1.  Daily purpose: Growth, Heb. 6:1-3; 2 Pet. 3:18  Personal faith and God’s powerful presence combine to protect us:  God’s protection, Heb. 13:5 (Eph. 6:10-11)  Your faith, Eph. 6:13; 2 Pet. 1:5-8; Gal. 6:9 1

2.  We are in danger of falling if we do not examine our spiritual strength (personal faith) and devote ourselves to growing to maturity in Christ! 2 Cor. 13:5; 1 Cor. 10:12-13  Danger signs of falling away from God 2

3. “I don’t need or want anybody’s help.”  This is selfishness, Prov. 18:1  The separatist follows his own desires, Prov. 14:12; 28:26 (prideful)  He separates himself from the congregation where he would find strength, encouragement, comfort, guidance and protection  From fellow Christians, Eccl. 4:9-12 (Gal. 6:2)  From the guidance of God’s truth (Bible)  Easy pickings for the devil, Deut. 25:17-18 3 ISOLATION

4. Review and Resolve (2 Cor. 13:5)  Review: Where are you now?  Isolated or involved?  Resolve (action): Connect with the right people, Romans 12:9-16 4 ISOLATION

5. -Our counselors say a good deal about us.  Foolish counselors, Prov. 1:10-19  Rehoboam, 1 Kgs. 12:6-8, 12-14  Ahaziah, 2 Chrn. 22:2-4  False doctrine, 1 Tim. 4:1-2  Wise counselors, Prov. 11:14 (15:22; 24:5-6)  Counsel of God’s word, Psa. 119:24 (17-24)  People of faith (elders, brethren) 5 WORLDLY COUNSELORS

6. Review and Resolve (2 Cor. 13:5)  Review: Who are your counselors?  Psalm 1:1-2  Resolve (action): Seek out and follow godly counsel, Prov. 3:1-4 6 WORLDLY COUNSELORS

7. -Friends will either hurt us or help us, 1 Cor. 15:33  Superficial and worldly?  Fair-weathered and self-serving, Prov. 19:6  Birds of a feather flock together (Matt. 5:46-47)  These entice you to sin, Prov. 1:10-11 7 FRIENDSHIPS

8. -Friends will either hurt us or help us, 1 Cor. 15:33  Genuine and godly?  Share a common faith, values and goals, Titus 1:4  Tells you what you need to hear! Prov. 27:6, 9  You become better and stronger spiritually because of them, Prov. 17:17; 27:17 8 FRIENDSHIPS

9. Review and Resolve (2 Cor. 13:5)  Review: Are your friends hindering you or helping you be faithful and grow in Christ?  Resolve (action): Be Christ’s friend and choose your friends wisely! Jno. 15:14 9 FRIENDSHIPS

10. -Prayer suggests a healthy relationship with God, Heb. 4:16 (Lk. 18:11)  Christian: Did you think to pray? Lk. 11:1-4; 1 Ths. 5:17  Christian: Have you stopped praying?  Not depending on God  Not trusting in God  Not being thankful to God  You are exposed to the devil, sin and death! 10 FAILURE TO PRAY

11. Review and Resolve (2 Cor. 13:5)  Review: What place does prayer have in your life?  Resolve (action): Repent and start praying, Mk. 1:35-37  Priority and consistency, Lk. 5:16  Pray for others and be thankful, Phil. 4:6 11 FAILURE TO PRAY

12.  We must see the signs that warn us of spiritual catastrophe!  Be steadfast and abound in the work of the Lord, 1 Cor. 15:58 12