Why Did Jesus Say “Ye Shall Know Them By Their Fruits”?

1. Introduction:
   1. In our world today there are a lot of people that say they are Christians, or say they are ministers of the Gospel. Which ones are truly Christian and serving God? Jesus said we can know who is truly our brother or sister by the fruits they bear.

2. Where is the Scripture Found?
   20. We’ll be looking at Matthew 7:15-20. The verse we are referring to here is Matthew 7: 16: Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

3. Who is it that Jesus is referring to?
   1. Not everyone that says they are a Christian or even a minister is of God. Jesus warns us about that in verse 15: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. We often hear of preachers or singers that bring inspiring messages or songs, and then later we hear of them tearing up the bible or saying they no longer believe.

4. What are the Fruits?
   1. Matthew 7:17 to 20 says “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
   2. Jesus talks a lot about trees, seeds, and soil. To learn more about the fruit Jesus is talking about in our original passage, let’s look at the parable of the sower and the seed as Jesus is explaining it to His Disciples.. Matthew 13:18-23: Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
   3. So the seed is the Word of the Kingdom, the gospel message. The message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
   4. The sower is me and you. We are all called to plant seeds, to present the gospel to people we come in contact with.
   5. The good fruit Jesus is talking about in our original passage is sharing the gospel with people, and living a life of service to our Lord. We are not doing this to get into Heaven, but because we love God and are thankful for what He’s done for us.

5. How to know if someone is a true brother or sister, or a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing? Ask yourself these questions about that person:
   1. Is the person in question sharing the Gospel in one way or another with people in need? Luke 14:23: And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
   2. Does he or she put God and others first? Matthew 6:33: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
   3. Philippians 2:3: Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
   4. Is he or she a person of prayer and study of God’s Word? Philippians 4:6: e careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
   5. 2 Timothy 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
   6. Is the person preaching the Word accurately, or leading people astray? Galatians 1:8-9: But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
6. It Sounds like you are talking about Judging. Doesn’t Jesus teach against judging others?
   1. Here is the scripture people often use. Matthew 7:1-5: udge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?  Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
   2. So what is Jesus saying here, that we are not to ever make a judgment call about someone ‘s spiritual condition? No. He’s telling us to check our own selves out first. Get the beam out of your own eye so you can clearly see the mote in the other person’s eye.  1 Corinthians 11:31:  For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
   3. We see in this next verse that God does want us to discern who is truly a servant of the Lord, and who is wicked, and actually of the enemy. It says this in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13: For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
   4. When dealing with another who is a brother but who we know to be doing wrong, the bible says this in Galatians 6:1-2: rethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

7. How can you and I bear More Fruit?
   1. First, you must be born again before you can bear fruit. John 3:3: Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
   2. Spend time in the Word and prayer every day. Psalm 119:11: Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
   3. Philippians 4:6: e careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
   4. Share Jesus with people you come in contact with.
   5. Submit to God’s Pruning process. John 15:2: Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Why Do I Need to go to Church?

1. Introduction
   1. We live in a time when more and more people are saying that they can be a Christian without being involved in a church.
   2. What does the bible say about this? Does going to church make you a Christian? What is the church? Isn’t it enough to be born again? We’ll tackle these questions and more in this important message.

2. Does Church make me a Christian?
   1. You become a Christian, not by going to church, but by accepting Jesus into your heart as Lord and Savior. Romans 10:9-10: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
   2. Once you have believed in Jesus and are saved, you love Him, and want to please Him and learn all you can about Him. You want to connect with others who share your faith.

