Main Scripture Reference - Matthew 7:21-23>
Other Scripture References: James 2:19; John 3:16; John 17:3; Jeremiah 24:7; Jeremiah 22:16; Mark 12:30

INTRO–‘What Have You Almost Done?’Read Matthew 7:21-23

Growing up you probably used the word almost quite frequently in terms of answering your parents questions of cleaning your room or getting your homework finished. However, in terms of being a Christian the word almost is not something you will want to claim at the end standing before God. One of Jesus’ scariest statements has to do with who gets to enter his kingdom, and it doesn’t revolve around how great your work is but if you really know him. The question for today is this, are you really a Christian and how can you know for sure?

• Describe a time when you ‘almost’ made it, got it, completed it, or achieved something excellent. Could you have done anything to change that outcome?


• How certain are you that you are a Christian? How do you know?

POINT 1–‘Who You Know’Read James 2:19

Well how do you know for sure whether God knows you or not? Obviously, God knows you and everything about you because God created you. The real question actually is do you know God? One of the things Jesus is trying to point out is that there is a difference in knowing about God and really knowing God in a personal and intimate way. Fundamentally this is a question not about head knowledge but about heart relationship. Actually it is very easy to know about God, know Bible Stories, know scripture and even know how God wants you to live life. It’s a very different thing to maintain a personal and vital relationship with God. Head knowledge makes you an almost Christian. Heart relationship makes you true follower of God.

• From very intimate to virtual stranger how would you describe your relationship with God right now?


• Do you spend intimate time with God on a daily basis, weekly basis, monthly basis, or almost never? How do you personally try to get to know God more intimately?

POINT 2–‘Affects How You Live’Read John 3:16 & John 17:3

The whole issue around knowing about or knowing God also affects the misconception of eternal life. Eternal life is certainly the goal of every Christian but it should never be understood as getting to heaven someday. Eternal life means living the life today because you do know God. Eternal life begins as soon as you first meet God and continues as you continue to live out of that love relationship you started with God

• Are you living for eternal life or living eternal life right now? What do you think is the difference?


• If intimacy with God was the total criteria, how deep do you think you would you get into heaven? How can you begin to deepen your relationship with God?

ACTION–‘Relational Diagnostics’Read Jeremiah 24:7; Jeremiah 22:16 & Mark 12:30

So how can you know for sure that you know God? Here are some relational diagnostics you can use. Are you staying connected to God and the heart of God by spending quality time in prayer, Bible study and worship? Are you concerned with the issues that matter to God – mainly people? Are you committed to doing what it takes to develop an intimate relationship with God? If you will do these things you will find that you are not only close to God, but that God will be close to you every day and in every way.

• Describe a time in your life you really felt deeply connected to God. How do you currently feel about your connection with God?


• What do you think are some of God’s major concerns? Do your concerns match up with any of these


• What is one step closer to God you can take this week to begin developing an even deeper relationship with God?