Paul tells the Corinthians to examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith, and Jesus warns in Matthew that many who prophesied and cast out demons in His name will still be told, “Depart from me… I never knew you.” ICC’s sermon holds these two texts together: covenant relationship with God is not proven by religious activity or claimed spiritual experiences, but by a life that is truly known by Him.
The sermon frames this “knowing” as covenantal rather than merely informational – a relational, faithful knowing that shows itself in obedience and fruit. Those who are truly in covenant with God are known by Him and, in turn, know and love Him back, bearing the fruit that marks a real relationship rather than an assumed one.