JUST SUPPOSE---2 Corinthians 11:1-5

 

I Corinthians 1:5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

 

Vs. 1--Paul was making an apology for speaking of himself. His successes, His sufferings, and His strategies.

 

Vs. 2-Paul is telling the Corinthian church how much he loves them, and wishes to guard against false prophets infiltrating their church.

 

 

Vs. 3-Paul warns the Corinthian church of how Satan is Subtle in his approach, and that he would desire nothing more than to confuse their minds as to what the real truth is.

 

 

Vs. 4-Paul continues his warning to the church against false gospels, and false teachings. Satan would have you to believe that the Lord Jesus Christ and his followers are nothing more than a cult that wants your money, etc.

 

 

Vs. 5-Paul begins to tell of his calling and how it cost them nothing for him to serve them at Corinth.

 

 

I believe that the Lord would have us to look into Paul’s ministry at Corinth and apply it here tonight. God may have a young man in this congregation that He wants to use in a Mighty Way.

 

 

I.    The first step to being used of God is to have FULL ASSURANCE OF YOUR SALVATION. If you aren’t sure that you are Saved tonight then why not come to this old fashioned altar and be saved. (JUST SUPPOSE YOU GOT THE FULL ASSURANCE OF SALVATION)

 

  • Rom. 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
  • Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
  • Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
  • Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

 

II. The second step to being used of God is to have a FAITHFUL ATTENDANCE TO THE SANCTUARY Why not come to this altar tonight and make a genuine commitment to the Lord, if you have been saved, that you will be MORE FAITHFUL in his service, especially to the services in your church? (JUST SUPPOSE YOU WERE FAITHFUL IN ATTENDING THE SANCTUARY)

  • 1 Corinthians 4:2  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
  • Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
  • YOUNG PEOPLE, YOU WOULD BE SURPRISED AT WHAT AN IMPACT THAT YOUR FAITHFULNESS TO THE HOUSE OF GOD WOULD BE ON THE REST OF YOUR FAMILY, YOUR FRIENDS, AND YOUR FOES. FAITHFULNESS TO THE HOUSE OF GOD IS ONE THING THAT ALL OF US CAN BE.

 

III. The third and final step that we will deal with tonight in being used of God is being a FRIEND TO SINNERS We are to follow our Lord’s example and be a friend to Sinners.  Why not come to this altar and make a commitment to be a friend to sinners? Let’s look at some things that a Friend does…(JUST SUPPOSE YOU BECAME A FRIEND TO SINNERS)

  • Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
  • Proverbs 18:24 ¶ A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
  • Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
  • John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
    • A TRUE FRIEND WON’T BE ASHAMED TO TELL OTHERS ABOUT JESUS
    • A TRUE FRIEND WILL WANT OTHERS TO GO TO HEAVEN.
    • A TRUE FRIEND WON’T LEAVE YOU WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED

 

Conclusion: The Apostle Paul was at one time the Greatest Enemy of the Lord Jesus Christ, but something happened on the Road to Damascus that caused Paul to make a 180 degree turn in his life. He obtained FULL ASSURANCE of HIS SALVATION. Then he began to attend the SANCTUARY FAITHFULLY. God used Him because He became a Friend to Sinners. JUST SUPPOSE THAT this crowd here at tonight would allow God to use them, It would make a tremendous impact in our churches, and in the world today.

 

Do you know the Lord tonight? Do you have FULL ASSURANCE of your salvation? If so, Are you attending the House of God Faithfully? If so, Are you a FRIEND to Sinners?

 

Why not come to this altar tonight, and allow the Lord to use you in an even greater way? Don’t make any excuses, just come. Don’t put it off til tomorrow…Don’t listen to the devil….Just come…If you need someone to pray with you, then raise your hand…..One of these preachers, or counselors will be glad to pray with you.