian. I am off the hook, wonderful!

Well, hold on a minute.  

At the turnstile, one person at a time goes through. So suppose it is your turn. What makes the metal bar turn for you? The false teacher said, “God, look what I have done.” And that was rejected by Jesus as certification to move on through.

Jesus said plainly that those who go into heaven are those who do the will of the Father. In His judgment against the Pharisees, Jesus was clear about their falsehood. Listen to a few of His piercing words.

Matthew 23:3 (ESV): For they preach, but do not practice.

Matthew 23:25 (ESV): “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.”

Matthew 23:26 (ESV): “You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.”

Matthew 23:27–28 (ESV): “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.”

28 “So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”

Ok, I am going to stop here and think for a moment with you. Do you see the emphasis on the difference between the outside and the inside of the Pharisee?

To be equipped is to be transformed on the inside.

To be equipped is to be as concerned with what you are on the inside.

To be equipped is to want internal change more than anything external.

The point Jesus is making is that the fruit one bears in their life comes from transformation on the inside. Back to Matthew 7:21, those who say, “Lord Lord…” are those who do stuff for God without any internal transformation.

Is internal transformation the will of God though? Is that what Jesus is talking about when He says that only those who do the will of my Father will go to heaven?

Well, lets finish our time by allowing the Bible to answer that question.

Matthew 28:18–19 (ESV): “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”

To make a disciple is to make a follower of Jesus, transformed, inside and out.

The Apostle Paul says it plainly too.

Romans 12:2 (ESV): Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Equipping is an essential part of our faith and it starts with the desire to be transformed internally. Only the Holy Spirit can do that work in you. He uses the local church to do that. He uses your devotional time to do that. He uses your prayer life to do that. He also uses spiritually mature people in your life to do that too.

Please open your heart to further equipping. Be needy of God’s touch in your heart and life. Ask the Holy Spirit to deepen the yearning for personal transformation. In that transformation is where you will know that you are a Jesus follower. If you (like the Pharisee) are looking at external things as your assurance of salvation, you will be continually disappointed and thrust into spiritual confusion.
 
Father, thank You for the way You made every one of us. We confess our need for personal transformation. Equip us to live. Equip us to know You and to fellowship with You. Let the fruit in our lives come from the transformation of a broken heart to a whole heart. Please, help us see what You see and be submissive to Your healing hands in our souls. Thank You Jesus for Your words and for making possible all these things through Your mighty and precious blood.

Blessings,

Pastor D