THE HIGH STANDARD

Rhetorical questions.

Who do you think has higher standards, God or the Devil?

Who do you think has higher standards, God or the world?

God or the flesh? God or the pastor?

God or the local church?

The obvious and correct answer is "God". Why then do so many balk when standards are high?

Think before you answer these.

Whose standard is higher, God or Jesus?

God or the Holy Spirit?

God or the Bible?

The obvious and correct answer is "yes". God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit all have the same standard and have set it down in the Word of God, the Bible, which then also has the same high standards.

These things being true whose standard should we follow?

Whose standards should we strive to make our own?

In point of fact, whose standards matter?

I. THE HIGH STANDARD OF GOD IN SALVATION

1. We must exceed the best people in righteousness (Gandhi, Buddha, etc.) [Mt. 5:17-20]

2. We must exceed the best we can do [Lk. 10:25-29]

3. We must accept the best Heaven has provided [Lk. 18:18-27]

II. THE HIGH STANDARD OF GOD IN CONSECRATION

1. Settle your salvation by faith in Him [Phil. 3:8-9]

2. Settle your sanctification by faith in Him [Phil. 3:10-11]

3. Set your sights high by faith in Him [Phil. 3:12-14]

III. THE HIGH STANDARD OF GOD IN EXPECTATION

1. Be open to God's leading [Phil. 3:15]

2. Beware of the sin of backsliding [Phil. 3:16]

3. Be steady [Phil. 3:17-21]