Lawlessness Text: Matthew 7: 21-23
Lawlessness is a trap; it’s a trap because lawlessness can start just with a bad attitude toward someone in authority. Lawlessness always becomes more progressive and usually thinks there the only one who is right. In Webster’s Lawlessness means, “ contrary to or without regard for the law: lawless violence.” But Lawlessness doesn’t start that way listen to more definitions: “ Unruly, disorderly, uncontrollable; unbridled; against authority!” Our attitude can become unbridled, and that can become the start of our lawless ways.
I. In this text, Jesus is speaking unto people who think they have fruit, but don’t. Jesus warns His disciples to be aware of false prophets in sheep’s clothing! He goes on to say in Matthew 7: 18-20 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
A. What kind of fruit are you bearing, or what do other people see through your daily walk?
B. II Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
C. All iniquity is sin, because sin is rebellion against God! The problems that are happening in large cities and small towns come directly from lawlessness and probably started with a bad attitude against authority! (Lawlessness always challenges authority.)
D. Lawlessness isn’t a sin against a person or people, but it’s a sin against God!
E. Nehemiah 1: 7 We have acted very corruptly against You, and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, nor the ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses.
F. The Spirit of lawlessness isn’t usually noticed until authority gives a direct order. (If you are always talking negatively about government leaders or anyone who would be considered over you you are practicing lawlessness!)
G. Ps.5: 5 The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. (God sees right through the unfruitful, the proud, cheaters, liars, lawlessness.)
H. II. Timothy 3:1-5 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
I. What does having a form mean? I believe it means that a person can shout, praise and worship the Lord, but not walk uprightly!
J. It’s time that every person take responsibility, and think before they throw out a piece of trash, run a yellow light, or not wear a safety belt! (Remember, just one small fox can spoil the vine.)
