Paul Cautions us to test the Spirit!

2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?

Listed below are two types of test, one for those on the "broad-way" as defined by Jesus and the other for those who enter through the narrow gate. The Holy Scriptures are the standard for determining who will receive eternal life, not church dogma or denominational doctrine. Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. 14"For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it.

.I would submit to you that the sign over both gates read

"THIS WAY TO HEAVEN AND ETERNAL LIFE."

Luke 13:23-24 And someone said to Him, "Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?" And He said to them, (24) "Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

Jesus, follows the statement in (7:13-14) with a warning about false prophets, who would lead us astray. Matthew 7:15 "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. He made reference to many of the religious leaders of His day in this manner, but the warning is especially for us, our day and some of the religious leaders of today. Anyone who would conflict with the clear teaching of Scripture about salvation is a false prophet. ***(See the bible study about doctrines of demons).

Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. 22"Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' 23"And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'

Perhaps the worst words that a person could ever hear are these. This is especially true for the devout person who has been led astray following another Jesus, another doctrine other than Holy Scripture.

(1) In the above passage what did the religious person call Jesus? ______ _______.

(2) What is the requirement to be known by Jesus? Those who do the _________ of the Father.

John 5:24

"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.

John 8:51

I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death."

John 14:23

Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

(1) According to Jesus' words in these passages, what is important to eternal life (knowing Him), belief and obedience to church doctrine or belief, acceptance and obedience to the written Word of God? ____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________.

The question to be asked is do you know Him? __________________________________.

The test for knowing Jesus as used by those on the "Broadway".

TEST 1. I CAN BE SURE I KNOW HIM BECAUSE I HANG WITH THE CROWD THAT CLAIMS TO KNOW HIM.

Mat 7:13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

(1) Can you claim to know Jesus because you are going the way that most of the crowd, who call themselves "Christians", are going? ____________________

TEST 2. I CAN BE SURE THAT I KNOW HIM BECAUSE I FOLLOW A PERSON WHOM I RECOGNIZE AS A GODLY MAN.

Matthew 7:15 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.

(1) Can you know the followers of Jesus by their appearances?

________________________________________________________

TEST 3. THIS PERSON WHO TEACHES ME MUST BE A GODLY MAN BECAUSE HE USES THE NAME OF JESUS ALL THE TIME.

Matthew 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

(1) I can know that I know Him because I speak in tongues and name the name of Jesus? ____________ true __________false.

TEST 4. I KNOW THAT I KNOW HIM BECAUSE SIGNS AND WONDERS ARE A REGULAR PART OF OUR WORSHIP SERVICE.

Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Matthew 7:23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

(1) I can know that I know Him because of the Miracles and powerful prayers that I have performed in His Name. _______

TEST 5. I KNOW THAT I KNOW HIM BECAUSE EVERY SERVICE I SIT UNDER THE TEACHING OF AN ENERGETIC PREACHER WHO CAN MAKE THE FIRE FALL.

Matthew 7:26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.

(1) I go to a great church where the Spirit of God is felt, and I praise Him, and lift my hands. Isn't that enough to say that I know Him? _____________________

IN FACT JOHN CAUTIONS US TO EVEN TEST THAT SPIRIT AND SEE IF IT IS THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD.

1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

(1) What would be the only standard by which we can test the spirit? _________________ ___________________________________________.

TEST 6. I CAN SAY THAT I KNOW JESUS BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE FACTS AND BIBLE VERSES THAT I CAN RECITE, AND THE SONGS THAT I CAN SING ABOUT HIM.

Ephesians 4:20-24 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. [21] Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. [22] You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 5:1-2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

(1) I do not need more than a nodding acquaintance with Jesus to say that I know Him _________true ___________false

TEST 7. JESUS WILL KNOW ME BECAUSE OF MY AFFILIATIONS AND THE COMPANY I KEEP.

MATTHEW 25:14,19,24-30 [14] "Again, it [the kingdom of heaven] will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them.

[19] "After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.

[24] "Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. [25] So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.' [26] "His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? [27] Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. [28] "'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. [29] For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. [30] And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

(1) Were not all of these men called servants whom He trusted. God knows that I hang out with Christian company. He know me by the company I keep, but does He say "I know you," just by the company I keep? ___________.

TEST 8. GOD LOVES THE WHOLE OF THE CREATION AND WOULD NEVER DESTROY THE GOOD THAT HE CREATED. SINCE HE KNOWS ME, I ASSUME THAT KNOW HIM.

John 1:10-13 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. [11] He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. [12] Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- [13] children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

(1) We can say that we know him because He created all men and as His creation He would naturally love me, regardless of any effort on my part. _______true _____false

TEST 9. GOD WILL JUDGE ME BY MY GOOD WORKS, WHICH I DO BECAUSE I KNOW HIM, AND THROUGH MY HUMAN EFFORT HE WILL APPRECIATE ME.

John 3:3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." John 3:5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.

(1) To enter Heaven (that is to know Jesus) a man (water born) must be _________ of the ___________, this is from Jesus and has nothing to do with my own efforts.

TEST 10. GOD WILL APPRECIATE MY FERVENT RELIGIOUS EFFORTS AND BY THAT HE WILL KNOW ME.

Philippians 3:3-9 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh-- [4] though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: [5] circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; [6] as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. [7] But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [8] What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

(1) Can my ardent religious efforts help me to know Him? ___

(2) Did Paul's religious standing, affiliation, religious zeal, or self righteousness enable him to know Jesus? ____

(3) In fact , Paul considered his religious efforts _____________________.

I suppose the most unendurable words that could ever be spoken to me would be those of Jesus saying Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' [23] Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

Matthew 25:1-4 "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. [2] Five of them were foolish and five were wise. [3] The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. [4] The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.

Matthew 25:11-12 "Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!' [12] "But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'

Luke 13:25-27 Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' "But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.' [26] "Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' [27] "But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!'

WHAT ARE THE TESTS FOR THOSE WHO TAKE THE "NARROW WAY" AND HOW CAN I BE SURE THAT I "KNOW HIM?"

THE WORD OF GOD NEVER LEAVES US WITHOUT HOPE. BELOW ARE THE TESTS FOR THOSE ON THE NARROW WAY-THIS IS HOW I CAN BE REALLY SURE THAT I DO KNOW HIM:

PHILIPPIANS 3:7-10 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [8] What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. [10] I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

TEST 1. I CAN KNOW THAT I KNOW HIM BECAUSE OF THE MARKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS OF JESUS ALIVE IN ME, THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST.

Philippians 3:9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

(1) When I know Jesus I have a righteousness that comes through ______________ in ________________!

TEST 2. IS TO KNOW THAT THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST DWELLS IN OUR INNERMOST BEING.

COL 1:25-27 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness-- [26] the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. [27] To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

(1) What is our only hope of glory? __________________________________________

TEST 3. I KNOW THAT I KNOW HIM BECAUSE I FUNCTION IN A FELLOWSHIP, AND I AM MATURING IN CHRIST, BECOMING MORE LIKE JESUS EACH DAY.

Ephesians 4:11-14 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, (12) to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.[14] Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming..

(1) Why is there a fellowship and why am I a part of it? ____________________________

____________________________________________________________

(2) If I know Him I will function as part of, or I am being prepared by that body for _________ of ___________.

What constitutes a church or a fellowship. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst." In its most confined sense, this constitutes a church or fellowship. As a gathering matures it will begin to develop accountability to its members and other gatherings, as all together, in a larger sense, constitute the body of Christ.

TEST 4. I KNOW THAT I KNOW HIM IF I AM BEING TRANSFORMED IN MY WAY OF THINKING, DEVELOPING NEW ATTITUDES, DEAD TO MY OLD SELF AND BECOMING LIKE JESUS.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

(1) My mind is being _____________, so that I no longer think like the __________.

Ephesians 4:17-30 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. [18] They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. [19] Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. [20] You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. [21] Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. [22] You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. [25] Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. [26] "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, [27] and do not give the devil a foothold. [28] He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. [29] Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

(1) If you really know Him you will "put off your _______ _______, and "be made ______in the attitude of your minds;" [24] and "put on the _____ _______, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

(2) If these things are not happening in my life than I will have failed the test and ___________ the Holy Spirit of God.

TEST 5. I WILL BEGIN TO SUFFER AS HE SUFFERED.

Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

(1) Do you find yourself increasingly offended by the sin around you and weep for those who commit it, or do you simply put yourself above it and shrug it off with self righteous indignation. ________________.

Matthew 23:37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling.

(2) Do you find yourself more and more concerned about those who are about to step over the precipice into eternal torment? _____

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

(a) Or are you smug about your own salvation, unconcerned about the well being of others? _____.

