"The Christian's Pre-Inspection Checklist"

2 Corinthians 13:1-14 (NASB)

Note: Although this sermon is has a lot of Greek mixed in it, I do not go through every word during my sermon.  These Greek references are only that, references for me to use if it strengthens the message.  Plus it is helpful if someone has questions about what I said after the sermon.
 

Introduction: In the world in which we live, from manufacturing - to business - to government agencies, at every level we have guidelines which are designed to ensure a quality product, the safety of employees and even job performance. And since there are guidelines, there has to be a method which allows for these things to be tested to see if they measure up to the standards that have been set. The way that we do this is by having inspections from time-to-time. So in order to ensure that we will pass these inspections there has to be a means by which we can make sure that we are living up to these standards. We do this by what is called a Self-Inspection. Many companies, businesses and government jobs have self-inspection checklists so that their employees can do a self-examination of their work place to see if their workplace measures up to these standards and to identify the areas that falls short of meeting the standards so that they can be improved. In our text today, the apostle Paul in writing to the Corinthians encourages them to do a self-inspection to see if they themselves are measuring up to God's standards for Christian living.

I. The Notice Of The Coming Inspection (vv.1-2).
1. Paul assures the Corinthians that the inspection will be done and will be handled properly (v.1).

A. "This is the third time I am coming [erchomai {er'-khom-ahee: v, indic, pres, mid/pass, dep, 1 per, sg}; to come, to appear, arrive, to make one's appearance] to you. Every [pas {pas: adj, nom, neut, sg}; each, every, all, the whole] fact[rhema {hray'-mah: n, nom, neut, sg}; a saying, utterance, what is said, teachings, doctrine, a matter of dispute] is to be confirmed[istemi {his'-tay-mee: v, indic, fut, pass, 3 per, sg}; to stand, establish, one who not hesitate or waiver]by the testimony [stoma {stom'-a: n, gen, neut, sg}; the mouth, testimony, used here of the verbal utterance from the mouth] of two or three witnesses [martus {mar'-toos: n, gen, m, pl}; a witness, one who is a spectator of anything, a witness to ascertainable facts]."

B. Paul first assures the Corinthians of his plans to visit them (v.1a).

- The word, "coming" is in the Indicative Mood: implying the certainty and reality of his plans to visit them.

C. Along with this visit, he would conduct an investigation into the problems that the church was having with the false apostles, factions, etc. and that this would be handled according to God's Word and not by any other standard (v.1b).

Application: Very seldom do problems in a church clear-up by themselves and as Christians and church members we need to realize that it doesn't do any good to ignore them in hopes that they will disappear. This is why it is important to address them when they do appear. And it is just as important that when we do have to handle these situations, that we do it according to God's Word and nothing else. If we try to handle problems in any other way than God's way then we will probably not solve the problem, but only make it worse.
    First, we must be sure of our own motives and attitudes according to Galatians 6:1-5, "Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore[katartizo {kat-ar-tid'-zo: v, imper, pres, act, 2 per, pl (command: do it now and keep doing it!)} to render fit, to mend or repair to make useful again, restore]such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one shall bear his own load." (NASB).
    Second, apply Matthew 18:15-17 and go to the individual first before we go to others, "And if your brother sins, go and reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax gatherer." (NASB).
    Third, if the matter is dealing with a pastor/elder also apply 1 Timothy 5:19-20, "Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also may be fearful of sinning." (NASB).
    This is God's Way, and Paul's way. And it should be our way too! Any other way only falls short of God's standards and will lead us in directions that we need not be going.

2. Paul assures the Corinthians that no favoritism will be shown during the inspection (v.2).

A. "I have previously said [proeipon {pro-i'-pon: v, indic, perf, act, 1 per, sg}; told before, told in advance, forewarned, to what was said previously, have mentioned previously, already said] when present the second time, and though now absent I say in advance [prolego {prol-eg'-o: v, indic, pres, act, 1 per, sg}; to day beforehand, tell before, announce, forewarn] to those who have sinned in the past [proamartano {pro-am-ar-tan'-o: v, part, perf, act, dat, m, pl}; to sin before, have sinned in the past] and to all [pas {pas: adj, dat, neut, sg}; each, every, all, the whole] the rest [loipoy {loy-poy': adj, pron, dat, m, pl}; others, the rest] as well, that if I come again, I will not [ou {oo: part, neg}; no, not, an absolute negative] spare [pheidomai {fi'-dom-ahee: v, indic, fut, mid, dep, 1 per, sg}; to spare, refrain from, avoid doing something] anyone,"

B. Paul pre-warns them in advance that when he comes that he will identify those who are still continuing to ignore God's Word and are still sinning and causing the problems in the church (v.2a).

1) "I have previously said," is in the Perfect Tense and Indicative mood thus indicating the certainty and reality of Paul's past warning with a view to taking care of the problem in the future.

2) "I say in advance," again Paul stresses the certainty and reality of his intentions by using the Indicative Mood.
 

C. Plus Paul adds that if anyone else has become a problem, that he will deal equally with them also.

- "spare anyone," is in the Indicative Mood: implying the certainty and reality of his plans to not to spare anyone who has become a problem due to their sins.

Application: Paul wasn't willing to ignore problems in the church at Corinth because of friendships and neither does God, Romans 2:11, "For God does not show favoritism." (NIV). So often in local churches we get into the "good-old-boy" syndrome, that is we ignore those who are living in sin or causing problems in our church because of their family connections, their leadership position in the church or community, or because of their financial support. But this ought not to be! If our church is truly God's church then we need to be obedient to God's instruction manual, the Bible. And if our desire is to see our brothers and sisters in the Lord grow in maturity then the only way we can to that is by following God's Word. Not to do so is like being a parent who says that they love their children, but they are not willing to put the time and effort into raising them, and they just them run wild. Before long it's the children who are running the house and not the parents. This is the problem with many churches today, they have baby Christians running the church. Just as the Corinthians could be assured of Paul's plan to visit them, Christians can be assured that we will all someday stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ to give an account of both the good and bad things that we have done to receive or loose rewards from Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:10, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (NIV).
 

II. The Qualifications Of The Inspector (vv.3-4).
1. The proof of Paul's qualifications was found in the fruit of his ministry (v.3).

A. "since [epei {ep-i': conj, subord}; since, seeing that, because] you are seeking [zeteo {dzay-teh'-o: v, indic, pres, act, 2 per, pl}; to seek in order to find, demand something from someone] for proof [dokime {dok-ee-may': n, acc, f, sg}; proving, trial, proof of genuineness, evidence] of the Christ who speaks [laleo {lal-eh'-o: v, part, pres, act, gen, m, sg}; speak, say, talk, preach, proclaim, tell] in [en {en: prep, dat}; in, by with] me, and who is not [ou {oo: part, neg}; no, not, an absolute negative] weak [astheneo {as-then-eh'-o: v, indic, pres, act, 3 per, sg}; to weak, incapable, of incapability of any kind] toward you [umas {hoo-mas': n, pron, acc, 2 per, pl}; you, for your sakes], but mighty [dunateo {doo-nat-eh'-o: v, indic, pres, act, 3 per, sg}; to be powerful or mighty, show one's self powerful, to be able, be strong] in [en {en: prep, dat}; in, by with] you [umin {hoo-min': n, pron, dat, 2 per, pl}; you, ye]."

B. The Corinthians seemed to have been from Missouri because they wanted Paul to "show me" the proof of his apostleship and divine authority.

1) "are seeking," is in the Indicative Mood which implies the certainty and reality of their attitudes and in the Present Tense showing that the Corinthians actions and attitudes of seeking proof of Paul's authority was continuous action.

2) J. Vernon McGee: "Paul had come to them in weakness but the Word of God was mighty and had transformed them in this sin sick city."

2. The proof of Paul's qualifications would be demonstrated upon his arrival at Corinth (v.4).

A. "For indeed He was crucified [stauroo {stow-ro'-o: v, indic, aor, pass, 3 per, sg}; to crucify] because of  [ek {ek: prep, gen}; out of, from, by] weakness [astheneia {as-then'-i-ah: n, gen, f, sg}; weakness, to bear trials and troubles, as a state of incapacity], yet [alla {al-lah': conj, superord}; but, nevertheless, notwithstanding, yet] He lives [zao {dzah'-o: v, indic, pres, act, 3 per, sg}; to live, breathe, to live for] because of the power [dunamis {doo'-nam-is: n, gen, f, sg}; strength, power, ability, supernatural power] of God. For we also are weak[astheneo {as-then-eh'-o: v, indic, pres, act, 1 per, pl}; to be weak, feeble, to be without strength, powerless] in [en {en: prep, dat}; in, by with] Him, yet we shall live [zao {dzah'-o: v, indic, fut, act, 1 per, pl}; to live, breathe, to live for]with Him because [ek {ek: prep, gen}; out of, from, by] of the power [dunamis {doo'-nam-is: n, gen, f, sg}; strength, power, ability, supernatural power] of God directed toward [eis {ice: prep, acc}; toward, unto, into, for] you."

B. The paradox of weakness and power in Christ was that He followed the course of weakness to the cross, but displayed the power of God through His resurrection and in His living today.

C. Likewise, though Paul was weak, Jesus Christ whom he served wasn't and it was in Christ's power and authority that Paul would deal with those who were causing problems in Corinth.

Application: We must always keep in mind that God's ways are not our ways, and often whom God chooses to do his work is often someone we wouldn't. Many of the Corinthians didn't think that Paul had what it took to be a "man of God" because he didn't measure up to their worldly standard. But they overlooked Paul's qualifications, God chose him! And God used him in a mighty way because Paul was weak so that he had to rely upon God's strength. We are reminded in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, "but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised, God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, that no man should boast before God." (NASB). So let's never discount someone just because they don't "look" like someone that we think that God would use. Also we need to realize that no one can minister effectively if we are continually questioning their authority in leadership because all their time is taken up just in defending themselves.
 

III. The Pre-Inspection Checklist (vv.5-14).
1. First, make sure that your faith is real (vv.5-6).

A. Vs.5 - "Test [peirazo {pi-rad'-zo: v, imper, pres, act, 2 per, pl}; to put to the test, examine, try, prove (command: do it now and keep doing it!)] yourselves to see if [ei {ei: part, interrog}; if, whether] you are in [en {en: prep, dat}; in, by with] the faith [pistis {pis'-tis: n, dat, f, sg}; persuasion, credence, conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of  God or a religious teacher), reliance upon Christ for salvation, assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity]; examine [dokimazo {dok-im-ad'-zo: v, imper, pres, act, 2 per, pl}; to test, examine, prove, scrutinize to see whether a thing is genuine or not, discern; i.e., the result of testing] yourselves! Or do you not[ou {oo: part, neg}; no, not, an absolute negative] recognize [epiginosko {ep-ig-in-oce'-ko: v, indic, pres, act, 2 per, pl}; to become thoroughly acquainted with, to know thoroughly, acknowledge, perceive, ascertain] this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in [en {en: prep, dat}; in, by with]  you-- unless indeed [ei me ti {i may tee: conj, subord & part, interrog}; unless indeed, except, unless perhaps] you fail the test [adokimos {ad-ok'-ee-mos: adj, nom, m, pl}; unapproved, disqualified, fail the test, of proven inability to do good, unfit, worthless; i.e., disapproved on trial ]?"

1) There are two possible meanings to these verses:

A) The first is related to Salvation/Positional truth (BKC): "were they really Christians or not?"

(1) Warren Wiersbe gives this check list to verify one's salvation.

(A) Do you have the witness of the Holy Spirit in your heart? (Rom.8:9, 16).

(B) Do you love the brethren ? (1 John 3:14).

(C) Do you practice righteousness? (1 John 2:29; 3:9).

(D) Have you overcome the world so that you are living a life of godly separation? (1 John 5:4).

(E) I would add:

- Has there been a 180 degree change in your life and desires as compared to your old life? (2 Cor.5:17).
- Do you obey God's Word? (1 John 2:3-5; Matt.7:24-27; James 1:22; Rom.2:13; John 14:15).
- Are you serving the Lord? (James 2:14-26).

(F) While we are not saved by what we do or how we behave, the Bible tells us that what's on the inside will show on the outside (James 2:26).

(2) If they failed the test then it would indicate that they were not believers and thus blind to God's ways and God's leaders.

(3) If they passed the test, that they were genuinely saved, then they must realize that Paul was genuine.

