Faith in the Ordinary Companion Resource 006
Does He Know You?
A quiet examination of relationship, readiness, and the life that follows the Shepherd.
This guide invites you to look beyond Christian activity and ask the deeper question raised by Jesus: not merely whether you know about Him, but whether your life bears the marks of being known by Him.
Overview
Matthew 7 gives us one of the most sobering warnings in Scripture. The people standing before Jesus are not indifferent to religion. They call Him Lord, speak of works done in His name and present what appears to be an impressive spiritual record. Yet Jesus does not receive their résumé as proof of relationship. His verdict exposes the danger of outward activity without inward allegiance.
This warning is not given to drive sincere believers into panic. It is given so that we will stop trusting appearances and return to Christ Himself. The question is not whether our service is visible, our language is correct or our reputation is strong. The question is whether we are abiding in the Son, hearing His voice, following His way and resting our hope in what He has done.
Anchor Scripture
“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. 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? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV)
Scripture Readings
Notice the mutual knowing between the Shepherd and His sheep, and the pattern of hearing, following and being kept.
Pause over Paul’s correction: the Christian life rests not only in knowing God, but in being known of God.
Consider the difference between appearing ready and possessing the inward readiness that cannot be borrowed from another person.
Read Christ’s call to abide and observe where genuine fruit comes from: continuing union with the Vine.
Receive self-examination as an invitation to honesty before God, not as a demand to manufacture your own assurance.
Teaching Summary
Spiritual Activity Is Not the Same as Intimacy
The people in Matthew 7 appeal to prophecy, deliverance and mighty works. Jesus does not deny that the works occurred. He exposes what the works could not prove. Religious language, giftedness, service and visibility may all exist without a surrendered life. It is possible to become familiar with the work of the kingdom while remaining distant from the King.
This does not make service unimportant. Faithfulness will express itself in obedience and love. The danger comes when activity becomes a substitute for communion, or when we begin to trust what we have done instead of Christ. Ministry must flow from relationship. It cannot create the relationship it is meant to express.
The Shepherd Knows His Own
John 10 gives the positive picture that stands beside Matthew 7. Jesus knows His sheep. They hear His voice, and they follow Him. This is not sinless performance. Sheep wander, stumble and need continual guidance. The mark is direction: they belong to the Shepherd, respond to His call and are being led by Him.
Being known by Christ is not a vague religious feeling. It is a covenant reality that becomes visible in a life of trust, repentance, obedience and fruit. These things do not purchase His acceptance. They are the growing evidence of a life joined to Him. The same Shepherd who calls His sheep also holds them securely; assurance rests in His faithfulness before it rests in the strength of our response.
Examination Should Lead You Back to Christ
Jesus’ warning calls for honest examination, but not endless inspection of ourselves. We are not saved by locating enough spiritual emotion, producing an impressive record or proving that our devotion is stronger than someone else’s. Our confidence must rest in the crucified and risen Christ. The question is whether we have come to Him, are depending on Him and are continuing with Him.
The ten virgins in Matthew 25 remind us that readiness cannot be borrowed. The oil has often been understood as a picture of the Spirit-given inner life, though the parable’s central point is simpler and certain: each person must be ready for the Bridegroom. No parent, church, title or public reputation can replace personal faith in Christ. The warning is grace because the door is still open now. Today is the time to come honestly, abide deeply and follow faithfully.
Reflection Questions
- Which outward signs of Christianity are you most tempted to treat as proof that your relationship with Christ is healthy?
- Has service, study or church involvement ever become a substitute for quiet communion with Jesus?
- Where do you presently recognize the Shepherd’s voice calling you to trust, repent or obey?
- When you think about standing before God, are you relying on your spiritual résumé or on the finished work of Christ?
- What fruit of abiding in Christ is becoming visible in your ordinary life, and where do you need His continued work?
- What would it look like this week to respond to Jesus personally rather than depending on another person’s faith or closeness to God?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, search me and bring me into the light. Show me where I have trusted religious activity, knowledge, reputation or service more than I have trusted You.
Forgive me for the ways I have remained busy around holy things while neglecting fellowship with You. Teach me to hear Your voice in Scripture, to answer with obedience and to return quickly when I wander.
Keep me from building assurance on my own performance. Fix my confidence on Your cross, Your resurrection and Your faithful hold upon those who belong to You. Produce in me the fruit that comes from abiding in You.
Let my public faith and private life agree. Make me ready, watchful and sincere, not through fear-driven striving, but through a living relationship with You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Week’s Invitation
Set aside ten unhurried minutes each day this week. Begin without a ministry task, study goal or list of requests. Simply come before Christ and ask, “Lord, where are You calling me to hear and follow You today?”
Read one of the five Scripture passages from this guide each day. Write down one truth about Christ, one honest observation about your present life and one response of trust or obedience.
Choose one hidden act of faithfulness that no one else needs to see. Let it be a response to the Shepherd rather than an attempt to appear spiritual. This may be repentance, forgiveness, generosity, prayer or obedience in a place where you have delayed.
At the end of the week, return to John 10:27-29. Thank Jesus that His sheep are known, called and kept. Let examination end where the gospel leads: not in confidence in yourself, but in renewed confidence in the Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep.