Life Principle Notes With Charles Stanley

.......Learning todiscern truth from error is more and moreimportant these days. Our culture is increasinglyinterested in spirituality, and numerous groupsseek to influence or control those who are notgrounded in the Scriptures.That is why it isabsolutely essential that you know how to spot afalse teacher and how to defend yourself againsthis or her lies.

Key Passage: Colossians 2:1-10Supporting Scripture: Jeremiah 14:13-14;Matthew 24:11;Mark 13:5-6; 2 Corinthians 11:1-4;Galatians 3:1-2; 2 Peter 3:17-18; 1Timothy 4:1; 2Timothy 4:3-4;Titus 1:9; 1 John 4:1-6; 2 John 7-10

The ultimate problem with false teachers is that their beliefs or lifestyles contradict God�sWord. Inancient Israel, lying prophets reassured the people that God would not judge them despite their sin.Thisis contrary to what Jeremiah had prophesied (Jer. 14:13-14).Today, false teachers rationalize that difficultpassages of Scripture no longer apply to modern culture.They excuse lifestyles that God calls sinful.Our final authority in spiritual matters is the Word of God, not any church leader.That is why agood pastor explains doctrinal truths to the congregation, rather than simply entertaining or comfortingthem. We must base our convictions on the Scriptures, not on personal preferences.

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul addressed several heresies, including the claim that Jesus was notGod and that works were necessary for salvation.The apostle encouraged the his fellow believers toremember what they had been taught and to continue following Christ (Col. 2:1-10).From the beginning of the church, false teachers have tried to corrupt the gospel (2 Cor. 11:1-4).Jesus warns that false prophets will claim to be the Messiah, and that many people will be deceived thatHe has returned (Matt. 24:11;Mark 13:5-6). Peter cautions believers to be on guard against unprincipledmen, who live to please themselves rather than the Lord (2 Peter 3:17-18). The apostle John says thatanyone who denies Jesus is the Son of God is under the influence of the anti-Christ (1 John 4:1-6).Since heresy is nothing new, we can use the spiritual truths described in the New Testament to groundourselves firmly in the Word of God.

False teachers often build cults, or assemble a group of people who assemble to perform certain ritualsor observe strict rules.These groups prey on vulnerable people.The leader, who is usually male, has acharismatic personality and manipulates his followers for his own benefit.While he may teach from theBible, he primarily uses it to validate his �special calling.� He elevates himself by claiming to have heard aspecial message from God. He might even claim to be the Messiah. Sexual immorality, child abuse, groupsuicide, and other types of unhealthy relationships often characterize cults.

On the other hand, sometimes false teachers participate in mainstream churches instead of starting acult.These people believe only portions of the Word of God. They question essential doctrines such asthe virgin birth, the second coming of Christ, and the importance of receiving salvation before death.Because of men like these, church leaders searching for a new pastor should check that the applicant hasa vital, growing relationship with the Lord, not just that he is a member of their denomination.

The ultimate problem with false teachers is that their beliefs or lifestyles contradict God�s Word. Inancient Israel, lying prophets reassured the people that God would not judge them despite their sin. Thisis contrary to what Jeremiah had prophesied (Jer. 14:13-14). Today, false teachers rationalize that difficultpassages of Scripture no longer apply to modern culture. They excuse lifestyles that God calls sinful.Our final authority in spiritual matters is the Word of God, not any church leader. That is why agood pastor explains doctrinal truths to the congregation, rather than simply entertaining or comfortingthem. We must base our convictions on the Scriptures, not on personal preferences.

Life principle three:......What are the consequences of following a false teacher?

� Danger: This person seeks to deceive you in order to control and use you.That�s why they focusmore on pleasing you and winning your affection than on leading you into a growing, personal relationshipwith Jesus Christ.

� Division: False teachers divide churches and families. Few things are more painful to a pastor thana church split born out of disagreement and conflict.

� Disillusion: They make promises on behalf of God but don�t tell people how to seek the Lord forthemselves. The rituals and activities of a cult can never fulfill a person the way that an intimate relationshipwith Jesus Christ can.

� Drifting: When a believer stops fellowshipping with the Lord, he or she will stop bearing spiritualfruit. For the non-Christian, false doctrine is equally destructive. When a cult or deceptive teacher leavesthem feeling empty and defeated, they usually think faith has failed them (1 Tim. 4:1).

� Cling to the Word of God as your faithful guide in life (Titus 1:9). Don't let anything�magazines,television, sports, time with your family�come between you and the Word of God. If you don�tdevote yourself to the Scriptures, you will gradually lose your hope, assurance and spiritual foundation.

� Study the Word of God under a trustworthy teacher. This person should believe the entireBible, from Genesis to Revelation. His lifestyle should be consistent with his teaching as well as Scripture.

� Refute false doctrine by comparing it to the Word of God. Second Timothy 4:3-4 predictsthat people will want to listen to what pleases them rather than the truth. When someone dismisses yourbeliefs as �just your opinion,� respectfully disagree. Tell them,�Let�s see what God�s Word says on thistopic.� Then show them in the Bible why you believe what you do.

� Guard yourself against false doctrine. Many people think they have to go out of their way to bekind to those who come to their home, trying to convince them of falsehood. But 2 John 7-10 instructsus not to even greet those who want to deceive us. If you do decide to discuss faith with members of acult, be bold in your proclamation of the truth. Share the gospel with them, but don�t get entangled in afruitless argument or begin to doubt the essential teachings of our faith.

Our culture is more and more open to spiritualideas that do not align with the Word ofGod. That�s why it is important for us to knowwhat we believe and why we believe it.

Study the Scriptures yourself to knowwhere to find essential truths. Be prepared toanswer those who claim that your beliefs aremerely personal opinions. When people implythat your ideas are unsophisticated, remindyourself that Jesus said that we must becomelike children to enter the kingdom of God.And don�t shy away from sharing the gospel asthe Lord brings you opportunities.

You and I have a responsibity to knowbiblical truth, seek to live by it, and stay inclose fellowship with Jesus Christ.With theright preparation, we will never fall prey tospiritual predators.

Parents have tremendous influence on the happiness and success of their children. A son or daughter without a firm spiritual foundation will find the transition to a healthy, balanced adulthood more difficult.

That�s why it�s so important that parents purposefully teach their children about the Lord as well as faithfully model how to live the Christian life.

The Bible talks frequently about the fruit of godly parenting.The New Testament tells us that Timothy�s mother and grandmother taught him the Scriptures from his youth.This instruction helped prepare him to be a leader of the early church.

Supporting Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-7;Psalm 34:10; Proverbs 13:24; 29:17; 31:27;Matthew 14:23; John 15:12-13; Romans 12:12;Galatians 5:13; 6:9-10; Ephesians 4:1-3; 32;2Timothy 1:7; 3:15-17Key Passage: 2 Timothy 1:1-5

Parents should specifically teach biblical principles to their children and model them faithfully. My mother Rebecca taught me: To read the Bible. �All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work� (2 Tim. 3:15-17).

She taught me the importance of God�s Word and patientlyshowed me how it applied to daily life (Deut. 6:4-7).

To pray. Jesus made a habit of seeking solitude so He could pray, and the Bible admonishes us tobe �devoted to prayer� (Matt.14:23; Rom. 12:12).

How did my mother teach me to talk with God? She kneeled before Him each night and prayed with me. She impressed upon me the absolute importance of praying about every area of my life.To trust God for all of our needs. �They who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing� (Psalm 34:10).

Although my mother made very little money at the textile mill where she worked, she never indulged in self pity or begged for a handout.We would take our needs to the Lord in prayer and expect Him to provide.And she was a faithful steward of whatever God gave her.

To obey God. If children don�t learn to respect their parents� authority in the home, they are unlikely to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit later in life. Unfortunately, many parents today are afraid to discipline their children for fear they will lose love and affection from them.

But Proverbs 29:17 says, �Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; he will also delight yoursoul.� When I disobeyed my mother, she would sometimes lecture me, but she wasn�t afraid to use a switch to discipline me (Prov. 13:24).

To be forgiving. �Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you� (Eph. 4:32).

When I was nine, my mother married an abusive man. She nevercomplained or became bitter. She served him his entire life even after he lost his sight.The lessons I learned from her about the benefits of forgiveness have served me well as a pastor. To be persistent. �Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith� (Gal. 6:9-10).