- Their salvation is proof of his apostleship since he was their "spiritual father" (i.e., the one who led them to Christ).

B) The second is related to Sanctification/Experiencial truth (BKC): "did they demonstrate that they were in the faith and that Christ was in them by their obeying His will?"

- If they failed the test, then they were "back-slidden" and needed to get right with God by obeying God's Word and correcting their misbehavior.

B. Vs.6- "But I trust [elpizo {el-pid'-zo: v, indic, pres, act, 1 per, sg}; to hope, trust, things hoped for]that you will realize [ginosko {ghin-oce'-ko: v, indic, fut, mid, dep, 2 per, pl}; to learn to know, come to know, understand, ascertain] that we ourselves do not [ou {oo: part, neg}; no, not, an absolute negative] fail the test [adokimos {ad-ok'-ee-mos: adj, nom, m, pl}; unapproved, disqualified, fail the test, of proven inability to do good, unfit, worthless; i.e., disapproved on trial ]."
 

1) Paul tells them that if they concluded that they were genuinely saved, then they had to admit that their lives had been transformed because of Paul's ministry to them and not by the false apostles.

2) Paul's life, actions, and words all passed the test of faith.

Application: The test of faith wasn't for the purpose causing confusion or doubt in a persons life, but rather it was a call for personal honesty. Warren Wiersbe stated, "I have noticed in my ministry that those who are quick to examine and condemn others are often guilty of worse sins themselves. In fact, one way to make yourself look better is to condemn somebody else....No doubt many of the problems in the church at Corinth were caused by people who professed to be saved, but who had never repented and trusted Jesus Christ. Our churches are filled with such people today." If our faith is not real, then there is nothing else we can do on this checklist that would be beneficial. Without salvation, then we are only religious people doing religious "things" that have no real lasting value other than making us feel good about ourselves. Without salvation, you are free to ignore God's Word and to follow after anyone you wish and any teaching that you want from the smorgasbord of religions. But if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior then you are no longer your own, but you have been bought from the slave market of sin and must now serve a new Master. And if we are truly saved then we must be honest about our relationship with our Master and live according to His desires and not our own. 1 Corinthians 6:20, "For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." (NASB).  1 Corinthians 7:23, "You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men." (NASB)

2. Second, base your evaluation upon the truth of God's Word (vv.7-8).

A. Vs.7- "Now we pray [euchomai {yoo'-khom-ahee: v, indic, pres, mid/pass, dep, 1 per, pl}; to pray to God, to pray]to God that you do no [me {may: part, neg}; no, not, none] wrong[kakos {kak-os': adj, pron, acc, neut, sg}; of a bad nature, not such as it ought to be, bad, evil, wicked]; not[ou {oo: part, neg}; no, not, an absolute negative] that we ourselves may appear  [phaino {fah'-ee-no: v, subj, aor, pass, 1 per, pl}; to bring forth into the light, shed light, appear, be seen] approved [dokimos {dok'-ee-mos: adj, nom, m, pl}; accepted, pleasing, acceptable, reliable, as a qualification that results from trial and examination], but that you may do what is right [kalos {kal-os': adj, pron, acc, neut, sg}; good, honest, praiseworthy, genuine], even though we should appear unapproved [adokimos {ad-ok'-ee-mos: adj, nom, m, pl}; not standing the test, not approved, that which does not prove itself such as it ought, unfit for, of proven inability to do good, untrustworthy]."

B. Vs.8 - "For we can do nothing [ou {oo: part, neg}; no, not, nothing, an absolute negative] against the truth [aletheia {al-ay'-thi-a: n, gen, f, sg}; objectively, truth, reality, what is true in things appertaining to God and the duties of man, moral and religious truth], but only for the truth [aletheia {al-ay'-thi-a: n, gen, f, sg}; objectively, truth, reality, what is true in things appertaining to God and the duties of man, moral and religious truth]."

1) Paul prayed that the Corinthians would cease from doing wrong, not for his sake, but because it was right and honest according to God's Word (v.7).

2) Paul had to do what was right according to the truth of God's Word (v.8).

A) This means that he couldn't let selfish desires or personal relationships get in the way.

B) Everything we do, especially when dealing with sin in the church has to be according to God's Word for the glory of God and the good of our fellow Christians.

