Workers of Iniquity
Matthew 7:21-23
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Full Parable
Matthew 7:21-23
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Perspective
This parable presents us with a significant stumbling block. An unrighteous viewpoint is to think the Lord God has unfairly judged a group of people. This group declares the name of the Lord and has even experienced miracles and "prophecies", and cast out devils. So how is it that the Lord declares their works as iniquity? How is it that the works of this group are not within the "will of God"? [Study God's Will & Good Works]
When we focus on the carnal works and gifts more than the Word of God, we have an unbalanced walk with God. Psalms 119 teaches us to "walk in the law of the Lord". To do no iniquity, we must "walk in his ways". How then can we "walk in his ways" if we do not dwell in and teach God's Authorized unchanged Word? Many "religious" movements seek the gifts and blessings without seeking the authorized Word of God. It is difficult to even determine what they believe. We must not separate God's Word from his Spirit. The "sword of the Spirit is the Word of God". Ephesians 6:17. The power and authority in God's Word comes from knowing who God is, Jesus Christ. [study Jesus is God]
Colossians 2:9-10
9 For in him [Jesus Christ] dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
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Romans 8:7
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
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Psalms 119:1-7
ALEPH
1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies,
and that seek him with the whole heart. 3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. 4 Thou hast commanded us
to keep thy precepts diligently. 5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! 6 Then shall I not be ashamed,
when I have respect unto all thy commandments. 7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. 8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
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Ephesians 5:15-21
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
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