Abraham had received God's promise of posterity. When fulfilment was delayed he watered-down God's word and trouble followed. He had rationalised his belief into disbelief.

Use of religious titles is no guarantee of true uprightness in the eyes of God. Not every one who addresses Christ by his faith-name, 'Lord', can be assured of partaking in God's reign. The use of religious language and ritual does not necessarily accomplish the new righteousness and measure up to the moral requirements of the kingdom. Jesus contrasts the person who responds to His teaching with the one who does not. One who fulfils His word is like a man who built his house in a secure place. In the moment of crisis he can withstand all assaults and temptations because he has made the teaching of Christ the firm basis of his moral life.