3. If the church is significant, why does the bible say God doesn’t live in buildings made with hands?
   1. Though God has places set apart for His Purposes, he doesn’t live in man-made buildings. Acts 7:46-49: Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built him an house.Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?
   2. The church building is not a place where God lives, it is a place where people come together to hear the Word, fellowship, and serve God. Acts 2:41-42: hen they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

4. What is the church?
   1. The church is a body of believers, a family of brothers and sisters in Christ. This is the family you are adopted into once you accept Jesus and are saved. Romans 12:5: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
   2. When we are adopted into God’s Family, we have Jesus Christ as the Head. Colossians 1:18: And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

5. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit, and what is the temple?
   1. We see this scripture in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
   2. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity.
   3. He is spoken of by Jesus as the Comforter. John 14:16: And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.
   4. As we study the Word, the Holy Spirit will teach us, and bring things to our remembrance. John 14:26:But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
   5. He is the Spirit of Truth who leads us and guides us. John 16:13: Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
   6. The temple in this case is where God lives, not in man made buildings, but in the hearts of those who call upon the Name of the Lord for salvation. Ephesians 4:30: And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

6. I’m a Home Baptist. I don’t feel I need to go to church. Isn’t it enough to be born again and know I’m going to Heaven? Why do I need to do anything else?
   1. Being a Christian isn’t simply praying a prayer, being born again, and then you’re done. If you truly are saved, you want to obey God and serve Him. There will be works that accompany your faith. It is not enough to just believe, we must live for Him. James 2:17-18:Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

7. Does going to Church make me a better Christian?
   1. When you go to church, you are fed the true, powerful Word of God through the messages.2 Timothy 4:2:Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
   2. You have a family to worship and pray with.1 Corinthians 14:26:How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
   3. You have brothers and sisters that can encourage you as you grow in your walk with the Lord. Hebrews 10:24: And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
   4. You do become a better Christian as you continue to fellowship and study with other believers.

8. What does God say about all of this? Do I need to change my thinking?
   1. God clearly warns us to stay in fellowship with other believers, especially as we see the end approaching. Hebrews 10:25: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
   2. We see in Acts how the people spent time daily in the temple, and having fellowship at one another’s houses. This shows the church being a family, not just coming together for a message and a few songs, but spending time to fellowship together.Acts 2:46: And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
   3. Here’s another scripture that shows the importance of being with like minded believers. Philippians 2:1-2: If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
   4. You’re an important part of the Body. When you are not there, there is a missing part that God intended to be there. Because of this, you should get involved in a church, pray for and support your pastor, and see what part God has for you to play in the life of that local body of believers. Ephesians 4:16: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

1. What is a Dream?
   1. a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person’s mind during sleep.
   2. a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal.
   3. Dreams are often used by God to communicate His Will, and what his calling on your life is. Acts 2:17 says And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
   4. Numbers 12:6: And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.

2. Who do we know that dreamed in the Bible? There arer countless examples of how God used dreams in the bible. Let’s look at a few examples.
   1. Abimelech in Genesis 20:3: But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife.
   2. Jacob dreamed about Jesus in Genesis 28:12: And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.
   3. Joseph dreamed of his brothers and parents bowing down to him in Genesis 37:9: And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.
   4. The butler and baker had dreams that Joseph interpreted. Genesis 40:5: And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison.
   5. Joseph reminds the butler and baker that God interprets dreams. Genesis 40 Verse 8: And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.
   6. Solomon had a dream from God in 1st Kings 3:5: In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
   7. Joseph, Mary’s husband in Matthew 1:20: But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
   8. Herod’s servants in Matthew 2:12-13: And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

3. Do you want to see your dream come to pass?
   1. If you have a dream, pray about it. Submit it to God, and share it with people you are close to. Habakkuk 2:2-3: And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
   2. Remember that the dream God gives is irrevocable. He doesn’t change His Mind about it.Romans 11:29: For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
   3. As you continue to submit your dreams to God, spend time in His Word, and let Him teach you, guide you, and prepare you for the fulfillment of the dream.Romans 10:17: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

4. Are you just acknowledging a dream, or knowing it is God’s dream for your life?
   1. As you think about your dreams, visions, and desires, remember that God has thoughts, and plans for your life, for your good, and for His Glory.Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
   2. If your dream is of God, it will line up with His Word. Be confident in it. Commit it to Him, and He will bring it to pass.2nd Timothy 1:12: For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

