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Introduction:
The Bible tells us here that there is a generation of people that
will be alive when the Lord comes (expound
2:13
-18). The doctrine of the rapture not only brings comfort to the believer
(
3:18
;
5:11
) but also is a motivator of how we are to live every day until His
return! A saving relationship with the Lord Jesus brings us into close
fellowship with fellow believers, but also separates us from unbelievers.
There are certain distinguishing marks in the life of a true believer.
What is it that separates and distinguishes believers from unbelievers? Is
God’s description of the rapture generation a description of you? A true
Christian is one who is:
I. SPIRITUALLY ENLIGHTENED
(VV.1-3)
If there is anyone on this earth that has a clue about what is coming
it’s the believer (seeing the news behind the news). Three things that
the enlightened Christian knows that the lost world doesn’t…the second
coming of Jesus:
A.
Is Going To Be Secret (v.1)
No human knows the day not the hour (Acts 1:7-8) (Illus: keep the main
thing the main thing). “Times”
= kairos, from where we get
the word chronology and speaks of an order of events. Paul says, “I
don’t need to write to you about the order of events regarding the
second coming of Jesus, I’ve already told you.” In other words,
you’ve already got the information, now do something with it! Reasons to
avoid speculation:
- It
is a waste of time. (Live everyday as if this was the day).
- It
leads to behavior that embarrasses the Lord.
- It
causes you to have a catastrophe commitment. (There will be no warning
at the rapture).
B.
Is Going To Be Sudden
(v.2)
A thief
does not advertise his intentions. (Illus: When do you when a thief has
been to your house...when he’s already been there!) One day this world
is going to be missing some valuables…the jewels in His crown!
C.
Is Going To Be Shocking (v.3)
The Lord has given us all the signs in His Word. In the natural world
(Matt.24); in the nation Israel (Isa 11:11) “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover
the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from
Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar,
and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.” On
May 14, 1948
Israel
became a nation again in one day. The signs are already there we’re
listening for sounds!
II.
SPIRITUALLY INVOLVED
(VV.4-8)
There is a radical difference between the lost and saved. The saved:
A.
Are Awake
(vv.4-7)
(Illus: you don’t know that you’re
asleep when you’re asleep).
B.
Are Alert (v.8a)
“Sober” = steady;
self-controlled. Alert to the Holy Spirit and opportunities for Jesus to
live through me. Alert to what God says to me through His Word and my
circumstances.
C.
Are Armed (v.8b)
God didn’t leave us here without armor.
- “Breastplate
of faith” = confidence in the gospel of Jesus Christ and that
God is true to His Word.
- “and
love” = the motive of God’s love for us.
- “Hope
of salvation” = the consummation of salvation. Jesus will
complete what He started. The world is waxing worse and worse, but my
hope is in a Savior that is coming again to rule and to reign!
III.
SPIRITUALLY PREPARED
(VV.9-11)
The truly saved person doesn’t have to get ready, he is
ready! Can you be that sure? Yes, in Christ:
A.
We Are Saved
(v.9)
(Illus: “not
appointed to wrath”…didn’t God deliver Enoch and Noah before the
flood? Didn’t God deliver Lot before He destroyed Sodom?) The only way
to be prepared is to be saved (in the Lord Jesus Christ)! (Illus: some are
resting in a clipboard).
B.
We Are Safe (v.10)
Living or dead we are in the arms of Almighty God.
C.
We Are Strong (v.11)
- “Comfort”
= encouraged.
- “Edify”
= strengthen and built up. We are strong as believers because we know
how it’s all going to end.
Conclusion:
(Illus: All the other wives were not just waiting, they were
watching!) The difference between the lost and the saved is heaven and
hell. Jesus makes the difference!
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