4.
Roadblocks to Heaven
Matthew 25:1-12

5. The Israelites pledged to obey: Ex. 24:3-8; Heb. 9:19
Disobedience
The Scriptures emphasize the necessity of obeying God: Gen. 3:23-24; Deut. 11:26-28 (cf. Deut. 28 & Lev. 26); Deut. 11:32
The Israelites pledged to obey: Ex. 24:3-8; Heb. 9:19
But, they didn’t and their disobedience serves as a vivid example of what NOT to do: 1 Cor. 10:6-11
God equates disobedience with unbelief: Heb. 3:12-19
Jesus taught the absolute necessity of obedience: Matt. 7:21; Lk. 6:46; Matt. 12:48-50; Jn. 15:15
We show God our love through obedience: Jn. 14:15
Obedience means we “know” God: 1 Jn. 2:3-5
God and Jesus only dwell in the obedient: Jn. 14:23-24
Jesus’ true disciples are the obedient: Jn. 8:31-32
Access to heaven is only for the obedient: Heb. 5:8-9
Roadblocks to Heaven

6. Jesus’ closest disciples had problems with pride: Matt. 18:13
Solomon had a lot to say about pride: Prov. 6:16-17; 29:23; 11:2; 16:18
Signs of pride:
Let’s be on the alert for the signs of pride in our life! Jas. 4:6
Insecurity
Not easily corrected
Need to be right
Incorrigible
Argumentative
Always giving advice
Poor listener
Always tout resume
Easily angered
Stubborn
Irritable & impatient
Overly competitive
No submissive attitude
Roadblocks to Heaven

7. He is not teaching mutilation, but mortification: Col. 3:6-9
Fleshly members
Jesus taught His disciples to take the sins of the flesh very seriously: Matt. 18:8-9
He is not teaching mutilation, but mortification: Col. 3:6-9
Putting to death the flesh is a must: Gal. 5:19-21
Even the apostle Paul struggled with self-discipline 1 Cor. 9:24-27
With God’s help we can win the battle! Matt. 19:26; Phil. 4:13
Roadblocks to Heaven

8. Why? Money, riches, things…
Material things get in the way of our service to the Lord: Matt. 19:16-23 (rich young ruler)
Why? Money, riches, things…
Are deceitful!
They make promises they can’t keep.
They promote themselves as the answer to our problems.
They promise comfort, rest, pleasure; but cannot deliver! Phil. 4:7
Roadblocks to Heaven

9. Riches
As we deal with material things, we need to constantly ask ourselves some questions:
Do I think I will be happier with ‘just a little more’?
Do I find it hard to see my own spiritual poverty and my spiritual wealth in Christ?
Do I feel superior (or inferior) to others because of my financial standing?
Am I generous? Have I grown in generosity? Do I derive joy from my generosity?
Do I manage well what I have been given?
Roadblocks to Heaven

10. Many act as if deciding to become a Christian is an easy decision.
Earthly ties
Many act as if deciding to become a Christian is an easy decision.
Not so! Jesus said we should “count the cost”: Lk. 14:25-33
Discipleship demands the willingness to give up that which is dearest to us: Lk. 14:26, 33
If we’re not careful we can allow our earthly ties to become a roadblock to heaven: Matt. 10:37-39
Roadblocks to Heaven

11. The “…good and faithful servant”: Matt. 25:21, 23
Unfaithfulness
Who will hear the Lord say, “Well done…enter though into the joy of thy lord?”
The “…good and faithful servant”: Matt. 25:21, 23
Heaven is open only to the faithful, God’s faithful stewards: 1 Cor. 4:2; Rev. 2:10
The Lord does not require Christians to be sinlessly perfect: 1 Jn. 2:1; 1:7; Acts 8:22; 1 Jn. 1:9
Roadblocks to Heaven

12. Parable of the 10 virgins: Matt. 25:1-12
Being unready
Parable of the 10 virgins: Matt. 25:1-12
Teaches the importance of being prepared, of being ready.
“Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.”
Preparation cannot be borrowed; we have to do it for ourselves.
If you are a wayward Christian, or an alien sinner, you must get ready!
Roadblocks to Heaven

13. CONCLUSION Is there a roadblock in your path to heaven? 2 Cor. 13:5
If so, you need to remove it!
And, you need to remove it now! 2 Cor. 6:2: “Behold, now is the accepted time, behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Roadblocks to Heaven

15. A roadblock is a barrier or barricade on a road to prevent access.
Introduction
A roadblock is a barrier or barricade on a road to prevent access.
Roadblocks can be good or bad:
Good roadblocks keep us away from danger.
Bad roadblocks are those we don’t notice or choose to ignore; we barrel right into them and suffer great harm!
We need to examine spiritual roadblocks so we can identify them and overcome them.