My mother exemplified this verse. Once shedetermined the right thing to do, she could not be deterred from that course of action.When I was tempted to quit she�d tell me,�Don�t give up no matter what.�That�s why I advise people not to leave a position or relinquish a goal unless God gives them clear direction.

To do the right thing, regardless of feelings. Many times, I witnessed my mother going into work or cleaning our home when she was tired. Since emotions are unreliable, we shouldn�t let them dictate our actions or hinder us from doing the Lord�s will.�God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but ofpower and love and discipline� (2 Tim. 1:7).

�Do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another� (Gal. 5:13).

My mother lovingly cared for those who could not care for themselves. She was always ready to help a neighbor or church member who needed it.After she retired from the textile mill, she went to work at a nursing home, where her genuine concern promted the residents to call her �Sweet Becca.� From her, I learned the value of having a servant attitude.

To live an orderly life. My mother learned early on how much she could get done in a certain amount of time. So she didn�t try to do things that could only be completed if she hurried. She patiently and quietly completed her tasks (Eph. 4:1-3).

Although the homes we lived in were small, our rooms were spotless. Everything was in its proper place (Prov. 31:27).

�Cleanliness is next to godliness� isn�t found in the Bible, but my mother lived by this principle. She also instilled in me what people have heard me say many times:�Look your best, do your best, and be your best.�

As a parent, encourage your child rather than shaming them for their mistakes and shortcomings.My mother never chastised me for bringing home poor grades. She would simply ask,�Did you do your best?� Later, when I began preaching, she showed her support by coming early, sitting in the front, and praying for me during the sermon. Her influence is why I prefer to encouragepeople with truth from the Word of God rather than focus on their sins or false beliefs.

To love unconditionally. Jesus said,�This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends� (John 15:12-13).

My mother knew my faults, failures, and weaknesses.Yet even when she disciplined me, I knew she loved me. Her affection helped me understand how much God loved me.

Was my mother perfect? No. But the lessons she taught me about living the Christian life profoundly affect me to this day.What you communicate to your children, whether purposefullyor accidentally, will shape how they respond to life�s challenges as adults.The most effective parents explain the Word of God to their children and consistently live by the principles they teach.

If you haven�t been the mother or father that God has called you to be, don�t let Satan condemn and discourage you. Instead, get on your knees before your heavenly Father and surrender your life and your parenting to Him. Ask the Lord to make you into the godly mother or father that He wants you to be. Will you still make mistakes? Yes. But God will begin to change you if you let Him have control of this and every other area of your life.

To me, the most exciting part of a space shuttle launch is the countdown. When I hear �ten, nine, eight . . . ,� I know that soon the craft will launch into the sky with a blaze of fire and a cloud of smoke.

Do you realize that there is a countdown on the life of every person? Each moment, you are one second closer to an unavoidable appointment with God. There are no second chances once we The Misunderstanding Regarding our Predestined Appointment

Many people have an inadequate conception of salvation. They willingly receive the blessings of being God�s children, but reject the responsibilities that come with that privilege.

Eternal security is not a license to take life easy after we are saved. God reconciled us to Himself, sealed us forever with the Holy Spirit, and prepared a home in heaven for us. But His plan for our lives includes more than merely attending church,participating in the service, and giving financially on occasion. Although we were saved by grace, we werecreated for good works (Eph. 2:8-9).

The Lord will hold us accountable for how we spent our time and our resources. Each believer is to use his or her spiritual gifts in service to Him (Gen. 2:15).

A second common problem is an inaccurate perspective of our responsibility to the Lord. Getting into heaven is by grace alone. But as believers, we will have to give an account of our lives and the choices we made. Jesus told a parable about three servants who were entrusted with money to invest and grow.

Whether they were given much or little, their master expected them to earn more.When one servant hid the money, hewas severely chastised and lost even the small amount he had been given (Matt. 25:15-29).

From God�s perspective, it is a serious thing to squander or be a poor steward of your gifts and talents (Rom. 14:10-11).

