Successful Living in Christ

Introduction:
All men desire success. Successful people are characterized by being driven. If they fall—they get back up. They are those who seek wise advise and use it. Successful people stay the course—because they have a vision for the future. We must desire success in our spiritual life. While, all wish to go to heaven, not all are willing to do whatever it takes; change where necessary; and keep going at all costs. You can become a positive influence for Christ! Becoming a successful Christian will not only help you—but those around you as well!

I. Success begins by ___________________ the life. See Acts 16:30—man’s greatest question…
    A. The question implies ___________ on our part. See also Acts 2:36-40; 9:6
        1. We have to make conscious decision to follow Christ! Involves how we respond to gospel.
        2. It is a ______________ decision. What must I do? Not on religion of parents/preacher.
    B. We must do what _________________ says. Mt. 17:5; Heb. 1:1-2
        1. _____________ - that Jesus = Son of God!
        2. ____________ - Lk. 13:3—motivated by godly sorrow.
        3. ____________ - Acts 8:38-40—let it be known you’re a Christian!
        4. Be ____________ for remission of sin!
    C. Remember...The Lord saves on His ________.

II. Success will come through ____________ the way!
    A. Psa. 57:7—__________ your heart on Jesus! (Steadfast, NASV)
        1. Some know how to start, but have trouble staying the way.
        2. Struggle to get to going; wrestle w/_______; downtrodden w/________.
    B. Col. 1:22-23—Christians have become ________; _________; beyond __________.
        1. If you continue in the faith! How can we firmly establish ourselves?

III. Spiritual Success in Acts 2:42:
    A. 2:42—they devoted themselves to _______________.
        1. Must build on ________________ doctrine—1 Cor. 3:9-11
        2. Apostles doctrine is from Jesus! Jhn. 17:8
        3. I must know ______ I believe and ______ and not move away from it!
         See 1 Cor. 16:13. Settled, resolved, confident.
        4. Only ______ doctrine! I.e., Christ’s!
            a) DOCTRINE of Christ—Acts 2:42; 1 Tim. 4:6; Titus 2:10
            b) DOCTRINES of men—Mt. 15:9; 1 Tim. 1:3; 1 Tim. 4:1
    B. 2:42—they devoted themselves to __________________.
        1. Fellowship = _______ ____________. A _________ together.
        2. If one in fellowship with ______ - I should have fellowship with him.
            a) Acts 2:44-47; 4:34—jointly participated in helping __________.
            b) fellowship in ____________; evangelistic efforts; etc.
    C. 2:42—they devoted themselves to the ____________ of __________.
        1. Done on _________ _____ of the week. Commemorates Christ’s death.
        2. Done out of love and _______________ to God.
    D. 2:42—they devoted themselves to _______________.
        1. Early church was a __________ church. 1 Thess. 5:17; Col. 4:2; Js. 5:16
        2. Some of the things God does are contingent upon our asking!

IV. To be successful, one must be _______________ in the Lord’s work.
    A. 1 Cor. 15:58—must ____________ in spiritual activities! Our labor is not in vain!
        1. Must become firm & steadfast. All brethren need to work. Each has his own ___________!
    B. God is powerful! Look how the gospel spread in the first 30 years of the church.
        1. Think of the power we have today. We can do wonderful things in Rapid City!
        2. God is not satisfied with ________________ or with the status quo.

Conclusion:
A. Where are you on your journey to heaven? Have you gotten started yet? Staying with it?



Successful Living in Christ Introduction: All men desire success. Successful people are characterized by being driven. If they fall—they get back up. They are those who seek wise advise and use it. Successful people stay the course—because they have a vision for the future. We must desire success in our spiritual life. While, all wish to go to heaven, not all are willing to do whatever it takes; change where necessary; and keep going at all costs. You can become a positive influence for Christ! Becoming a successful Christian will not only help you—but those around you as well! I. Success begins by ___________________ the life. See Acts 16:30—man’s greatest question… A. The question implies ___________ on our part. See also Acts 2:36-40; 9:6 1. We have to make conscious decision to follow Christ! Involves how we respond to gospel. 2. It is a ______________ decision. What must I do? Not on religion of parents/preacher. B. We must do what _________________ says. Mt. 17:5; Heb. 1:1-2 1. _____________ - that Jesus = Son of God! 2. ____________ - Lk. 13:3—motivated by godly sorrow. 3. ____________ - Acts 8:38-40—let it be known you’re a Christian! 4. Be ____________ for remission of sin! C. Remember...The Lord saves on His ________. II. Success will come through ____________ the way! A. Psa. 57:7—__________ your heart on Jesus! (Steadfast, NASV) 1. Some know how to start, but have trouble staying the way. 2. Struggle to get to going; wrestle w/_______; downtrodden w/________. B. Col. 1:22-23—Christians have become ________; _________; beyond __________. 1. If you continue in the faith! How can we firmly establish ourselves? III. Spiritual Success in Acts 2:42: A. 2:42—they devoted themselves to _______________. 1. Must build on ________________ doctrine—1 Cor. 3:9-11 2. Apostles doctrine is from Jesus! Jhn. 17:8 3. *I must know ______ I believe and ______ and not move away from it!* See 1 Cor. 16:13. Settled, resolved, confident. 4. Only ______ doctrine! I.e., Christ’s! a) DOCTRINE of Christ—Acts 2:42; 1 Tim. 4:6; Titus 2:10 b) DOCTRINES of men—Mt. 15:9; 1 Tim. 1:3; 1 Tim. 4:1 B. 2:42—they devoted themselves to __________________. 1. Fellowship = _______ ____________. A _________ together. 2. If one in fellowship with ______ - I should have fellowship with him. a) Acts 2:44-47; 4:34—jointly participated in helping __________. b) fellowship in ____________; evangelistic efforts; etc. C. 2:42—they devoted themselves to the ____________ of __________. 1. Done on _________ _____ of the week. Commemorates Christ’s death. 2. Done out of love and _______________ to God. D. 2:42—they devoted themselves to _______________. 1. Early church was a __________ church. 1 Thess. 5:17; Col. 4:2; Js. 5:16 2. Some of the things God does are contingent upon our asking! IV. To be successful, one must be _______________ in the Lord’s work. A. 1 Cor. 15:58—must ____________ in spiritual activities! Our labor is not in vain! 1. Must become firm & steadfast. All brethren need to work. Each has his own ___________! B. God is powerful! Look how the gospel spread in the first 30 years of the church. 1. Think of the power we have today. We can do wonderful things in Rapid City! 2. God is not satisfied with ________________ or with the status quo. Conclusion: A. Where are you on your journey to heaven? Have you gotten started yet? Staying with it?