God has a plan that will produce His results in church growth. n Too much of the emphasis we see on...

God has a plan that will produce His results in God has a plan that will produce His results in church growth.church growth.

Too much of the emphasis we see on Too much of the emphasis we see on church growth comes from a carnal church growth comes from a carnal emphasis. emphasis.



““We are faithful because we grow”We are faithful because we grow”



““We are faithful because we grow”We are faithful because we grow” Some view the church like a potential stock. Some view the church like a potential stock.

“What is the growth rate?”“What is the growth rate?”


Too much of the emphasis we see on church Too much of the emphasis we see on church growth comes from a carnal emphasis. growth comes from a carnal emphasis.

““We are faithful because we grow”We are faithful because we grow” Some view the church like a potential stock. Some view the church like a potential stock.

“What is the growth rate?”“What is the growth rate?” The one factor missing in this analysis is: The one factor missing in this analysis is:

“What does God say about growth?” “What does God say about growth?”


What is What is true growthtrue growth? How do we achieve ? How do we achieve this kind of growth? this kind of growth?


God’s approach will produce God’s results.God’s approach will produce God’s results.


God’s approach will produce God’s results.God’s approach will produce God’s results. The pagans at Corinth could testify to this The pagans at Corinth could testify to this

point. point. (Acts 18:8; 1 Cor 6:9-11)(Acts 18:8; 1 Cor 6:9-11)


Acts 18:8 (NKJV) Acts 18:8 (NKJV) - Then Crispus, the - Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.baptized.


1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NKJV) - Do you - Do you not know that the unrighteous will not not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10nor thieves, nor covetous, nor sodomites, 10nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. inherit the kingdom of God.


11And such were some of you. But you 11And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.


What could change a pagan?What could change a pagan?


What could change a pagan?What could change a pagan? We do not always see results as God wills. We do not always see results as God wills.

(2 Cor 2:14-17)(2 Cor 2:14-17)


2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (NKJV) - Now - Now thanks thanks bebe to God who always leads us in to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 15For we are to God the fragrance of place. 15For we are to God the fragrance of Christ Christ among those who are being savedamong those who are being saved and and among those who are perishingamong those who are perishing. .


16 To the one 16 To the one we arewe are the aromathe aroma of death of death leadingleading to death to death, and to the other , and to the other the aromathe aroma of life of life leadingleading to life to life. And who . And who isis sufficient sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, as so for these things? 17 For we are not, as so many, many, peddling the word of Godpeddling the word of God; but as of ; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.sight of God in Christ.


This chapter will give us insight into how This chapter will give us insight into how God works with men.God works with men.

Things that Hinder the Gospel (3:1-4)Things that Hinder the Gospel (3:1-4)

1 Corinthians 3:1-4 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 3:1-4 (NKJV) - And I, brethren, - And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?of Apollos,” are you not carnal?


Dull hearers.Dull hearers.


Dull hearers.Dull hearers. Any good teacher will analyze his audience. Any good teacher will analyze his audience.

Where are they?Where are they?


Dull hearers.Dull hearers. Any good teacher will analyze his audience. Any good teacher will analyze his audience.

Where are they?Where are they? Have you ever felt the frustration Paul Have you ever felt the frustration Paul

experienced here? He wanted to give them experienced here? He wanted to give them more, but he could not. Why? more, but he could not. Why? (Heb 5:11-14)(Heb 5:11-14)


Hebrews 5:11-14 (NKJV)Hebrews 5:11-14 (NKJV) - of whom we - of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need teachers, you need someonesomeone to teach you to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. not solid food.


13 For everyone who partakes 13 For everyone who partakes onlyonly of milk of milk isis unskilled in the word of righteousness, unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, to those who are of full age, that is,that is, those those who by reason of use have their senses who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.exercised to discern both good and evil.


How you hear is a product of what is really How you hear is a product of what is really important to you.important to you.


How you hear is a product of what is really How you hear is a product of what is really important to you.important to you.

Example:Example: Someone talking to me during a Someone talking to me during a football game.football game.


Good hearing is like an athletic event, it Good hearing is like an athletic event, it takes exercise to build up an ability.takes exercise to build up an ability.