Here, believers will be evaluated according to their deeds. Paul wrote, �We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed . . . according to what he has done, whether good or bad� (2 Cor. 5:10).

take our last breath. We must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ one day to give an account of our thoughts and actions. If you were to die tomorrow, are you prepared to stand before Almighty God?

Supporting Scripture: Genesis 2:15; Matthew 25:15-29; John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans14:10-11; Revelation 20:11-15

I encourage you to yield control of your life to God on a daily basis. Seek to please Him with your friendships, at your job, with your family, and in your leisure time.

Faithfully place the Lord at the center of your life. When our predestined appointment comes, may you and I hear Him say,�Well done, good and faithful servants.�

Although we enter heaven through grace alone, salvation is merely the first step in pleasing God. As followers of Jesus Christ, we will one day have to give an account for the choices we made in life. Since none of us are guaranteed tomorrow, those who are wise will take steps now to prepare to stand before the Lord on the day of judgment.

The second is the great white throne judgment. All people will be judged on the basis of how they responded to Christ (Revelation 20:11-15).

This is a judgment of condemnation or acceptance. The people whose names are not recorded in the Book of Life will be separated from God for eternity. In contrast, those who accepted the Father�s free gift of salvation will enter the presence of the Lord to be with Him forever.

In 2 Corinthians 5:9,, the phrase �judgment seat� is taken from one Greek word, bema. During the time of Christ, this word could refer to the platform on which a ruler or judge decided if a person was guilty of a crime. But because of Paul�s many references to athletic competitions elsewhere in the New Testament, helikely had in mind its use in Greek sports. If the winner of a particular contest had followed the rules of competition,he was honored at the bema. There he was crowned with a laurel wreath, a symbol of victory.

This judgment will occur in heaven. Jesus Christ will hear each of us give an account of the way we lived our lives. Will that take all of eternity? No. He will judge us all individually, but simultaneously. Just as the Lord can hear the prayers of believers all over the world, and yet speak individually to each one of us, He can handle the judgment of billions of people all at once. Since Jesus is omniscient, He will even be able to take into account our weaknesses and other disadvantages.

First, receive Christ as your personal Savior. If you have not done so already, ask Him to forgive you of your sins and yield your life to Him. Jesus died on a cross to pay your sin debt in full. Those who don�t take this important first step will be separated from Him for eternity.

Second, re-evaluate your lifestyle. No one can tell you if you are on the right track to earning heavenly rewards. You could be living a godly, righteous life filled with genuine love, peace, happiness, and selflessness. Or your life might appear holy to others but be insincere or hypocritical. If you honestly take stock of your motivation and actions, however, the Holy Spirit will bring any problems to light.

Ask yourself, What is at the center of my life? What do I think about the most? Is Jesus Christ in the midst of my conversations, my motives, my conduct, and my thoughts?

Third, reconsider your priorities. Is your primary goal in life to please the Lord? Or has pleasure, certain friendships, your career, or financial success become your focus? Paul wrote, �Therefore, we have as our ambition, whether at home [with the Lord] or absent to be pleasing to Him� (2 Cor. 5:9).

Check your motives to be sure that something other than God is not consuming your attention and energy.

Last, renew your commitment to godly living and faithful service on a daily basis. Begin each day by giving control of your life to Jesus Christ. Allow Him to work through you to touch the lives of others.

Each morning, decide to live that day for Him in every area of your life. If you will do this consistently, God will give you satisfaction and peace, use you to impact the lives of others, and prepare you for your predestined appointment with Him.

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If you have trusted the Lord JesusChrist as your personal Savior, you areforever sealed as a child of God.

Salvation�and entrance into heaven�is irrevocable.Does that mean you now have a license tolive your life any way you please? Absolutelynot. The Bible teaches that every believer willhave to stand before the Lord and give anaccount of his or her works. If our deeds were worthy, we will be rewarded. If they were worthless,we will experience regret and sorrow forthe years we wasted. Will you be ready to standbefore the King of Kings on the day of judgment?

It may surprise you to learn that Jesus Christ will judge the world. John 5:23 says, �The Father . . . hasgiven all judgment to the Son.� (See also Matthew 28:18.) During our earthly lives, we relate toJesus primarily as our Shepherd, Lord, and Savior. But at the end of time, His role will change. Asjudge, He will examine, purify, and reward Christians.

