Heavenward Bound

Introduction:
Paul was a person who possessed an extreme desire to “know” Jesus. (Phil. 3:8-11) He had a desire to be found in Christ—having been made righteous through faith. As Christians we have become God’s children and have been made in His image to enjoy fellowship with Him. Paul’s mission was “heavenward.” (Phil 3:14—NIV) Nothing would deter him from going there! Heaven is what the gospel is all about! It should be the purpose behind our living! Without it, what use is there in serving God? Today’s lesson should remind us of the ultimate goal in our life. How?

I. We must choose heaven and choose it without ____________________.
    A. God wants us in heaven with Him! See John 3:16-17; 2 Peter 3:9. Heaven is worth everything!
    B. Heaven is for those who __________ to go there! Not everyone will be there—Mt. 7:13-14
        1. There must be a certain decisiveness about the matter!
        2. Mt. 5:6—does this describe us?
        3. We must long to be with God with a passion that will not be denied!
    C. This will require ________________.
        1. Heb. 12:1-3—keep our ________ on where we are going!
        2. Prov. 4:25-26—must determine that we will be successful!
        3. Isa. 50:7—to best understand discipline—look at _____________!
            a) set face like flint denotes courage; ____________; ____________.
        4. 1 Cor. 9:27—note the example of Paul.
    D. Those who decide to go to heaven should take comfort:
        1. John 10:28-29; Rom. 8:31-39
        2. Having heaven as our goal is the most empowering thing that we can experience!

II. Heaven is the logical end of a growth process.
    A. 2 Peter 1:1-4—_________ wants us to be with Him forever!
        1. Look at 1:5-11, esp. 10-11. He wants us to share in the goodness of His character!
        2. Heaven will NOT be our home if we are not putting this into practice!
    B. Our character must be _________________ closer to God!
    C. No one will be in heaven who does not want to be with Him or ________ Him!
        1. Every _______; decision; __________ we make either moves us closer to Him or farther away from Him.
        2. We must do as God pleases!
    D. 1 John 5:13—we can __________ that heaven WILL be our home!

Conclusion:
    A. Who are we? Where are we going? The gospel of Christ answers these questions!
        1. To know the answers suggests that we have gotten our act together!
    B. Are you a faithful Christian? Continue to serve God with an attitude of thankfulness! Col. 2:6-7
    C. Are you an unfaithful Christian? Begin to take God seriously!
    D. If you are not a Christian, NOW is the time to become one! 2 Cor. 5:14-15.



Heavenward Bound Introduction: Paul was a person who possessed an extreme desire to “know” Jesus. (Phil. 3:8-11) He had a desire to be found in Christ—having been made righteous through faith. As Christians we have become God’s children and have been made in His image to enjoy fellowship with Him. Paul’s mission was “heavenward.” (Phil 3:14—NIV) Nothing would deter him from going there! Heaven is what the gospel is all about! It should be the purpose behind our living! Without it, what use is there in serving God? Today’s lesson should remind us of the ultimate goal in our life. How? I. We must choose heaven and choose it without ____________________. A. God wants us in heaven with Him! See John 3:16-17; 2 Peter 3:9. Heaven is worth everything! B. Heaven is for those who __________ to go there! Not everyone will be there—Mt. 7:13-14 1. There must be a certain decisiveness about the matter! 2. Mt. 5:6—does this describe us? 3. We must long to be with God with a passion that will not be denied! C. This will require ________________. 1. Heb. 12:1-3—keep our ________ on where we are going! 2. Prov. 4:25-26—must determine that we will be successful! 3. Isa. 50:7—to best understand discipline—look at _____________! a) set face like flint denotes courage; ____________; ____________. 4. 1 Cor. 9:27—note the example of Paul. D. Those who decide to go to heaven should take comfort: 1. John 10:28-29; Rom. 8:31-39 2. Having heaven as our goal is the most empowering thing that we can experience! II. Heaven is the logical end of a growth process. A. 2 Peter 1:1-4—_________ wants us to be with Him forever! 1. Look at 1:5-11, esp. 10-11. He wants us to share in the goodness of His character! 2. Heaven will NOT be our home if we are not putting this into practice! B. Our character must be _________________ closer to God! C. No one will be in heaven who does not want to be with Him or ________ Him! 1. Every _______; decision; __________ we make either moves us closer to Him or farther away from Him. 2. We must do as God pleases! D. 1 John 5:13—we can __________ that heaven WILL be our home! Conclusion: A. Who are we? Where are we going? The gospel of Christ answers these questions! 1. To know the answers suggests that we have gotten our act together! B. Are you a faithful Christian? Continue to serve God with an attitude of thankfulness! Col. 2:6-7 C. Are you an unfaithful Christian? Begin to take God seriously! D. If you are not a Christian, NOW is the time to become one! 2 Cor. 5:14-15.