January 9

And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, Matthew 7:23

Not everyone who says … but he who does. The faith that says but does not do is really barren unbelief (Matthew 7:20). Jesus is not suggesting that works merit salvation but that true faith will not fail to produce the fruit of good works. This point is also precisely the point of James 1:22-25; James 2:26. ~ MacArthur Bible Commentary

Genesis 20:1-22:24
Matthew 7:15-29
Psalm 9:1-12
Proverbs 2:16-22

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Old Testament: Genesis 20:1-22:24

In Genesis 20, we’ll read about relapse. The man of faith started walking by sight, became frightened, and then began scheming. This time, even Sarah lied. See, whatever we carry with us from the old life will create problems in the new life.

It’s one thing to confess our sins, but quite another to judge them before God and forsake them. When a marriage must be protected by a lie, the home is in danger. We’ll read about revelation. God spoke to the heathen king, but not to his own friend, Abraham. Although God kept the king from sinning, he allowed Abraham to lie.

God called Abraham to be a blessing, but now he had become a curse in the land. God was protecting Sarah, Isaac, and his great plan of salvation. And as we move into chapter 21 of Genesis, we’ll read about family joys. God kept his promises, followed his schedule, and did not fail. This time, Sarah’s laughter was open and sincere, not hidden and skeptical.

The name Isaac means laughter, and the boy brought much joy to the aged couple. We’ll read about family sorrows. Abraham reaped the sad consequences of forgiven sin. Now there comes a time when we must cut off the past and make a new beginning. And we’ll read about family testimony.

Abraham’s unsaved neighbors could tell that he was a man whom God had blessed. God’s people must be careful in their relationships with those who are outside. Outside the faith that is life is a balance of joys and sorrows, problems and blessings. We must learn to accept what God gives us and walk by faith.

The Peril of Inconsistency
~ Alistair Begg

Genesis 20:1–18

New Testament: Matthew 7:15-29

Summary:
A Tree and Its Fruit
I Never Knew You
Build Your House on the Rock
The Authority of Jesus

Today we’ll be reading about trees. Life produces fruit and good trees produce good fruit. There was a great deal of profession in the lives of the scribes and pharisees, but no evidence of spiritual fruit. Do you talk a good game? Well, you have to walk a good game as well. You not only have to talk the talk, but you got to walk the walk. And if you’re not walking the walk, your talk is hollow and cheap and people know it. We’ll read about builders. To build on the rock means to obey the word of God. Saying is not enough. There must be doing. If you claim to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, expect to have your profession tested in this life and the next. Fair weather faith will not pass the test.

“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 will enter. “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; LEAVE ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’ ~ Matthew 7:21-23