Sermon 033097

1Co. 9:26-27                             Exercising Self Examination                                         3/30/97

                                                                                                                             ABCC

I.    Introduction & Review                                                                                                     566

     A. Every Christian has God-given liberties/rights (ch. 8)

     B. Christian liberties/rights should never cause a hindrance to gospel (9:12)

     C. Paul removed hindrance to the gospel by exercising self denial (v. 1-23)

     D. Paul removed hindrance to the gospel by exercising self control (v. 24-27)

     E. Paul removed hindrance to the gospel by exercising self examination (v. 27b)

II.  Exercising Self Examination

     A. Consider the possibility that your labor might be in vain (v. 27b) - “lest possibly”

·        Because Christ said that “many” will be self-deceived (Mt. 7:13, 22)

·        Because we know that the devil is a master of deception (Gen. 3:13; Jn. 8:44; Rev. 12:9)

·        Because we know that our discernment & judgments are not perfect (1Co. 4:1-5)

·        Because we are commanded by scripture to examine ourselves (2Co. 13:5)

     B. Consider the possibility of life-long deception (Mt. 7:22) - “on that day”

     C. Consider the danger & consequences of dying in deception (Jn. 8:21; Mt. 7:23)

     D. Consider the means/methods of this deception (Mt. 7:21-22)

·        A right profession alone is no guarantee of true conversion (Mt. 7:21) - “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven” [You made a profession w/friend or before church, prayed sinner’s prayer….]

Exercising Self Examination, pg. 2

·        Biblical actions alone are no guarantee of true conversion - “..prophesy…cast out…perform…”

[Effectiveness in ministry - teaching, preaching, counseling, singing, miracles resulting from your prayer, deeds of mercy & sacrifice, giving, regular attendance, quiet time, family devotions,…]

·        Holding to right doctrine alone is no guarantee of true conversion (2Co. 3:6)

The people in Mt. 7:22 had lived a life of deception.  They had all the assurance of salvation that someone had given to them & obviously were confident themselves that they were saved; confident enough to contend with Christ at the day of judgment.  They had lived a life of right doctrine, right professions & right actions & deeds - but the outcome is that they were going to spend eternity away from Christ in eternal punishment!!!  HOW CAN WE AVOID THIS GREAT & TRAGIC DECEPTION IN OUR OWN LIVES?

·        (v. 23) “KNEW” The only guarantee of true conversion is a relationship with Christ

Are in contact with Jesus Christ?  Do you know Christ personally (Ph. 3:10) - His glorious & wonderful person, power, fellowship, conformity?  Jesus said come to Me…(Mt. 11:28).  Have you genuinely come to Christ or just to church attendance, singing, giving financially & other biblical works?  If none of your good works survive the Judgment, will you still be saved?  Can you say with the Psalmist (Ps. 73:25)?  Is there any genuine indication of eternal life in your soul (2Co. 5:17) - a NEW Father, King, Spirit, love, desires, affections, plans, thinking, attitude, perspectives, priorities, songs, home, family, friends, etc.  Do you now love Jesus Christ & the word of God, other believers, holiness, etc.?  God Himself must give you this blessed assurance my brother/sister (Rom. 8:16)!