Gifts Without Grace: Can a Man Be Gifted but Not Saved?

Text: Matthew 7:21–23 (NIV)

1. Introduction

Context:Matthew 7:21–23 comes at the end of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), where Jesus contrasts the righteousness of the Pharisees—external and performative—with the righteousness of those transformed by God’s grace—internal and sincere. In this closing section, Jesus warns about false prophets (7:15–20) and false disciples (7:21–23) who appear godly but are not known by Him.

Why it matters today:Many in the church today focus on gifts, ministry activity, or outward success. Yet Scripture warns that these alone cannot save. True salvation produces fruit in keeping with the Spirit.

Main point:A man can display spiritual gifts and perform mighty works yet not be saved; true salvation is evidenced by grace-produced fruit.

Discussion Prompt 1:Have you ever assumed someone was a believer simply because of their gifts or ministry involvement?

2. Read the Passage

Matthew 7:21–23 (NIV)"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven… Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

3. Exegesis (8–10 min)

Phrase 1: Gifts vs. Grace

• Gifts are external empowerments for service (1 Cor. 12:4–11; Rom. 12:6–8).

  • Good use of gifts: Barnabas (Acts 4–11) encouraged believers, taught faithfully, and supported the church, producing lasting fruit.

  • Bad use of gifts: Judas Iscariot (Matt. 10:1–4; John 6:70) performed miracles and ministry but remained unregenerate.

    
    

• Grace is the internal, saving work of the Spirit that unites a sinner to Christ (Eph. 2:8–9; Titus 3:5).

  • Always transforms the heart and produces fruit (Gal. 5:22–23).

    
    

Key distinction:Gifts can exist without regeneration; grace always produces fruit.

Cross Reference: Galatians 5:22–23

Discussion Prompt 2:Can you think of examples in Scripture or modern ministry where gifts were used without grace?

Phrase 2: Works vs. Heart (Matthew 7:22–23)

• Those who appeal to works are told, “I never knew you.” They were never Christ’s sheep (John 10:14).

  
  

Cross Reference: 1 John 4:7–8

Discussion Prompt 3:How do we guard against measuring spiritual life by visible works instead of heart transformation?

Phrase 3: Counterfeit Empowerments

• Not all spiritual power comes from God; Satan can mimic signs and wonders (2 Cor. 11:14; 2 Thess. 2:9–10).

• False prophets may appear powerful but are ultimately wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15; 2 Pet. 2:1).

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Discussion Prompt 4:Why might miracles or powerful spiritual experiences be misleading if the heart is unregenerate?

Phrase 4: False Believers in the Church

• Paul warned of infiltrators who know the language, sing the songs, and may even preach the gospel, yet lack saving faith (Gal. 2:4).

• True test: not gifts or appearances, but fruit and obedience (Matt. 7:16–20; 1 John 2:19).

Discussion Prompt 5:How can we discern true faith in ourselves and others?

4. Theological Integration (3–4 min)

• Salvation is by Christ alone, through grace alone, received by faith alone.

• Spirit-led regeneration unites us to Christ, producing lasting fruit.

• Scripture consistently emphasizes that outward gifts without inward grace are insufficient (Eph. 1:13–14; Gal. 5:22–23; 1 Cor. 13:1–2).

Cross References: Eph. 2:8–9; Titus 3:5; 1 Cor. 13:1–2; Gal. 5:22–23

Discussion Prompt 6:How does understanding grace over gifts change the way we live and serve?

5. Gospel Application & Conclusion

Redemptive history connection / fulfillment in Christ:

• Christ’s work secures our salvation; no gifts, signs, or miracles can save. The Spirit produces fruit that proves new life in Him.

Conclusion:

Examine your heart: Are you bearing the fruit of the Spirit? Salvation comes only through Christ by grace through faith. Repent, believe, and walk in Him—this is true life and true fruit.