How Do I Know?

Introduction

Every sincere servant of Christ will, at some point, look at the religious landscape and ask, “Am I serving and worshipping God in a way that truly pleases Him?” With thousands of denominations, each with differing beliefs and worship practices, it is tempting to choose what appeals to our personal preferences. But the ultimate question is not what pleases us — it is what pleases God. The Bible is our sole source for answering that question. It contains God’s revealed will, so if we use it faithfully, we can know how to serve Him acceptably.

The Necessity of Knowing God’s Will

Jesus made it clear in Matthew 7:21 that only those who do the will of the Father will enter the kingdom of heaven. That means learning His will is not optional — it is essential to salvation. The only way to know His will is through His word. In Matthew 15:9 and Mark 7:7, Jesus condemned worship based on man-made doctrines. Paul spoke of those with zeal for God but without knowledge (Romans 10:2-3). Even sincere devotion is unacceptable if it is not according to God’s revealed righteousness. Christians must examine themselves (2 Corinthians 13:5) to ensure they are in the faith, lest they be found rebellious toward His authority.

Worship in Spirit and Truth

Jesus taught in John 4:24 that true worship must be offered “in spirit and in truth.” Worship in spirit is sincere, heartfelt devotion; worship in truth is according to God’s word (John 17:17). This means we are not free to decide our own way of worship — we must follow the truth revealed in Scripture.

The Danger of Man-Made Religion

There is a right way and a wrong way to serve God. Throughout history, men have established systems of belief based on personal interpretation. But if their teachings contradict God’s word, those who follow them worship in vain (Matthew 15:9). Jesus warned that many who call Him Lord and do good works will be rejected because they did not do the Father’s will (Matthew 7:21-23). Love for Christ is proven by keeping His commandments (John 14:15), and those who refuse are cursed when the Lord comes (1 Corinthians 16:22).

Grace, Faith, and Obedience

We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is an unearned gift, but it is conditional on obedience (Hebrews 5:9). Jesus said we must strive to enter through the narrow door (Luke 13:24) and work for the food that leads to eternal life (John 6:27). Our works do not earn salvation, but obedience is still required for God’s grace to be applied.

Scripture Is Complete and Sufficient

First-century Christians were given “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). Scripture, inspired by God, thoroughly equips us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It is fully sufficient for our salvation. No later human teachings are needed — and no additions or subtractions are allowed (Revelation 22:18-19).

Following the Example of the First Christians

The safest and most certain way to serve God acceptably today is to live, worship, and believe exactly as the first Christians did. Paul urged the brethren to imitate him and follow the examples of faithful Christians (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1; Philippians 3:17). By rejecting man-made doctrines, wearing no man-made names, and staying within the pattern of Scripture, we can have the same assurance they had.

The Solid Rock Foundation

Jesus compared the one who hears and does His words to a wise man building on the rock (Matthew 7:24-25). Obedience to His teaching is the foundation for a life that will stand in the storms of judgment.

How Do I Know? Sermon Outline:

• Introduction: The challenge of religious diversity; the importance of pleasing God, not ourselves.

• Necessity of Knowing God’s Will:

  • Matthew 7:21 – Only those doing the Father’s will enter the kingdom.

  • Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7 – Doctrines of men make worship vain.

  • Romans 10:2-3 – Zeal without knowledge leads to false service.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:5 – Examine yourself to ensure you are in the faith.

• Worship in Spirit and Truth:

  • John 4:24 – Worship must be in spirit (sincerity) and truth (God’s word).

  • John 17:17 – God’s word is truth.

• The Danger of Man-Made Religion:

  • Matthew 7:21-23 – Many religious people will be rejected.

  • John 14:15; John 14:24 – Love for Christ shown by obedience.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:22 – Disobedience brings condemnation.

• Grace, Faith, and Obedience:

  • Ephesians 2:8-9 – Salvation by grace through faith.

  • Luke 13:24 – Strive to enter the narrow door.

  • John 6:27 – Work for the food that endures to eternal life.

  • Hebrews 5:9 – Salvation for those who obey.

• Scripture Is Complete and Sufficient:

  • 2 Peter 1:3 – All things pertaining to life and godliness given.

  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Scripture fully equips the man of God.

  • Revelation 22:18-19 – Do not add to or take away from God’s word.

• Following the Example of the First Christians:

  • 1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1; Philippians 3:17 – Imitate faithful Christians.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:12-13 – No man-made names.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:9 – Follow approved examples.

• The Solid Rock Foundation:

  • Matthew 7:24-25 – Building on the rock through obedience.

Call to Action

We cannot afford to base our faith on assumptions, traditions, or popular opinion. God has spoken through His word, and He has given us everything we need to live faithfully before Him. The question is not whether we are religious — it is whether our religion is according to His will. Examine your life and your worship in light of Scripture alone. If there is anything in your practice or belief not authorized by God’s word, now is the time to change it. Build your life on the rock of Christ’s teaching, and you can face eternity with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• God only accepts worship that is according to His will (Matthew 7:21; John 4:24).

• Man-made doctrines make worship vain (Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7).

• Salvation is by grace, but obedience is required (Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 5:9).

• Scripture is complete and sufficient for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

• The safest course is to imitate the faith and practice of the first Christians (1 Corinthians 4:16; Philippians 3:17).

Scripture Reference List

• Matthew 7:21-23 – Only those who do the Father’s will enter the kingdom.

• Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7 – Doctrines of men void worship.

• Romans 10:2-3 – Zeal without knowledge is misguided.

• 2 Corinthians 13:5 – Examine yourself to ensure you are in the faith.

• John 4:24 – Worship in spirit and truth.

• John 17:17 – God’s word is truth.

• John 14:15, 24 – Love for Christ shown by obedience.

• 1 Corinthians 16:22 – Condemnation for disobedience.

• Ephesians 2:8-9 – Salvation by grace through faith.

• Luke 13:24 – Strive to enter the narrow door.

• John 6:27 – Work for the food that endures to eternal life.

• Hebrews 5:9 – Salvation for the obedient.

• 2 Peter 1:3 – All things for life and godliness given.

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Scripture equips us fully.

• Revelation 22:18-19 – Warning against adding to or taking from God’s word.

• 1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1; Philippians 3:17 – Imitate faithful Christians.

• 2 Thessalonians 3:9 – Follow approved examples.

• 1 Corinthians 1:12-13 – No man-made names.

• Matthew 7:24-25 – Obedience is the foundation for life.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

David Hersey