The key is what we have done in time: The key is what we have done in time: (v. 2)(v. 2) “not yet able...not even now.” “not yet able...not even now.”




Why do people remain “dull hearers”?Why do people remain “dull hearers”?




Why do people remain “dull hearers”?Why do people remain “dull hearers”? Worldly Thinking.Worldly Thinking.


Good hearing is like an athletic event, it takes Good hearing is like an athletic event, it takes exercise to build up an ability.exercise to build up an ability.


Why do people remain “dull hearers”?Why do people remain “dull hearers”? Worldly Thinking.Worldly Thinking. The root of worldliness is the flesh. The root of worldliness is the flesh.

(1 John 2:15-17)(1 John 2:15-17)


1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV) - Do not love the - Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that him. 16For all that isis in the world—the lust of in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17And the world is passing away, and the lust 17And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.forever.


How do worldly people view the things of How do worldly people view the things of God? God? (1(1 Cor 2:14; Rom 8:5-8)Cor 2:14; Rom 8:5-8)


1 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV) - But the - But the natural man does not receive the things of natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know him; nor can he know them,them, because they because they are spiritually discerned. are spiritually discerned.


Romans 8:5 -8:8 (NKJV)Romans 8:5 -8:8 (NKJV) - For those who - For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those the things of the flesh, but those who livewho live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded 6 For to be carnally minded isis death, but to be death, but to be spiritually minded spiritually minded isis life and peace. 7 Because life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind the carnal mind isis enmity against God; for it is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. be.


8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.please God.


The worldly think in terms of what men see.The worldly think in terms of what men see.


The worldly think in terms of what men see.The worldly think in terms of what men see. Worldly people are shallow, they will not Worldly people are shallow, they will not

pay the price of study and meditation. pay the price of study and meditation.



pay the price of study and meditation. pay the price of study and meditation. The expressions of worldly thinking.The expressions of worldly thinking.



pay the price of study and meditation. pay the price of study and meditation. The expressions of worldly thinking.The expressions of worldly thinking. Envy - Envy - The first step of the proud person.The first step of the proud person.


Does the honor of someone become a Does the honor of someone become a dishonor to you?dishonor to you?


Does the honor of someone become a Does the honor of someone become a dishonor to you?dishonor to you?

Sometimes as at Corinth a faction is Sometimes as at Corinth a faction is produced by those of like minds joining produced by those of like minds joining together. It is not uncommon for the weak together. It is not uncommon for the weak to be pulled in.to be pulled in.


Sometimes are described as: “The Sometimes are described as: “The fellowship of the miserable.” Sadly there is fellowship of the miserable.” Sadly there is an appeal to those who seek to an appeal to those who seek to try to bring out how one has been wronged.try to bring out how one has been wronged.


Examples: “why are not others in the Examples: “why are not others in the church working as hard as me…”church working as hard as me…”



Strife - Strife - This is what a worldly person feels This is what a worldly person feels justified in doing because of envy.justified in doing because of envy.



Strife - Strife - This is what a worldly person feels This is what a worldly person feels justified in doing because of envy.justified in doing because of envy.

Normally this involves the tongue. Normally this involves the tongue. (Jas 3:1; 3:13-16)(Jas 3:1; 3:13-16)


James 3:1 (NKJV)James 3:1 (NKJV) - My brethren, let not - My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. we shall receive a stricter judgment.


James 3:13-16 (NKJV)James 3:13-16 (NKJV) - Who - Who isis wise and wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct conduct thatthat his works his works are doneare done in the meekness in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but descend from above, but isis earthly, sensual, earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist,exist, confusion and every evil thing confusion and every evil thing areare there. there.


It takes two carnal men to fight. How will It takes two carnal men to fight. How will you react when wronged?you react when wronged?



Divisions - Divisions - This is the end result of a carnal This is the end result of a carnal process.process.




A church can be divided without splitting. A church can be divided without splitting. What is a clique?What is a clique?




A church can be divided without splitting. A church can be divided without splitting. What is a clique?What is a clique?

Are you only associating with a certain few Are you only associating with a certain few in the church?in the church?


