Npfcc

In Matthew 7:15–23, Jesus warns that correct beliefs, spiritual appearances, and impressive ministry accomplishments are not the same as truly knowing him. False prophets may look like sheep, and destructive fruit may appear good from a distance, but a person’s true character is eventually revealed by the fruit their life produces. The Christian life is not about earning God’s approval through religious activity; it is about abiding in the love of Jesus and allowing his Spirit to form genuine love, joy, peace, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control within us. Jesus’ words, “I never knew you,” are both a sobering warning and a gracious invitation to stop performing, surrender our striving, and rediscover the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Scripture References: Matthew 7:15–23; John 15:4–5, 9; Galatians 5:22–23; Philippians 3:7–9; 1 Corinthians 13:1–3. Sources: Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount; The Gospel of Matthew by William Barclay; teachings from Tim Keller; BibleProject; A. W. Tozer on abiding