Introduction:

A. One might say that this lesson is impossible as we do not know what Judgment awaits others.  Really, is that so?

1. The word will be what judges us: John 12:48
2. We will be held accountable for our actions: John 5:28-29
3. We know that sins not repented of will cause one to perish: Luke 13:3
4. Matthew 7:20
5. I John 2:28-29

B. We know that those who do not obey the Gospel will not be in Heaven: II Thessalonians 1:8-9

1. What does it mean to obey the Gospel?
2. Does obedience to the Gospel end at baptism (II Timothy 4:6-8)?

C. Why is this subject important to discuss?

1. Sometimes we deceive ourselves into a false sense of security: II Timothy 3:13
2. We need to know if we are off course spiritually: Jeremiah 10:23-24
3. This lesson will not deal with those who never obeyed the Gospel, but those who have obeyed and need to question where they stand now!

I. You Will Not Find the “Not So Dedicated Christian” in Heaven

A. You will not find those who are full of excuses being excused into Heaven:

1. A few examples of common excuse prone sins:

a. Won’t find those that excuse themselves, by way of choice, from attending faithfully services of the local church: Hebrews 10:25
b. Won’t find those who excuse themselves from giving their lives to God: Matthew 10:39
c. Won’t find those who excuse themselves from loving their brethren: I John 3:14
d. Won’t find those who excuse themselves from accountability: Acts 17:30

2. Excuses are not new:

a. Genesis 3:12
b. Exodus 3:11
c. Exodus 3:13
d. Exodus 4:1
e. Exodus 4:10
f. Matthew 7:22-23
g. Luke 9:57-62
h. Luke 14:16-24

B. You will not find those who do nothing here for the Lord being rewarded for their lack of works:

1. Matthew 16:27
2. Romans 2:13
3. I Corinthians 3:8
4. Galatians 6:7-8
5. Colossians 3:24-25

C. You will not find those who are unwilling here to sacrifice rewarded by He who gave all:

1. How much did Jesus give?  II Corinthians 8:9
2. How much does Jesus expect?  Luke 14:33

II. You Will Not Find the “Unconcerned Christian” in Heaven

A. The old “I don’t care” attitude (indifference - apathy) is not well pleasing unto the Lord:

1. Haggai 1:2-11
2. Zephaniah 1:12 “are settled on their lees” means complacency
3. Ezekiel 33:30-33

B. Some dare the Lord and the saints:

1. Daring the Lord to judge: Psalms 78:52-66
2. Daring the saints to practice discipline: II Thessalonians 3:6

III. You Will Not Find the “I Was Once A Faithful Christian” in Heaven

A. The race we will run for the Lord is a life-long course without an earthly retirement:

1. Earlier looked at verse 27, now look at: Matthew 16:24-26
2. II Corinthians 5:9-10
3. Philippians 3:7-11

B. The good you did yesterday does not excuse you from today:

1. Consider Moses:

a. Moses did great things:  Hebrews 11:24-29
b. But, God did not overlook Moses’ sin because of what faith he showed in the past: Numbers 20:2-12; cf. Deuteronomy 34:4-5

2. Consider that the brethren in Ephesus did good things, but they left their first love: Revelation 2:1-5

C. We are never to be tired of doing good, for the reward comes if we do not faint:

1. In a context detailing spiritual work: Galatians 6:9
2. In a context dealing with the need to work instead of being busybodies or face congregational discipline: II Thessalonians 3:13
3. The point – in all the good that we do let us not become tired in those good things.

Conclusion:

A. The Lord does not teach us to give it our best, but rather to get it right:

1. James 2:10-11
2. Matthew 7:21

B. Some people think their intentions or words are good enough, but God wants your actions:

1. I John 5:3
2. I John 3:18

C.Are you one of those people we can expect not to see in Heaven?

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© 2005 May be used if permission by author is granted and proper acknowledgment as to the authorship of this material is made.  In other words, preachers do your own work.  Use this as a tool for your own work if such is helpful! – B.A.Y.