Three Steps To Heaven

TEXT:  Col. 3:1-2

INTRODUCTION:

A.      WE SHOULD ALL HAVE OUR HEARTS SET ON HEAVEN.

B.      GETTING THERE IMPORTANT - 3 STEPS.

I. OUT OF SELF.

A.      STEPPING OUT OF SELF INVOLVES A PROFOUND CHANGE.

          1.       Self-denial( Matt. 16:24 ), bringing self under control( Col. 3:9-10 ).

          2.       Giving oneself to the Lord( 2 Cor. 8:5 ).

          3.       And to others( Phil. 2:3-4 ).

          4.       Peter's own words( Matt. 19:27 ).

B.      STEPPING OUT OF SELF MEANS NOT ELEVATING SELF.

          1.       A proper perspective( Rom. 12:3;  Psa. 144:3-4 ).

          2.       Trust not in yourself( Prov. 3:5-6 )

          3.       Especially in spiritual things( Jer. 10:23;  Prov. 16:25 ).

          4.       Seek not to glorify self( Matt. 6:1;  Matt. 23:5-8 ).

          5.       Eph. 6:10.  Trust in his might, not your own( 1 Cor. 10:12 ).

II.     INTO CHRIST.

A.      THINGS WE HAVE IN CHRIST:

          1.       We are new creatures ( 2 Cor. 5:17 ).

          2.       Triumph( 2 Cor. 2:14 ).

          3.       Redemption and forgiveness( Col 1:13-14 ).

          4.       Reconciliation to God( 2 Cor. 5:18 )and eternal life( 1 John 5:11 ).

          5.       All spiritual blessing are in Christ( Eph. 1:3 ).

B.      HOW DOES ONE GET INTO CHRIST? ( Rom. 6:3-4 ).

III.    INTO GLORY.

A.      THINGS OTHERS DREAD ARE GLORY FOR US.

          1.       Death must be traversed( Ecc. 8:8;  Phil. 1:21 ).

          2.       Judgment( 2 Cor. 5:10 ).

          3.       The end of the world( 2 Pet. 3:10-12 )

B.      HOW SO?

          1.       Death:

                   a.       Going to be with Jesus( Phil. 1:22-24 ).

                   b.       It is not the end( John 5:28-29;  2 Cor. 4:13-14 ).

          2.       Judgment( Heb 9:27-28 ).

          3.       The end of the world( 2 Pet. 3:10-13 ).

CONCLUSION:

A.      DO YOU WANT TO GO TO HEAVEN?

B.      ALL THREE STEPS MUST BE TAKEN.