Do you spend time with others in tearing Do you spend time with others in tearing down and magnifying the sins of others down and magnifying the sins of others without trying to help the one in sin? This is without trying to help the one in sin? This is a cowardly act. a cowardly act.



Carnal groups in a church can destroy an Carnal groups in a church can destroy an eldership.eldership.



Carnal groups in a church can destroy an Carnal groups in a church can destroy an eldership.eldership.

The respect of men. (v.4)The respect of men. (v.4)


How do you know when one has placed a How do you know when one has placed a man above God?man above God?


When they cannot accept doctrines that are When they cannot accept doctrines that are in opposition to a respected man. in opposition to a respected man. (1 Tim 6:3-4)(1 Tim 6:3-4)


1 Timothy 6:3-4 (NKJV)1 Timothy 6:3-4 (NKJV) - If anyone teaches - If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, words, eveneven the words of our Lord Jesus the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,evil suspicions,


When they are afraid to go against these When they are afraid to go against these men. men. (John 12:42-43)(John 12:42-43)


John 12:42-43 (NKJV)John 12:42-43 (NKJV) - Nevertheless - Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess not confess Him,Him, lest they should be put out lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.praise of men more than the praise of God.

The kind of Preachers that God wants. (v. 5-11)The kind of Preachers that God wants. (v. 5-11)

1 Corinthians 3:5-11 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 3:5-11 (NKJV) - Who then - Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the he who waters, but God who gives the increase. increase.


8 Now he who plants and he who waters are 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. builds on it.


11 For no other foundation can anyone lay 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.Christ.


Men who know who they are. They are a Men who know who they are. They are a product of God’s grace. product of God’s grace. (v. 5)(v. 5)



Without God we are nothing.Without God we are nothing.



Without God we are nothing.Without God we are nothing. Pride is a constant danger for all who will Pride is a constant danger for all who will

do this work.do this work.



Without God we are nothing.Without God we are nothing. Pride is a constant danger for all who will Pride is a constant danger for all who will

do this work.do this work. Who do we wish to have the glory? Who do we wish to have the glory?

(1 Tim 1:12-17)(1 Tim 1:12-17)


1 Timothy 1:12-17 (NKJV)1 Timothy 1:12-17 (NKJV) - And I thank Christ - And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting counted me faithful, putting meme into the ministry, into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did mercy because I did itit ignorantly in unbelief. 14 ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Jesus.


15 This 15 This isis a faithful saying and worthy of all a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 17 Now to the King eternal, for everlasting life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, bebe

honor and glory forever and ever.honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.Amen.


Men who build upon their own personality Men who build upon their own personality will be in for a big disappointment.will be in for a big disappointment.



Men who will submit to the work that God Men who will submit to the work that God gives. gives. (v. 5 - 7)(v. 5 - 7)



Men who will submit to the work that God Men who will submit to the work that God gives. gives. (v. 5 - 7)(v. 5 - 7)

What is planted? What is watered? What is planted? What is watered? (Acts 20:27, 32)(Acts 20:27, 32)


Acts 20:27 (NKJV)Acts 20:27 (NKJV) 27For I have not 27For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. of God.


Acts 20:32 (NKJV)Acts 20:32 (NKJV) - “So now, brethren, I - “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.who are sanctified.


Who receives the glory in this work? God! Who receives the glory in this work? God! (v. 7)(v. 7)


Who receives the glory in this work? God! Who receives the glory in this work? God! (v. 7)(v. 7)

What is the end product of this approach? What is the end product of this approach? (1 Cor 2:4-5; 2 Cor 4:5)(1 Cor 2:4-5; 2 Cor 4:5)


1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NKJV) - And my - And my speech and my preaching speech and my preaching werewere not with not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.of men but in the power of God.


2 Corinthians 4:5 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 4:5 (NKJV) - For we do not - For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.sake.


Men who want the fellowship of God above Men who want the fellowship of God above all else. all else. (v. 8-9)(v. 8-9)


Men who want the fellowship of God above Men who want the fellowship of God above all else. all else. (v. 8-9)(v. 8-9)

What is the preacher’s reward? Not yet What is the preacher’s reward? Not yet fully received. fully received. (Matt 28:20)(Matt 28:20)


Matthew 28:20 (NKJV)Matthew 28:20 (NKJV) - teaching them - teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, you; and lo, I am with you always, eveneven to to the end of the age.” Amen.the end of the age.” Amen.