All believers will stand before the Lord at the judgment seat of Christ to be evaluated based onwhat we have done (2 Cor. 5:10). I believe this means that God will reward us for our good deeds andask us to account for those that were worthless. The judgment seat of Christ must be distinguished fromthe great white throne, where all humanity will be judged based on whether or not they accepted God�sgift of salvation.

Jesus will be a just and righteous judge. When people criticize you and me, they often wronglyaccuse or condemn us, in part because they can�t know our motives, our hearts, or the complete situation.But our Lord knows all things and is entirely fair (John 2:24-25). I believe He will judge us on the basisof three things: (1) How much truth have we heard and understood? (2) What gifts, talents, and skillsdid we have? (3) What did we do with the opportunities God gave us?Christ will also be an impartial and perfect judge (1 Peter 1:17). Jesus can have compassionfor our human weaknesses because He walked the earth as a man. Although He was sinless, the Lordexperienced human emotions and temptation (Heb. 4:15). His justice is so flawless that we will agreewith His assessment of our life and character.

The judgment seat of Christ is not a time for public shame or discipline. There is no condemnation forbelievers (John 5:24; Rom. 8:1).Also, this judgment involves only the individual and God.We won�t observethe evaluation of other people and wonder why they were rewarded more than we were. Neither will welisten to the sins of others and feel shocked at their disobedience.Many people think they simply will explain to God why they didn�t choose to please Him. But wewon�t have an opportunity to make excuses or even the desire to defend our sinful choices.

First Corinthians 4:5 says, �Therefore, do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait untilthe Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in darkness and disclose the motives of menshearts. Then each man�s praise will come to him from God� (emphasis added). The Lord will honor thosewho faithfully served Him. Condemnation is reserved for those never accepted His gift of salvation.

Suppose you were to die with anger, bitterness, or guilt in your heart. Would you want to meet Godlike that? No. Heaven is a place of holiness, righteousness, purity, and truth. At this judgment, Christ willreveal to us our sins and cleanse us from the ones we have harbored. When we understand how much weneeded the Father�s grace, we will love Him even more.

The Lord is more concerned about the quality of good deeds we have accomplished than the quantity.Employees who accomplish little or nothing at work will have to give an account of themselves to the Lord.Mothers and fathers who neglect to give their children enough love, attention, and spiritual guidancecan not expect eternal rewards for their parenting. This aspect of the judgment may cause us to feel sorrowabout our wasted talents and opportunities.

Hebrews 6:10 says, �For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have showntoward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.� I firmly believe that God willnot forget any good deed that you or I have done. This promise is not just for pastors or missionaries. Someof the people who will be rewarded in heaven might never have received any earthly recognition: faithfulprayer warriors, godly mothers and fathers, as well as devout Christian businessmen and women. They willbe honored for the time they invested in the lives of others and the work they performed as unto the Lord.

Many people have the idea that we will spend eternity worshiping the Lord in song. While that iscertainly one aspect of our heavenly existence, the Bible tells us that we will also serve God and reign withHim (Rev. 22:5). How will our heavenly responsibilities be determined? By how we spent our time on earth(Matt. 25:23). This life is a school through which we learn how to bless our family, our friends, and ourcommunity. That�s one reason why we should actively serve the Lord and generously use our time andenergy for His purposes.

Have worldly concerns and pressures distracted you from eternal priorities? Have they stolen your passion for doing the Father�s will? God desires to renew your perspective and restore your wholehearted devotion to Him. Humble yourself before the Lord and submit to pursuing His goals rather than your own. Even if you feel that you have wasted your life to this point, determine to serve the Lord faithfully withy our remaining days. If you have never accepted Jesus� gift of salvation, you must start by giving your life to Him. At the judgment seat of Christ, our works will be evaluated with absolute fairness. Beginliving for the Lord today. I am confident that the righteous Judge will reward your obediencemore generously than you can imagine.

Supporting Scripture: Matthew 25:23; 28:18;John 2:24-25; 5:23-24; 8:10, 11; Romans 8:1;1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews4:15; 6:10; 1 Peter 1:17; Revelation 22:5

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