Romans 2:2-4 And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. 3And do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment upon those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

(1) Do you find yourself becoming more "other centered" and less "self concerned"?_____ Are you able to identify with the sufferings of your fellow Christians? _________.

1 Cor. 12:25-26 that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. (26) And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

1 Cor. 13:6 [love] does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;

TEST 6. I AM WILLING TO DIE TO MY OLD SELF.

Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

(1) As Christ was willing to offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, are we willing, daily, to die to our old self and allow God to remake us into the image of His Son? ____________________

Romans 12:1-2 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

TEST 7. I am willing to do the will of the Father and live a changed life of righteousness and holiness.

MATTHEW 7:13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. MATTHEW 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Ephesians 4:17-24 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. [18] They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. [19] Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. [20] You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. [21] Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. [22] You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

(1) The new self lives in true "___________ and _________".

(2) Why does Paul say that some gentiles are separated from the life of God? Because of _____________ that is in them due to the _____________ of their ______________.

TEST 8. I KNOW THAT I KNOW JESUS, BECAUSE I AM NO LONGER AFRAID TO SPEAK TO OTHERS ABOUT HIM AND MY HOPE IN HIM.

LUKE 12:8 "I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. MAT 10:22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 1 JOHN 4:15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God.

(1) I pass the test of my knowing Him, and He knowing me, if I, willingly and readily, ________________ him before my peers.

TEST 9. BE A DOER OF THE WORD.

MATTHEW 7:21-24 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' [23] Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'[24] "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.1 JOHN 3:24 Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

(1) How can I know if He lives in Me and I in Him? I will be a ______________ of the Word and __________ His commands and His Spirit will ________in me.

TEST 10. CHRISTIANS ALLOW THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT TO BE PRODUCED THROUGH THEM. MAT 7:18-20 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. JOHN 15:1-10 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. [2] He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. [3] You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. [4] Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. [5] "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. [6] If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. [7] If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. [8] This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. [9] "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. [10] If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.

(1) One of the test for knowing Him is to bear _____________________.

Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

TEST 11. I KNOW THAT I KNOW HIM BECAUSE HE FRESHLY FILLS ME WITH THE SPIRIT EACH DAY. MAT 25:1-4 "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. [2] Five of them were foolish and five were wise. [3] The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. [4] The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.

A study of Holy Scripture will render "oil" as a picture of the Holy Spirit. All of the virgins mentioned here had some oil (metaphoric of the Holy Spirit).

(1) What made the five wise? _______ What made the five foolish? _________ of ______________

(2) As Christians do we need a daily in-filling of the Holy Spirit? _________

Ephesians. 6:10-11 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. 11Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

Ephesians 6:13-17 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14Stand firm therefore, having GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and having PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15and having shod your feet with the preparation OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16in addition to all, taking up THE SHIELD OF FAITH with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. 17And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, which is the word of God.

TEST 12. ARE YOU ANXIOUSLY AWAITING THE RETURN OF CHRIST?

MAT 24:25-46 See, I have told you ahead of time. [26] "So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. [27] For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. [28] Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. [29] "Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' [30] "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. [31] And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. [32] "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. [33] Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. [34] I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. [35] Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. [36] "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. [37] As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. [38] For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; [39] and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. [40] Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. [41] Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. [42] "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. [43] But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. [44] So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

[45] "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? [46] It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.

(1) Who then is the faithful and wise servant? _______________

JOHN 17:1-3 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. [2] For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. [3] Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

(1) WHO THEN HAS ETERNAL LIFE, ONLY THOSE WHO _________HIM.

MATTHEW 25:21 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

(1) To whom is our Lord saying "well done"? The good and faithful __________________.

MATTHEW 25:23 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

(1) Those who the master knows will share in our _________________________.

IF I KNOW JESUS, NOT JUST A NODDING ACQUAINTANCE WITH HIM BUT REALLY KNOW HIM, THEN I WILL BE AN OVER COMER. LOOK AT THE PROMISES OF JESUS TO THOSE THAT OVERCOME.

1 John 5:5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

1 John 5:4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

Rev 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

Rev 2:11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death

Rev 2:17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.

Rev 2:26 To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations--

Rev 3:5 He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.

Rev 3:12 Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.

Rev 3:21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Rev 21:7 and I will be his God and he will be my son. He who overcomes will inherit all this,

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please Email me at deans@interpath.com

Compiled from the teaching of Dr. Richard F. Gottier, author of the outstanding book, "Toward a Renewed Mind"

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