II Peter 3:14-18 Final Admonitions Peter’s endorsement of Paul Things hard to understand Knowing ahead of time Grow in Grace and Knowledge

I John These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. 1 John 5:13

I John Legalism: adherence to legal standards Testimony Witness Advocate Law/Lawlessness Commandment Judgment

I John 1 - Fellowship I John 1:1-4 – Testimony of an Apostle I John 1:5-10 – The Message of Fellowship

Dangers the Church Faces

Self-Originated problems Romans 16, 1 Corinthians 5, 2 Corinthians 2, Galatians 2, Colossians 3, 2 Thessalonians 2, 1 Timothy 4, 2 Timothy 3, Titus 3, James 4, 1 Peter 1, 2 Peter 2, 1 John 2, Jude, Revelation 2-3 Romans 16, 1 Corinthians 5, 2 Corinthians 2, Galatians 2, Colossians 3, 2 Thessalonians 2, 1 Timothy 4, 2 Timothy 3, Titus 3, James 4, 1 Peter 1, 2 Peter 2, 1 John 2, Jude, Revelation 2-3

Dangers the Church Faces The Four most dangerous brethren: Brother Vicious Brother Liberal Brother Hypocrite Brother Fool

Brother Vicious And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 2 Timothy 2:24-25

For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise……… Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come--all are yours. 1 Corinthians 3:18,21-22

“A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.‘ He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I go, sir,' but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to Him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you“ Matthew 21:28 -31

Brother Fool Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few….… A fool's voice is known by his many words. Ecclesiastes 5:2-3 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:5-6

Christ Centered Life

The Danger These Brothers Pose Disable weak Christians Direct the church without authority Hurt the influence of the whole church Don’t be these brothers!

Putting an End to Foolish Talk Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 2 Timothy 2:14-16