The preacher is moved by the fact of the The preacher is moved by the fact of the judgment. judgment. (2 Cor 5:14-15, 11)(2 Cor 5:14-15, 11)


2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NKJV) - For the - For the love of Christ compels us, because we love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose but for Him who died for them and rose again.again.


2 Corinthians 5:11 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 5:11 (NKJV) - Knowing, - Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.consciences.


Some people fear this kind of preacher? Some people fear this kind of preacher? Why?Why?



Men who know how to build. Men who know how to build. (v. 10)(v. 10)



Men who know how to build. Men who know how to build. (v. 10)(v. 10) What does it mean to build upon Christ? What does it mean to build upon Christ?

(John 12:48)(John 12:48)


John 12:48 (NKJV)John 12:48 (NKJV) - He who rejects Me, - He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.spoken will judge him in the last day.


We want to build a faith that will reach our We want to build a faith that will reach our hearts. hearts.


We want to build a faith that will reach our We want to build a faith that will reach our hearts. hearts.

This involves what we do at all times. This involves what we do at all times. (John 14:7-9)(John 14:7-9)


John 14:7-9 (NKJV)John 14:7-9 (NKJV) - “If you had known Me, - “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” 8 now on you know Him and have seen Him.” 8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I it is sufficient for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?Father’?

The kind of men good preaching builds. (v 12-17)The kind of men good preaching builds. (v 12-17)

1 Corinthians 3:12-17 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 3:12-17 (NKJV) - Now if - Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13each one’s work will become clear; for the 13each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14If anyone’s work which he of what sort it is. 14If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. reward.


15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 16 Do you not know that so as through fire. 16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.temple you are.


There are two possible results. Which are There are two possible results. Which are you? you? (2 Cor 13:5)(2 Cor 13:5)


2 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV) - Examine - Examine yourselves yourselves as toas to whether you are in the whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.unless indeed you are disqualified.


Gold ,silver, stones?Gold ,silver, stones?


Gold ,silver, stones?Gold ,silver, stones? Wood, hay, stubble?Wood, hay, stubble?


Gold ,silver, stones?Gold ,silver, stones? Wood, hay, stubble?Wood, hay, stubble? The Day of Judgment will reveal what we The Day of Judgment will reveal what we

are. are. (1 Peter 1:6-7)(1 Peter 1:6-7)


1 Peter 1:6-7 (NKJV)1 Peter 1:6-7 (NKJV) - In this you greatly - In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, beingbeing much more precious than gold that much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,revelation of Jesus Christ,


Would it not be better to know now and Would it not be better to know now and change? change? (2 Tim 2:19-22)(2 Tim 2:19-22)


2 Timothy 2:19-22 (NKJV) 2 Timothy 2:19-22 (NKJV) - Nevertheless - Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 20 But name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. some for honor and some for dishonor.


21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.Lord out of a pure heart.


There is a kind of preaching that will help There is a kind of preaching that will help people see, another will only keep people see, another will only keep them in the darkthem in the dark. (2 Tim 4:3-4). (2 Tim 4:3-4)


2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NKJV)2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NKJV) - For the time - For the time will come when they will not endure sound will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, doctrine, but according to their own desires, becausebecause they have itching ears, they will they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4and they heap up for themselves teachers; 4and they will turn will turn theirtheir ears away from the truth, and ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.be turned aside to fables.


Who receives the reward or the loss? Who receives the reward or the loss? (v. 14-15)(v. 14-15)


Watch what you teach! Watch what you teach! (v. 16-17)(v. 16-17)


Watch what you teach! Watch what you teach! (v. 16-17)(v. 16-17) Let us not think that we are wiser than God. Let us not think that we are wiser than God.

(2 Thess 2:10-11)(2 Thess 2:10-11)


2 Thessalonians 2:10-11 (NKJV) 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11 (NKJV) - and - and with all unrighteous deception among those with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this reason God will send them 11And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,lie,

God has a plan that will produce His results in church growth. n Too much of the emphasis we see on...

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