Tests of True Born-again Christians

Matthew 7:13-29

Jesus outlines three tests that prove if someone is born-again. False Christians, pretenders and counterfeits, fail these tests.

The Test of Humble Service

1. The wide, easy Gate and Path, level and paved for easy, smooth comfort of a popular life with the world.

2. The narrow Gath and Path that is rocky and hard.

   1. It is “strait.” Describes a path that has a large cliff of rock on one side, a narrow footpath around a mountain with a 100’ drop-off on the other side.
   2. This is the path of humble and tiring service.
   3. Illustration: Matthew 8:18-22. These two failed the test.

The Test of Spiritual Fruit

1. False prophets refer to false preachers and false professors of faith in Christ.

2. 1. They call Christ “Lord” and do religious works, but they have not been truly saved.
   2. These false believers will be surprised at the judgment.

1. 1. 1. It is possible to deceive ourselves!
      2. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4–Satan blinds the minds and deceives people into thinking they are saved.
      3. When Christ returns, millions of professing Christians will be surprised to learn they were never saved!

2. “Ye shall know them by their fruit.”

   1. The fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23.
   2. The fruit of the lips, testimony and praise to God, Hebrews 13:15.
   3. Holy living, Romans 6:22.
   4. Good works, Colossians 1:10.
   5. Lost souls won to Christ, Romans 1:13.

The Test of Stability and Obedience

1. Two builders

   1. Used the same material.
   2. Used the same plans.
   3. The world can’t tell the difference in the two houses.

2. The Time of Testing→the storm

   1. The house built on the rock is stable and withstands the storm.
   2. The house built on the sand crumbles and falls in the storm.

3. The Foundation of Our Spiritual Life Is Important.

   1. The foundation of a born-again Christian is the Rock, Christ Jesus, 1 Corinthians 3:11.
   2. The foundation of a false believer is convenience, comfort, and self-interest.

4. False believers always fall away in times of testing.

   1. The mixed multitude in Israel wanted to go back to Egypt when life got difficult.
   2. So-called Christians in Rome deserted Paul at his time of need, 2 Timothy 4:9-18.

5. True Believers stand the test regardless of the trial.

   1. Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Peter, Paul
   2. They were built on the Rock, the narrow, hard path, bearing spiritual fruit.