5. Do you believe a dream is from God? Here are a couple of ways you can know your dream has come from God.
   1. Information from Heaven:You can tell if it’s a God-dream if it contains some element of the supernatural. There is information in the dream that obviously comes from heaven – something you wouldn’t ordinarily know or that points to a future time. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would help us by ‘speaking of things to come’ (John 6:13-14) and that when we call to God, he will tell us ‘unsearchable things we do not know’ (Jeremiah 33:3).
   2. It is Part of an Ongoing Conversation:Secondly, we recognize God’s voice in a dream because it is part of an ongoing conversation. Dreams are one of the ways God speaks to us but it’s not the only way. It’s just one mode of communication he uses in the context of an ongoing relationship. So if you have a dream you think may be from God, ask yourself, what has God been speaking to me about lately? What prayers have I been praying?

6. What are you willing to do to see it come true?
   1. Whatever your dream, remember that for it to fully succeed, the Lord must be the one who is in charge of bringing it about. Maybe your dream is to preach in a small church, or to sing and preach to thousands around the world. The Lord must be the one building the ministry.Psalms 127:1: Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
   2. As you submit your dream to God, trust Him with it. Acknowledge Him in everything you do, and He will direct your path, right to the fulfillment of that dream He gave you.Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
   3. Proverbs 16:3: Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
   4. While waiting for your dream to come to pass, there will be seasons where your faith is tested. God is giving you patience, and sharpening the skills you will need when the dream comes to pass.James 1:3-4: Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

7. Conclusion:
   1. We’d like to have your comments and hear about your dreams and what God has done, and what you have done to see it through.

1. Who Was King Saul?
   1. Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin, the son of a man named Kish.
   2. He is described as a choice young man. He was considered the most goodly or attractive person in all of the children of Israel.1 Samuel 9:2: nd he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.

2. In What Time Period did He Reign?
   1. Saul was born around1076 BC in the land of Benjamin in Israel. He became the first King of Israel around 1046 BC where he united tribes and defeated enemies such as the Ammonites, Philistines, Moabites, and Amalekites.Apr 18, 2019

3. How Did He Become King? Did God Call Him or was He Voted In By Man?
   1. First, the people reject the reign of God and call for a king.1 Samuel 10:17-19: And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mizpeh; And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you: And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes, and by your thousands.
   2. Next, Saul is revealed and the people embrace him as king.1 Samuel 10:22-24: Therefore they enquired of the Lord further, if the man should yet come thither. And the Lord answered, Behold he hath hid himself among the stuff. And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the Lord hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.

4. Why did Israel Need a King?
   1. Samuel was getting on in years, and the sons he had appointed as judges were not walking in the Ways of the Lord.
   2. The people of Israel took notice that other nations had kings to rule over them, and wanted to be like the other nations.
   3. 1 Samuel 8:3-6: And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord.

5. Was God Happy with the Decision the People Made?
   1. God had been ruling over Israel Himself. It was a theocracy, a government ruled by God, and the people rejected the rule of God and called for a human king.1 Samuel 8:7-10: And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. And Samuel told all the words of the Lord unto the people that asked of him a king.
   2. 1 Samuel 12:12-14: 12 And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the Lord your God was your king. Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the Lord hath set a king over you. If ye will fear the Lord, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the Lord your God:

6. Where Did He Reign?
   1. He was officially made king in a place called Gilgal.1 Samuel 11:14-15: Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there. And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the Lord; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.
   2. 1 Samuel 13:2: Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.

7. What was Saul’s Sin?
   1. Saul was disobedient to the Word of the Lord. He had stopped following after God’s Will and did his own thing. We see the Word given in1 Samuel 15:1-3: Samuel also said unto Saul, The Lord sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.
   2. To see how Saul disobeyed, and how God responded, let’s skip down to1 Samuel 15:9-11: But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly. Then came the word of the Lord unto Samuel, saying, Itrepenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the Lord all night.

