IS HEAVEN YOUR GOAL?

INTRO:

1. Paul had a goal that he was striving to obtain. Phil. 3:12-16.

2. We sing about heaven and how we are striving to go there.

3. Paul tells us that we are citizens of heaven. Phil. 3:20,21.

4. Jesus tells us about obtaining that goal. Matt. 7:21-23.

5. If we expect to reach that desired goal, there are some questions that we must ask ourselves.

A. These questions must be answered in the affirmative by each of us.

I. HAVE I OBEYED THE GOSPEL?

A. I must do the Father's will. Matt. 7:21.

B. I must answer the call of the gospel. Jno. 6:44,45; 2 Thes. 2:14.

C. The gospel is God's power to save. Rom. 1:16,17.

D. The gospel is represented in the form of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Rom. 6:1-5,17,18; 1 Cor. 15:1-4.

E. Obedience to this form of doctrine is accomplished by faith, repentance, confession and baptism. Jno. 1:12; Acts 17:30; 8:37; 2:38.

F. Note the outcome of those who do not obey the gospel. 2 Thes. 1:7-9.

II. ARE MY AFFECTIONS SET ON THINGS ABOVE?

A. This is required. Col. 3:1,2.

B. Treasures are to be layed up above. Matt. 6:19-21.

C. The world is not to be loved. 1 Jno. 2:15-17.

D. We are not even to be friends of the world. Jas. 4:4.

E. There is certainly not to be any fellowship had with the unfruitful works of darkness Eph. 5:8-14.

III. AM I GROWING IN CHRIST?

A. We are instructed to grow. 1 Pet. 2:1,2; Heb. 5:12-6:2.

B. Grow in both grace and knowledge. 2 Pet. 3:18.

C. Make the right additions to our lives. 2 Pet. 1:5-11.

D. Always abounding in every good work. 1 Cor. 15:58.

E. Our love should abound even more and more. Phil. 1:9-11.

F. Our conduct should be worthy of the gospel. Phil. 1:27.

IV. AM I PROVING MYSELF FAITHFUL?

A. I must not forsake assembling with the saints. Heb. 10:23-29.

B. I must not grow weary in well doing. Gal. 6:6-10.

C. I must run the race with patience if I hope to win. 1 Cor. 9:24-27; Heb. 12:1,2.

D. I must stand fast in the Lord. Phil. 4:1; Eph. 6:10-18.

E. I must be faith unto death. Matt. 24:13; Rev. 2:10.

V. AM I ENDEAVORING TO LEAD OTHERS TO CHRIST?

A. Such is a wise thing. Dan. 12:3.

B. The apostles are our examples. Jno. 1:40-46.

C. Our songs teach it: "Will you not tell it today?" "Must I go and empty handed?"

VI. AM I PUTTING CHRIST FIRST IN MY LIFE?

A. Note Matt. 6:33.

B. God requires the first fruits. Prov. 3:9. Not the leftovers.

C. We read of those who first gave themselves unto the Lord. 2 Cor. 8:1-7.

CONCLUSION:

1. Have you been able to answer all of these questions in the affirmative without any hesitation?

2. If so, you are on your way to heaven.

3. If not, you are treading on dangerous ground.

4. Why not rectify whatever is lacking in your life today and set heaven as your goal?

By Jim Sasser

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