In Luke 6:46-49, Jesus poses a profound question that resonates across time: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” This sermon, titled “When Words Don’t Match,” draws from Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Plain, urging us to examine the sincerity of our faith. Through the parable of the wise and foolish builders, Jesus reveals the difference between empty profession and true submission. Let’s explore three key truths from this passage: the problem of empty profession, the proof of genuine submission, and the peril of empty religion.
The Problem of Empty Profession (Luke 6:46)
Jesus begins with a direct challenge: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46, KJV). The repetition of “Lord, Lord” in the original context carried deep meaning, signaling intensity and zeal. To the Jewish audience, this double address reflected passion, yet Jesus exposed a disconnect: many who loudly proclaimed His lordship failed to obey His commands. Calling Jesus “Lord” means acknowledging Him as master, ruler, and owner of our lives. However, words alone are not enough. Jesus is not addressing pagans but those who sound spiritual, who publicly declare allegiance yet live in contradiction to His teachings. This empty profession is like a soldier saluting a commander only to ignore orders, or a child saying “Yes, Dad” while doing nothing. We may sing “I Surrender All” or begin prayers with “Lord,” but if our actions don’t reflect submission, we deceive ourselves. True faith is not about sounding spiritual but living surrendered, as Jesus desires obedience from the heart, not just lip service.
The Proof of Genuine Submission (Luke 6:47-48)
Jesus illustrates genuine faith through the parable of the wise builder: “Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock” (Luke 6:47-48, KJV). A true disciple doesn’t merely hear God’s Word; they act on it. This builder digs deep, laying a foundation on solid rock, representing a life rooted in consistent, intentional obedience to Christ. Notice Jesus says “when” the flood arises, not “if.” Storms (trials, losses, or challenges) are inevitable. The difference lies in the foundation. A life built on obedience withstands the torrents of life, like the testimony of Hanalee Groenwald, a missionary who, after losing her family to a Taliban attack, declared, “God is giving me the grace to say it is well with my soul.” Her unshakable faith came from a life anchored in Christ, not mere words. Obedience is the bridge between listening and lasting, ensuring our faith endures when trials come.
The Peril of Empty Religion (Luke 6:49)
In contrast, Jesus describes the foolish builder: “But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great” (Luke 6:49, KJV). This person hears God’s Word but refuses to obey, building their life on unstable ground. They may attend church, own multiple Bibles, or listen to Christian podcasts, yet their faith lacks substance. The storm reveals the truth: without a foundation of obedience, their house collapses, and “the ruin of that house was great.” This is not about losing salvation, as true salvation rests in Christ alone, but about the devastating consequences of a sham faith or a life of compromise. Empty religion may look convincing until the storm hits, exposing the absence of a true foundation. Jesus warns that profession without obedience leads to ruin, whether in broken relationships, finances, or testimonies.
Conclusion
Jesus’ question in Luke 6:46 pierces our hearts today: “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” This is not a call to perfection but to sincerity, urging us to align our confession with our conduct. Crowning Jesus as Lord means submitting every area of our lives to Him, building on the solid rock of His Word. Storms will come, but a life grounded in obedience will stand unshaken. Let us examine ourselves, asking God to reveal areas where our words don’t match our actions, and seek His grace to live as true disciples, fully surrendered to our Lord.
