Just Sitting in Church Won't Save You.

Dr. Vorce concluded this week’s teaching from the Sermon on the Mount Series with a challenge that many of us would rather overlook: merely hearing a good sermon is insufficient for salvation. Only adhering to the teachings of God’s Word, that is, hearing and doing what God's Word says, will save us. In Matthew 7, the author presents Two Gates, Two Trees, and Two Builders. Sunday’s message delved into all three elements to address a crucial question: which one do you identify with?

This finished out the same Sermon on the Mount series that started a few weeks earlier with a hard look at Matthew 7:1-6: "Judge Not, That Ye Be Not Judged" Probably Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means.

The Wide Gate Is Crowded for a Reason

Jesus warned that the path to destruction is broad and the gate is wide, attracting many. In contrast, the narrow gate that leads to life is harder to find because it demands something the wide gate never asks for: Surrender.

Surrender means relinquishing our wills, desires, and wants to allow God’s Spirit to guide us instead of our own flesh. This message may not resonate in a culture that values autonomy and instant gratification, but salvation was never intended to be a transaction where we retain control. Jesus purchased our salvation, and living in a way that pleases God will require sacrificing our flesh to His will.

This sacrifice does not entail additional burdens but rather the continuous effort of choosing to live surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus each and every day.

How Do You Know a Good Tree

The second warning in this passage is about false prophets. These individuals may appear genuine, but they are not. Jesus emphasized that you will recognize them by their actions, not by their charisma, personality, or even their giftimgs. A person can prophesy, cast out demons, and perform miracles in Jesus’ name without truly knowing Him. This is because the power of Jesus’ name is present regardless of whether the person using it is walking with Him.

So, how can you effectively test a tree?

• Examine the consistent outcomes of a person’s life, rather than focusing on isolated moments or specific gifts. 
• Ensure that their teachings align with the entire counsel of scripture, not just the convenient parts. 
• Remember that a healthy tree cannot bear undesirable fruit, and a diseased tree cannot bear good fruit. 
• The roots determine the harvest.

A strong root system is not built on emotions, opinions, or fleeting feelings. Instead, it is established through the study of God’s word, undertaken independently rather than relying solely on secondhand information from anyone, including a pastor.

Hearing Is Not the Same as Doing

The passage concludes with two builders. One constructs his house on rock, while the other builds on sand. Both houses face the same storm, but the difference lies not in their appearance during construction, but in their resilience in the midst of the storm.

The strength of any building depends on unseen factors, such as the foundation beneath it and the structural beams hidden within its walls. Similarly, our lives are built on unseen aspects. What do we appear like when no one is observing us? How does our prayer life and our relationship with God reflect? Are we truly living according to Biblical morality, or is our life tainted by hidden sin? These are challenging questions, but honesty with ourselves is crucial if we are to have the impact God intends for us and make heaven our home.

Jesus declared that those who hear His words and put them into practice are the wise builders, while those who hear but do not act are the foolish ones. Attending church, reading a devotional, or listening to a meaningful message are not the end goal; they are merely the beginning.

Both houses are subjected to the same storm, but only the one built on the rock (firm foundation which is Christ) will make it.

What This Looks Like This Week

You do not need a dramatic moment to start walking in this. You need a decision, and then another one tomorrow.

• Pick one thing you heard God say to you recently, in scripture or in prayer, and actually do it this week.
• Test what you are following, whether it is a teacher, a trend, or your own feelings, against the whole of scripture, not just the parts you like.
• Get into the Word for yourself instead of only hearing it secondhand.

The Sermon on the Mount was never meant to be admired from a distance. It was meant to be built upon and put into practice in everyday life.

If you want to keep growing in this, Dr. Vorce's book, "Walking in Divine Authority," is a good next step. Get your copy on Amazon here.

For more information about the ministries of Dr. Vorce, visit his free website and sign up for your free ebook, "Presence Driven".

Remember..."The Word Will Work, If You Work the Word."