Application: As I have stated before, what gets us into trouble as Christians is when we depart from God's Word and replace it with the "I think's" and "I feel's" of our flesh. When we do this, in essence we are saying to God, "I am wiser than you!" "I know more than you do!" Proverbs 14:16, "A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, But a fool is arrogant and careless." (NASB). When it comes to solving problems in our own lives and the problems within the church the wise Christian stands upon the truth of God's Word. Psalm 119:101-105, "I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Thy word. I have not turned aside from Thine ordinances, For Thou Thyself hast taught me. How sweet are Thy words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! From Thy precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp to my feet, And a light to my path." (NASB)

3. Third, do right in the sight of God (vv.9-10).

A. Vs.9- "For we rejoice [chairo {khah'-ee-ro: v, indic, pres, act, 1 per, pl}; to rejoice, be glad, be delighted, be happy] when we ourselves are weak [astheneo {as-then-eh'-o: v, subj, pres, act, 1 per, pl}; to be weak, feeble, to be without strength, powerless] but you are strong[dunatos {doo-nat-os': adj, nom, m, pl}; able, strong, powerful, mighty]; this we also pray [euchomai {yoo'-khom-ahee: v, indic, pres, mid/pass, dep, 1 per, pl}; to pray to God, to pray]  for, that you be made complete [katartisis {kat-ar'- tis-is: n, acc, f, sg}; perfection, qualification, maturity, denoting ability gained through training, disciplining and instructing]."

1) Paul was willing to put God's desires above himself.

2) This is why he was willing to face weakness, humiliation and reproach so that the Corinthians could be made complete (mature, grow) in their faith.

B. Vs.10 - "For this reason I am writing [grapho {graf'-o: v, indic, pres, act, 1 per, sg}; to write, with reference to the contents of the writing, record] these things while absent [apeimi {ap'-i-mee: v, part, pres, act nom, m, 1 per, sg}; be absent or away], in order that [ina me {hin'-ah may: conj, subord & part, neg}; lest, that not, that no, that nothing, so that not] when present [pareimi {par'-i-mee: v, part, pres, act, nom, m, 1 per, sg}; to be by, be at hand, to be present] I may not use severity[apotomos {ap-ot-om'-oce: adj, adv}; abruptly, sharply, severely, harshly], in accordance [kata {kat-ah': prep, acc}; according to, after, in] with the authority [exousia {ex-oo-see'-ah: n, acc, f, sg}; power, authority, right, jurisdiction] which the Lord gave [did'-o-mee: v, indic, aor, act, 3 per, sg}; to give, to supply, furnish, entrust, grant] me, for building up [oikodome {oy-kod-om-ay': n, acc, f, sg}; edifying, building up, edification]  and not [ou {oo: part, neg}; no, not, nothing, an absolute negative] for tearing down [kathairesis {kath-ah'-ee-res-is: n, acc, f, sg}; a pulling down, destruction, demolition, used here of causing to be less able or a weakening]."
 

1) Paul's desire was that the Corinthians would respond to his letter before he arrived at Corinth and had to deal harshly with those who refused to repent.

2) Paul's desire was to "build-them-up" spiritually into mature Christian adults and to do this they needed to obey God's Word, to seek to do right in the sight of the Lord.

Application: It's not always easy to do what's right. In fact, it seems easier to just go with the flow. Doing what's right doesn't always feel good to the "doer" or to the "doee." Paul didn't choose the easy way out, he chose to do what was right for the Corinthians because it was according to God's will that he do so. It's when we find ourselves trying to swim against the currents of this world that we will often find ourselves like Paul; weak, humiliated and criticized. It is during these times that we'll find our strength in Christ to do what is right, even if no one else is swimming a long side of us. We need to follow Peter's and the other apostles example in Acts 5:29 where they state, "...We must obey God rather than men." (NASB). Even if it means it will make us unpopular among those we are trying to ministry to.

