Christ Is Our Instruction

Opening:

Story

During World War II, a young teenager tried to enlist in the navy. Only fifteen but large for his years, he told the recruiting officer in Richmond, Virginia, that he was sixteen. The officer looked at him and shook his head.

"Sorry, son, you're not old enough."

Two months later, he returned. The recruiter didn't seem to remember him, so this time he listed his age as seventeen. Again the answer was, "Sorry, you're not old enough."

He waited a few weeks and returned again. This time, in reply to the recruiter's question, he said he was eighteen. The man looked at the teenager and smiled. "Young man," he said, "we would really like to have you in our navy. The only trouble is, you're aging so fast that I'm afraid we'd have to put you on pension before the war was over."

Recap/ Intro

Entry level faith

Wouldn’t it be great for believers to have that type of maturing faith

Last week- Christ is our substance

we must mature in our walks

We can stay on the milk forever

likewise, we must dive into deeper doctrine

Lets leave elementary school

3 Warnings We see to christians here

Be Serious (vv. 1–8)

Childish (vv. 1, 2)

“Let us go on to perfection.” Note the words of Jesus in Matthew 4:19.

Consecration (v. 3).

Let’s go on to deeper things. Let’s grow and mature in the Lord.

Careless (vv. 4–6).

Note the experiences of Christians:

Knew the truth.

Partakers of the Holy Ghost.

Tasted the good Word of God.

Had the hope of heaven.

Compensation (vv. 7, 8)

If Christians don’t produce fruit they are of no value (cf. John 15:1–6).

Be Steadfast (vv. 9–12)

Persuasion (v. 9).

These people would be dedicated to the Lord.

Promise (v. 10).

God remembers our work (Mal. 3:16). What we sow we will reap (Gal. 6:7–9). If we are faithful He will reward us.

Prayer (vv. 11, 12).

Diligence (v. 11).

“We want each one of you to keep on working to the end. Then what you hope for, will happen” (NLT).

Dedication (v. 12).

Don’t give up. Don’t quit. Be faithful (Rev. 2:10; Matt. 24:13).

Be Stable (vv. 13–20)

Promise (vv. 13, 14).

God’s promise to Abraham was fulfilled. God always keep His promises (see Num. 23:19).

Patience (v. 15).

Abraham wanted a son. God does answer our prayers, but in His way and in His time. Be patient. Note the words of James 5:17: “He prayed again.”

Personal (v. 16).

God backs up His promises with His name. His name is above all names.

Power (vv. 17, 18).

Note two things: He keeps His promise, and He cannot lie. Note John 1:14, “The Word was made flesh … full of grace and truth.”

Closing:

Thought

Prayer