8. What was Saul’s Role with David?
   1. When we first meet David, he is a shepherd boy, the son of Jesse. Samuel is about to anoint him as king. 1 Samuel 16:11-12: And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, Thereremaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.
   2. He does not take over as king for some time, but from this point on, God was preparing him. He meets Saul as a harpist whose playing can calm his troubled soul.1st Samuel 16:14-16: But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him. And Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.
   3. When Goliath comes and intimidates the people of Israel, only David stands up to him. 1 Samuel 17:45-46: Then said David to the Philistine, Thoucomest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
   4. When David kills Goliath, this draws the attention of King Saul.Skipping down to verses 55-57: And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell. And the king said, Enquire thou whose son the stripling is. And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.
   5. David and Saul’s son Jonathan become like brothers, and David is kept in the king’s household.1 Samuel 18:1-2: And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house.
   6. From there, Saul became more and more jealous of David, because he knew that God was with David and had left Saul. David would eventually become the king.

9. How Did Saul Die?
   1. Saul ultimately meets his end in an all-out battle with the Philistines. We can read about this in1 Samuel 31:1-6: Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa. And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Melchishua, Saul’s sons. And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers. Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him. So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.

10. What Can We Learn from King Saul?
    1. The people wanted a king because they saw that other nations had one. How often do we see something someone else has, and wish for it. It might not be what God wants for us. He may want something better.
    2. We should never put humans on a pedestal, as the people did with Saul. He looked good, was admired by the people, but he had quite a fall, as often happens when we put our trust in a man.
    3. It is important not only to know God’s Word and study it, but we need to obey it to the best of our ability. Saul heard the Word of the Lord, but did not obey, leading him to ultimately be rejected as king.

1. Where did this concept come from?
   1. In Isaiah 28, God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to people who don’t know His Word and His ways. Just like many of us today. You and I have the complete Bible, the Word of God, and yet many of us don’t take time to study it and get to know who God is. Let’s look at a few of these verses.
   2. Isaiah 28:9-10:Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:

2. Who spoke this into existance?
   10. This concept is from God. God has something to say about every area of our lives, and the more we delve into His Word, the more we are prepared for what is in store for us, and what God has planned for us. To get a better understanding of this concept, let’s look at a few other translations of verse 10.
   11. New International Version: For it is: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there.”
   12. New Living Translation:He tells us everything over and over— one line at a time, one line at a time, a little here, and a little there!”
   13. Berean Study Bible: For He says, “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there.”
   14. Good News Translation:He is trying to teach us letter by letter, line by line, lesson by lesson.”

3. Why Can’t We just pick Up the Bible and Read It?
   1. God wants us to study His Word, to get to know Him, His Will, His Ways. He wants us to do this for ourselves, but so we can share His Word with others.
   2. 2nd Timothy 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
   3. We see here that as we study God’s Word, line upon line, precept upon precept, we are approved unto God. He is pleased with us.
   4. When we study the Word, and share it with others, we need not to be ashamed, because we are rightly dividing the Word, not just making a complete doctrine out of one section of scripture.

4. Is it true that when a statement is made in the Bible that other passages relate to it between the Old and New Testament?Yes, here are a few examples.
   1. We learn that Jesus was a descendant of Abraham by looking at these 2 verses:
      1. Matthew 1:1: The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
      2. Genesis 22:18: And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
   2. Throughout the Old and New Testament, we see passages telling and foretelling of how Jesus would give His Life to save you and me from our sins.
      1. Isaiah 53:5: But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
      2. Matthew 20:28: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

• 1 Peter 2:24-25:Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

1. 2 Corinthians 5:21: For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

1. The apostle John, and the prophet Isaiah both had a vision of Heaven, and Jesus sitting on the throne.
   1. Revelation 4:2-3: And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
   2. Isaiah 6:1-2: In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

5. Is this Line Upon Line old testament only, or is it New Testament also?
   1. As we’ve seen with these examples, we can use Bible cross references to go between the Old and New Testament, often gaining deeper insight into what God is saying by digging a little bit deeper, than just the one passage we might be looking at.

