Sermon Tone Analysis

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)!