EXPECTING THE IMPOSSIBLE?

                                                             Matthew 7:15-20 (708)

    Introduction

         A.  In Matthew 7:15-20, our Lord warned against deception.

         B.  To expect a good tree to produce bad fruit, and to expect a bad tree to produce good

               fruit is to expect the impossible.  Illustration:

         C.  There are some things that are impossible under certain conditions.

     I.  To expect church growth without diligence is to expect the impossible.

          A.  We reap what we sow.  Galatians 6:7 (862)   Illustration:

          B.  An example of diligence.  Nehemiah 4:1-6 862

          C.  Love will enable us to be diligent.

               1.  For God.  Matthew 22:37-38 (723); John 14:15 (794)

               2.  For lost people.  Romans 10:1-3 (836)

               3.  For one another. John 13:34-35 (793)

    II.  To expect happiness without holiness is to expect the impossible.

          A.  People are looking for happiness in the wrong places.

          B.  True happiness is derived from God.  Psalm 1: 1-3 (431)

   III.  To expect to go to heaven without preparation is to expect the impossible.

          2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 (875); 1 Peter 1:3-9, 13-21 (894-895); Mark 16:16 (748)

Conclusion

           A.  Is anyone present expecting the impossible?  Review