6. When Explaining God’s Word to someone, how important is this concept?
   1. 1 Peter 3:15-16:But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
   2. In this world, there are many voices, with many different messages, often contrary to the Word of God. If you study the Word, line upon line, precept upon precept, using the Old and New Testament, you are more equipped to give an answer, and share what God has to say about Himself, and the issues of the day. There are many who say they speak from God but their knowledge of the Word is extremely limited.

7. Is this a tool made for winning souls?
   1. Those who profess to receive and believe the truth are to be shown the deadly influence of selfishness and its tainting, corrupting power. The Holy Spirit must work upon the human agent, else another power will control mind and judgment. Spiritual knowledge of God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent is the only hope of the soul. Each soul is to be taught of God, line upon line, precept upon precept; he must feel his individual accountability to God to engage in service for his Master, whose he is, and whom he is required to serve in the work of saving souls from death.

8. How can this help us in the complete study of all 66 books? Here are some guidelines for studying the bible line upon line, precept upon precept.
   1. Begin with Scriptures that are easy to understand.
   2. Let the Bible interpret and prove the Bible. Don’t look for what you want to prove – look for what the Bible actually says.
   3. Understand the context—the verses before and after, and the chapters before and after. Does your understanding of a particular verse harmonize with the rest of the Bible?
   4. Ask: What does the Scripture clearly say?
   5. Ask: What does the Scripture not say?
   6. Ask: Who was the book written to?
   7. Ask: Who wrote it and who said it?
   8. Understand the historical time frame in which the book was written.
   9. Do not allow personal assumptions or preconceived ideas to influence your understanding and conclusions.
   10. Do not form conclusions based on partial facts, insufficient information, or the opinions and speculations of others.
   11. Opinions—regardless of how strongly you feel about them—don’t necessarily count. Scripture alone must be your standard and guide.

1. Introduction: What is the Unknown and when does it Appear?
   1. The unknown is defined as something not known or familiar.
   2. Other words that describe the unknown include unrevealed, undivulged, untold, unspecified, secret, mysterious, hidden, concealed, undetermined etc
   3. The unknown is something we can face every day in this life. We don’t know from one day to the next exactly what the future holds, or even if tomorrow will come at all.
   4. Proverbs 27:1-Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
   5. James 4:14-Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

2. Who in the Bible Faced the Unknown?
   1. Just to name a few, Abraham, when God called him to leave his father’s house and travel to an unknown land.Genesis 12:1-2: Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
   2. Abraham’s servant, when he went to find a wife for Isaac. Genesis 24:7-9: The Lord God of heaven, which took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence. And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again. And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and sware to him concerning that matter.
   3. Joseph faced many unknowns starting when his brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt.Genesis 37:26-28: And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelitesfor twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
   4. The Children of Israel on their journey to the promised land. Just before crossing the Red Sea on dry land and escaping the Egyptians, we see this inExodus 14:8-10: And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand. But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon. And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord.
   5. The Disciples, when Jesus sent them out to minister for the first time.Matthew 10:8-11: Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

3. Are there Unknowns in God’s Word?
   1. No one knows the day or the hour when Jesus will come back, but we know it will be soon!Matthew 25:13: Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

4. Are there Mysteries when Reading God’s Word that we can’t for-see or understand?
   1. There is one such mystery found inRevelation 10:4: And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

5. In our Journey to Understand the Unknown, is there Light at the End of the Tunnel?
   1. There are going to be unknowns, but God wants us to trust Him, and He will lead and guide us every day.Psalm 32:8: I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
   2. Remember, whatever the unknowns we come up to in life, we can have perfect peace if we keep our minds on Jesus.Isaiah 26:3: Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
   3. Whatever the unknown we face, God says in His Word that He will give us all things that we need.Romans 8:32:He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
   4. We live in a world with a lot of unknowns, but we don’t need to fear them, for God is always with us through them.Isaiah 43:2: When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
   5. One day, there will be no unknowns. We’ll see clearly and know all that God has for us.1 Corinthians 13:12: For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.