4. Fourth, aim for these qualities in your life (vv.11-14).

A. Vs.11- "Finally [loipon {loy-pon': adj, adv}; remaining, hereafter, henceforth], brethren [adelphos {ad-el-fos': n, voc, m, pl}; from the same womb, brother, one of the same nation or nature, of equal rank and dignity, an associate], rejoice [chairo {khah'-ee-ro: v, imper, pres, act, 2 per, pl (command: do it now and keep doing it!)}; to rejoice, be glad, be delighted, be happy], be made complete [katartizo {kat-ar-tid'-zo: v, imper, pres, pass, 2 per, pl (command: do it now and keep doing it!)}; to render complete or sound, fully qualify, thoroughly equipped, to put in order or restore], be comforted [parakaleo {par-ak-al-eh'-o: v, imper, pres, pass, 2 per, pl (command: do it now and keep doing it!)}; to call to one's side, comfort, exhort, cheer up, encourage], be like-minded [phroneo {fron-eh'-o: v, imper, pres, act, 2 per, pl (command: do it now and keep doing it!)}; to have an opinion of one's self, to be of the same mind, agreed together, be harmonious, cherish the same views], live in peace [eireneuo {i-rane-yoo'-o: v, imper, pres, act, 2 per, pl (command: do it now and keep doing it!)}; to make peace, to cultivate or keep peace and harmony, live peaceably]; and the God of love [agape {ag-ah'-pay: n, gen, f, sg}; a deep deep love, affection or benevolence, charity, dear] and peace [eirene {i-ray'-nay: n, gen, f, sg}; a state of national tranquillity, peace, rest, quietness] shall be with you."

1) Be made Complete (mend your ways).

2) Be encouraged (in spite of your sins and problems).

3) Have the same mind of Christ.

4) Live in peace with one another.

B. Vs.12- "Greet [aspazomai {as-pad'-zom-ahee: v, imper, aor, mid, dep, 2 per, pl (command: do it now!)}; greet, welcome, express good wishes, pay respects] one another [allelon {al-lay'-lone: n, pron, acc, m, 2 per, pl}; one another, reciprocally, mutually] with[en {en: prep, dat}; in, by with] a holy [agios {hag'-ee-os: adj, dat, neut, sg}; a most holy thing, set apart to or by God] kiss [philema {fil'-ay-mah: n, dat, neut, sg}; a kiss, an expression of greeting or farewell, an expression of intimate fellowship within a community of believers]"

- Express mutual love towards other believers.

C. Vs.13-14 - "All [pas {pas: adj, gen, mt, pl}; each, every, all, the whole] the saints [agios {hag'-ee-os: adj, gen, neut, sg}; a saint, most holy thing, set apart to or by God] greet [aspazomai {as-pad'-zom-ahee: v, indic, pres, mid/pass, dep, 3 per, pl}; greet, welcome, express good wishes, pay respects]  you. The grace [charis {khar'-ece: n, nom, f, sg}; graciousness, gratitude, favor, joy liberality, pleasure, thanks] of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love [agape {ag-ah'-pay: n, nom, f, sg}; a deep deep love, affection or benevolence, charity, dear] of God, and the fellowship [koinonia {koy-nohn-ee'-ah: n, nom, f, sg}; fellowship, joint participation, as a relationship characterized by sharing in common fellowship, a close mutual relationship] of the Holy Spirit, be with you all."

- Enjoy God's full provision in your daily walk (through His grace, His love and His fellowship).

Application: It's been said that "if you don't aim at anything, then you'll hit nothing." I'm not going to stand up here and tell you that if you just read your Bibles everyday and come to church that you'll never have any problems or that you'll be able to check off everything on this checklist. But unless you try, unless you "aim" at it, you'll never have a peace in your heart. The Christian walk is long and hard, but you have a "compass," God's Word, that you keep you heading in the right direction towards "...the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Heb.11:10; NASB). Without aiming for these goals in our lives, we'll wander around without direction and purpose. Be assured that if you aim, God will help to hit His target, Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (KJV).
 

Truths From This Lesson.

1. Realize that we will all stand before the Great Inspector of Life, and give an account of our lives according to God's standards and not ours.

- 2 Corinthians 5:10, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (NIV).

3. Realize that when we set our sights upon God's way, you can't miss and you won't be disappointed.

4. And most importantly, make sure that your faith is real.

A. Take a long look in the mirror and be honest about what you see in your heart.

B. Make sure that you have put your trust and life into the Saviors hands.

1) John 3:16-18, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (NASB).

2) Romans 10:9-10, "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." (NASB)