THE SMALLER EPISTLES OFTEN HAVE GREAT MESSAGES OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO EVERY CHRISTIAN, - WARNINGS

1. John-Gospel-How to get saved; 1st-How to have fellowship; 2nd warning, apostates;
2. Many Christians who start well, at some time during their lives make shipwreck of faith
3. God is just and fair with great reward to those who start well, run well, & finish well!

So study carefully the matter of rewards, crowns, and the chance of losing them!

1.- LOOK TO YOURSELVES v.8

When it comes to judgement- it must begin in our own hearts- then at the house of God

A.- EXAMINE YOURSELVES TO SEE IF YE BE OF THE FAITH - II Cor 13:5

1. There are many who go along with the Gospel for benefits, and later drop out- I John 2:19
2. One of the best measuring sticks - which brethren do you love?- Real saints or the Wild Ones
3. What are you building into your life - fun and pleasure - or sacrifice and service I Cor 3:12

B.- EXAMINE OTHERS, AND THEIR DOCTRINE, TEACHING, PERSONAL LIVES, AND FRUIT PRODUCED - II John 7

1. This Judgement takes special care - you must not condemn nor condone-; no compromise
2. But the False Prophets must be determined- John tests them on the Doctrine of Jesus -7a
3. Matthew records Jesus as teaching- "By their fruits ye shall know them" - so be a fruit inspector

C.- MAKE SURE YOUR LIFE DOES NOT AID OR ABET THE ENEMIES OF YOUR LOVING LORD! HELP SATAN? v. 11

1. You can help them by feeding them, giving $$, and wishing them God's Speed- warning!
2. You can help them by being fearful, holding back like Mark-Acts 15:36-9 & causing dissension
3. You can help them by loving this present world, like Demas- II Tim 4:10- & defecting

II.- THAT WE LOSE NOW WHAT NOW WHAT WE HAVE WROUGHT - v.8b

Some people invest all they have in wood, hay, and stubble, and lose it all with one fire!

A.- HOW CAN WE LOSE WHAT WE HAVE EARNED? INSURANCE SPOILS US IN THIS, AND WE MISS DANGER

1. We are judged today- in this world- and we can lose- Hag 1:6- wages in a bag with holes- Oh yeah
2. Judgement in this world in future days- Zephaniah 1:13 we plant, another eats;
3. Judgement in World to come II Cor 5:10- Judgement seat of Christ- Rewards or loss! Tears?

B.- WE NEED TO KNOW JUST WHAT THE ELEMENTS ARE THAT WILL BE JUDGED IN OUR LIVES & Judge self!

1. Our Doctrine- Acts 2:42- they were blessed because they continued in Apostles doctrine-
2. Our Conduct toward others- Matt 18:6-10 the matter of offenses to others is important!
3. Our Carnal Traits - Col 3:5-9- Note this list - any one of these can destroy your crowns !
4. Our idle Words Matt 12:32-37 -We will be judged by our words- use them with care-
5. Things that influence others- Romans 1:29-32- nothing worse than leading another into sin
6. Things that affect God- our refusal to listen to Holy Spirit, -missed opportunities, sin

C.- ALL THAT WE HAVE WROUGHT WITH OUR LIVES CAN BE LOST WITH A MOMENT'S CARELESSNESS!

11-25-56 "Bernie's Beer Party;" -Sunday afternoon ride in Convertible-, one taste of forbidden fruit

III.- BUT THAT WE RECIEVE A FULL REWARD - 8c

John is so kind as to use the word "We", including himself: Full Reward now- & then!

A.- WHAT CAN WE PUT INTO OUR BUILDING OF OUR LIVES THAT WILL GUARANTEE OUR FULL DIVIDENDS OF LIFE?

1. Use fire-proof materials - I Cor 3:11-15- the Gold-Silver-Precious stones- expensive, valuable
2. Use materials bought with real love- I Cor 13 When you put real love into your life-best
3. Use materials that will endure II Tim 4:7- Finish the course; go all the way- be aware of danger

B.- WHAT WILL GOD GIVE US IN REWARDS FOR OUR FAITHFULNESS, EVEN THOUGH LIFE ITSELF WOULD BE ENOUGH

1. He will say Well done! & the faithful will receive authority over many cities-Luke 19:17
2. There will be crowns- II Tim 4:8 righteousness; I Thess 2:19 of soulwinning-
3. There will be stars in our crown- Mal 3:17, Dan. 12:3 - What this means?? -but it is good
4. Rewards now! Include-Isa 65:21-build houses, enjoy them; Micah 4:4-none shall make afraid!

C. THE FINAL WORD FROM JOHN THE BELOVED IS HOLD FAST, I COME QUICKLY - REV 3:11-

1. It is a great struggle to keep Satan from tricking us out of our birthright- but we can do it
2. It is a struggle against great odds,-but Jesus said "I come quickly" We can hold fast!
3. If I die, I want to hang on -For His Sake! - Crown is worth - while I am not a communist-but for him

Some may think it smart not to work for reward then work twice as hard for Love's sake

WHAT ABOUT YOU? WILL YOU INVEST YOUR ENTIRE LIFE, AND LOSE ALL YOU HAVE EARNED AND GAINED?

1. What you save you waste- what you spend you lose - what you give for Jesus- you have forever
2. Will you accept what Jesus has given for you- His own self on the cross? -Salvation!
3. Then will you give Him your total self- working well pleasing in His sight?