Sermon on the Mount - Workers of Lawlessness

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In a powerful sermon delivered by Matthew Vander Els at Founded in Truth Fellowship, the focus was on one of the most sobering warnings in the Sermon on the Mount. This section of the scripture, found in Matthew 7, challenges us to not only examine our spiritual activities but to align ourselves with the true kingdom of God. Vander Els emphasizes the importance of our hearts being in alignment with the teachings of Yeshua, especially the distinction between spiritual activity and spiritual alignment. The sermon ultimately calls us to a deeper relationship with God rather than just a superficial portrayal of righteousness.

Understanding the Two Paths

The Sermon on the Mount presents us with a choice between two paths: the way of the kingdom or the way of empire. Matthew Vander Els explains that the kingdom path is one of justice, mercy, and peace, while the path of empire is about power, performance, and self-righteousness. This dichotomy is essential to understanding Yeshua's teachings as they call for a transformation of our desires and motivations, moving beyond surface-level changes to a deep reshaping of our lives.

The Warning of Spiritual Maturity

Yeshua's words in Matthew 7:21-23 serve as a warning to those who might mistake spiritual energy for spiritual maturity. Vander Els points out that gifts and charismatic displays do not equate to spiritual fruit. Instead, spiritual maturity is reflected in a life oriented by humility, surrender, and mercy. The sermon urges us to evaluate the fruit our lives produce, emphasizing that genuine spiritual growth cannot be faked or manufactured.

• Reflect on whether your spiritual activities align with the teachings of Yeshua.
• Assess if your life is producing genuine spiritual fruit.
• Strive for a deep, transformative relationship with God rather than mere spiritual performances.

The Danger of Empire

Vander Els delves into the concept of empire, using historical examples to illustrate how the worldly systems stand in opposition to God's kingdom. He describes empire as a machinery of domination and control, contrasting it with the kingdom of God, which is built on compassion, humility, and generosity. This section of the sermon calls for a critical examination of how we might unwittingly serve the empire while believing we are advancing God's kingdom.

• Consider how worldly values might influence your spiritual journey.
• Recognize the ways in which empire can masquerade as righteousness.
• Commit to embodying the kingdom values of humility and mercy.

Intimacy with God

At the heart of the sermon is the call to be known by God rather than merely knowing about God. Vander Els emphasizes that spiritual activities are not enough if they do not stem from an intimate relationship with the Father. Using the term "genosko," which denotes a deep, relational knowledge, the sermon underscores the significance of being genuinely known by God and aligning our lives with His will.

Conclusion: Choose the Path of Life

The sermon closes with a powerful reminder that we have a choice in how we live our lives. The narrow path, although more challenging, leads to life and a deeper relationship with God. Vander Els encourages the congregation to persevere in building the kingdom of God and to ensure their actions align with kingdom values. He calls for a reevaluation of our spiritual journey, urging us to be faithful ambassadors of God's kingdom.

• Evaluate which path you are currently on: the narrow path of life or the wide path of empire.
• Focus on building relationships and community that reflect God's love and mercy.
• Remember that the kingdom of God grows in unexpected and humble ways.