John 3 – The Purpose Behind Everything God Does
There is a purpose behind everything that God does. Many of us, however, don’t always fully understand the purpose of our belief in Jesus.
John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Our ultimate purpose is to meet the Creator and establish a relationship with Him. That is the essence of our belief. But as we pursue this purpose, God gives us warnings to help us stay aligned with His will. These warnings are meant to guide us and ensure that we don’t fall into deception or self-reliance.
Three Critical Warnings for Us to Reflect On:
1. Matthew 7:21 – Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord,' Will Enter the Kingdom of Heaven
Jesus warns in Matthew 7:21, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
Warning #1: Faith Without True Action
Example: Just as someone might submit a resume for a job, many of us believe we can “apply” for heaven by showing the right outward actions or performing rituals (such as baptism or good deeds). However, God warns against relying on mere appearances or rituals. While others may look at our outward actions, God examines the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
Romans 10:9-10 emphasizes that true belief in Jesus involves more than mere confession. "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." True belief means your heart is aligned with your confession. It's not just lip service, but an internal transformation.
James 2:19 reminds us that even demons believe—so belief alone, without genuine action rooted in faith, is insufficient. "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder."
2. Matthew 7:22 – The Danger of Self-Glorification in Ministry
In Matthew 7:22, Jesus says, "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?'
Warning #2: Ministry Without Relationship
There are people who perform mighty works, such as casting out demons and performing miracles, yet still are not in alignment with God’s will. They might be working in His name, but they fail to truly know Him and glorify Him. Mark 9:38-40 reminds us that it's about God's glory, not ours. "For whoever is not against us is for us."
It's easy to get caught up in the works or gifts, but remember: true ministry flows from knowing Jesus personally and glorifying God in everything we do. Matthew 24:23-24 warns us that false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
Matthew 7:23 points to those who claim to do God’s work but have never had a true relationship with Him. "Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'” This is a stark reminder that it's not just about doing things in Jesus' name, but about knowing Him intimately and walking in obedience to His commands.
3. Matthew 7:23 – Claiming Self-Righteousness
In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee claimed righteousness through his actions, while the tax collector humbly asked God for mercy. Luke 6:46 says, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?"
Warning #3: The Danger of Claiming Self-Righteousness
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we are righteous because of what we do or because of how we compare ourselves to others. The Pharisee in Luke 18 boasted about his righteous acts, but the tax collector humbly asked for mercy. True righteousness doesn’t come from comparing ourselves to others but from humility before God.
We cannot claim to be righteous based on our works or status. Self-righteousness is a dangerous deception that leads us to rely on our own abilities rather than on God’s grace. Romans 3:10 reminds us, "There is no one righteous, not even one." We have nothing to boast about except God’s grace.
Matthew 23:12 warns that "whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Righteousness comes through humbling ourselves before God, not through self-promotion or relying on our own deeds.
⚠️ Final Warning: Examine Yourself Daily!
2 Timothy 2:19 – "Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: 'The Lord knows those who are his,' and everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
Let’s make this personal:
- Am I staying away from wickedness and disobedience?
- Am I doing the things that truly belong to God?
- Am I living out my belief in Jesus—not just confessing, but believing and acting upon it?
💥 Take Action NOW!
Don’t let these warnings pass you by!
God’s calling us to examine our hearts, align our actions with His Word, and truly follow Him. Let’s make sure our head, heart, and hands are all in sync with His will.
Let’s pray:
"God, show me where I need to change. Help me not to rely on my own righteousness, but to depend on Your grace. I want to truly know You and follow Your will."
⚡️ Reminder:
Your purpose isn’t just to “get to heaven”—it’s to live for God every single day. Let’s heed His warnings, stay close to Him, and follow His ways!
