Face to Face with God

Introduction:

A.      We have previously looked at our relationships with God and others:

1.      It is the great command. Matt. 22:37-39

2.      This only happens with a humbled view of ourselves before God.

3.      This humbled view radically changes the way we look at and relate with others.

Discussion:

I.         Jesus: Express Image of God

A.      Meeting God’s standard: Matt. 5:48

1.      Not possible on our own. Ecc. 7:20

2.      All sin. Rom. 3:9

3.      Therefore, all need a Savior. Rom. 7:24

B.     Where we fail Jesus excelled:

1.      He was perfect in His obedience; without sin. Phil. 2:5ff; Heb. 4:15

2.      That is why we give thanks to God for Jesus Christ. Rom. 7:25

II.       The Pinnacle: Love

A.      Practicing it, we become more like the one who gave His life to us. Jn. 3:16, Jn. 15:13; 1 Cor. 13:4-7

B.     As we conform our live to the image of Christ we begin to look more like our Heavenly Father. Rom. 8:29

C.     Fully consumed by God’s love: we grow from selfish child to complete in Christ.

1.       Individually. 1 Cor. 13:8-13 (Gal. 3:23-25; 1 Cor. 12:7; 1 Cor. 13:8)

2.       Collectively. Eph. 4:11-16

D.     When we learn to completely love another we shine in the abiding presence of God. 1 Jn. 4:7-21; 1 Cor. 13:12

III.      Face to Face with God

A.      We teach and live in obedience to God yet practice mercy and longsuffering as Jesus did. cp. Jn. 8:1-11

B.     We have fellowship and encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ, yet spend time with those this world hates … like Jesus. Matt. 9:9-13

C.     That complete service turns faith into reality. 1 Jn. 3:2

Conclusion:

A.      If want to be face to face with God, we need look no further than seeing Jesus Christ.

B.      Following in His like image we shall have the blessing of eternal fellowship with Him: face to face.

Glory to God in the church by Christ Jesus
Franklin Church of Christ