www.westsidecoc.org Roadblocks to Heaven Matthew 25:1-12

The Israelites pledged to obey: Ex. 24:3-8; Heb. 9:19 Disobedience The Scriptures emphasize the necessity of obeying God: Gen. 3:23-24; Deut. 11:26-28 (cf. Deut. 28 & Lev. 26); Deut. 11:32 The Israelites pledged to obey: Ex. 24:3-8; Heb. 9:19 But, they didn’t and their disobedience serves as a vivid example of what NOT to do: 1 Cor. 10:6-11 God equates disobedience with unbelief: Heb. 3:12-19 Jesus taught the absolute necessity of obedience: Matt. 7:21; Lk. 6:46; Matt. 12:48-50; Jn. 15:15 We show God our love through obedience: Jn. 14:15 Obedience means we “know” God: 1 Jn. 2:3-5 God and Jesus only dwell in the obedient: Jn. 14:23-24 Jesus’ true disciples are the obedient: Jn. 8:31-32 Access to heaven is only for the obedient: Heb. 5:8-9 Roadblocks to Heaven

Jesus’ closest disciples had problems with pride: Matt. 18:13 Solomon had a lot to say about pride: Prov. 6:16-17; 29:23; 11:2; 16:18 Signs of pride: Let’s be on the alert for the signs of pride in our life! Jas. 4:6 Insecurity Not easily corrected Need to be right Incorrigible Argumentative Always giving advice Poor listener Always tout resume Easily angered Stubborn Irritable & impatient Overly competitive No submissive attitude Roadblocks to Heaven

He is not teaching mutilation, but mortification: Col. 3:6-9 Fleshly members Jesus taught His disciples to take the sins of the flesh very seriously: Matt. 18:8-9 He is not teaching mutilation, but mortification: Col. 3:6-9 Putting to death the flesh is a must: Gal. 5:19-21 Even the apostle Paul struggled with self-discipline 1 Cor. 9:24-27 With God’s help we can win the battle! Matt. 19:26; Phil. 4:13 Roadblocks to Heaven

Why? Money, riches, things… Material things get in the way of our service to the Lord: Matt. 19:16-23 (rich young ruler) Why? Money, riches, things… Are deceitful! They make promises they can’t keep. They promote themselves as the answer to our problems. They promise comfort, rest, pleasure; but cannot deliver! Phil. 4:7 Roadblocks to Heaven

Riches As we deal with material things, we need to constantly ask ourselves some questions: Do I think I will be happier with ‘just a little more’? Do I find it hard to see my own spiritual poverty and my spiritual wealth in Christ? Do I feel superior (or inferior) to others because of my financial standing? Am I generous? Have I grown in generosity? Do I derive joy from my generosity? Do I manage well what I have been given? Roadblocks to Heaven

Many act as if deciding to become a Christian is an easy decision. Earthly ties Many act as if deciding to become a Christian is an easy decision. Not so! Jesus said we should “count the cost”: Lk. 14:25-33 Discipleship demands the willingness to give up that which is dearest to us: Lk. 14:26, 33 If we’re not careful we can allow our earthly ties to become a roadblock to heaven: Matt. 10:37-39 Roadblocks to Heaven

The “…good and faithful servant”: Matt. 25:21, 23 Unfaithfulness Who will hear the Lord say, “Well done…enter though into the joy of thy lord?” The “…good and faithful servant”: Matt. 25:21, 23 Heaven is open only to the faithful, God’s faithful stewards: 1 Cor. 4:2; Rev. 2:10 The Lord does not require Christians to be sinlessly perfect: 1 Jn. 2:1; 1:7; Acts 8:22; 1 Jn. 1:9 Roadblocks to Heaven

Parable of the 10 virgins: Matt. 25:1-12 Being unready Parable of the 10 virgins: Matt. 25:1-12 Teaches the importance of being prepared, of being ready. “Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.” Preparation cannot be borrowed; we have to do it for ourselves. If you are a wayward Christian, or an alien sinner, you must get ready! Roadblocks to Heaven

CONCLUSION Is there a roadblock in your path to heaven? 2 Cor. 13:5 If so, you need to remove it! And, you need to remove it now! 2 Cor. 6:2: “Behold, now is the accepted time, behold, now is the day of salvation.” Roadblocks to Heaven

A roadblock is a barrier or barricade on a road to prevent access. Introduction A roadblock is a barrier or barricade on a road to prevent access. Roadblocks can be good or bad: Good roadblocks keep us away from danger. Bad roadblocks are those we don’t notice or choose to ignore; we barrel right into them and suffer great harm! We need to examine spiritual roadblocks so we can identify them and overcome them.