Ways You Can Help Me Get To Heaven
Introduction. (Colossians 3:1-4, Philippians 3:17-21) Many in the world struggle with seeing religion as something that is really an essential part of human life. They see it as rituals to be performed - rules to be learned - or sermons to be endured - but nothing that is a living, vibrant, vital aspect of human life!
I think in many cases we must confess to having done a very poor job of explaining, living out and helping others to see the real meaning of faith. Service in the Lord’s church is not about - rituals, rules or sermons (though these things are tools and weapons used in the battle) - Service in the Lord’s church is about...
- Believing that there is a God in Heaven that wants to live with us eternally in Heaven.
- He has sent His Son to pay the cost for our trip to heaven.
- He has given us given us instructions about how the citizens of heaven are to conduct themselves.
- He has given us fellow-travelers seeking to make the same journey as companions to spur us along.
Faith is the process of spiritually traveling through this life into the next life with God instead of separated from Him. What I’d like for us to talk about tonight are some ways we can help each other on this journey. I’m going to direct it very personally (though each of us can apply the lesson to their own lives). We are going to look at ways we can help ech other go to heaven.
How can you help me go to heaven?
What a profound prospect! We can have an influence upon someone’s eternal habitation.
I. Things That Concern the Flesh. Be Concerned About My Physical Life:
- Take an Interest In The Things Which Interest Me (Philippians 2:3,4).
- Ask Me About My Hardships (Philippians 2:25-28; Psalm 35:11-14).
- Rejoice With Me in My Joys (Proverbs 27:9,17).
II. Things That Concern the Spirit. Be Concerned About My Spiritual Life:
- Notice When I’m Lagging in Dilligence (I Thessalonians 5:14 ).
- Ask Me About My Spiritual Battles (Luke 22:31-34).
- Encourage Me in My Growth (Romans 1:8-12).
III. Education and Edification.
- Share With Me Your Victories and Defeats (Titus 2:1-5).
- Worship Regularly With Me
- Show Me What it Means To Be Faithful (Acts 2:46,47).
- Teach Me A Love For God (I Corinthians 9:16; II Corinthians 5:13-15).
- Teach Me The Things of God’s Word (I Thessalonians 2:13).
IV. Discipline.
- Rebuke Me When I’ve Done Wrong (Luke 17:3; Proverbs 24:23-25).
- Withdraw From Me When I Reject Rebuke (Matthew 18:15-18).
V. Forgiveness and Prayer.
- Forgive Me and Receive Me Back When I Repent (II Corinthians 2:3-8).
- Forgive Me When I Offend You (Ephesians 4:31,32).
- Pray For Me Always (II Thessalonians 3:1,2).
Conclusion.
We all need each other to make it to heaven. Let’s make certain that we are each fulfilling our role in helping each other towards that goal.