CHRISTIAN PREPARATION

September 1, 2020

 

  1. Starting point: 1 Tim. 2:1-6.

 

  1. Praying from: I Thessalonians Chapter 5

 

The Suddenness of Christ’s Coming

“But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

2     For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

3     For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Spiritual Enlightenment

4     But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

5     Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

6     Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

7     For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

The Sons of Light

8     But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

9     For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

10     Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

11     Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

12     And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

13     And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

A Summary of Duties

14     Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

15     See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

16     Rejoice evermore.

17     Pray without ceasing.

18     In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

19     Quench not the Spirit.

20     Despise not prophesyings.

21     Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

22     Abstain from all appearance of evil.

23     And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24     Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

25     Brethren, pray for us.

26     Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

27     I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

28     The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”

The first epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.

  1. THE PREPARATION—vv. 1–11

The Suddenness of Christ’s Coming

  1. Sudden—vv. 1–2. Will come as a thief in the night.
  2. Sorrow—v. 3. False peace and security.
  3. Sound—vv. 4–5. Christians know what to expect.

Spiritual Enlightenment

  1. Sleeping—vv. 6–7. Christians should be awake.

The Sons of Light

  1. Sober—v. 8. Christians should always be alert.
  2. Salvation—vv. 9–10. Christians escape the tribulation.
  3. Solace—v. 11. Comfort one another with this hope.
  4. THE PEACE—vv. 12–15
  5. Respect—vv. 12–13. Honor the Church leaders.

A Summary of Duties

  1. Rebuking—v. 14. Rebuke, but do it in kindness.
  2. Rededication—v. 15. The example of Christianity.

III. THE PERSONALITY—vv. 16–22

The personality all Christians should have.

  1. Pleasure—v. 16. Always rejoice in the Lord.
  2. Praying—v. 17. Being in the attitude of prayer.
  3. Purpose—v. 18. In all things give thanks.
  4. Problem—v. 19. Many people quench the Spirit, by failing to obey Him. They listen to man.
  5. Prophesy—v. 20. Do not criticize those who prophesy.
  6. Proving—v. 21. Test the various things, when the right thing is found, hold fast to it.
  7. Purity—v. 22. Stay away from appearance of evil.
  8. THE PARTING—vv. 25–28
  9. Prayer—v. 25. The greatest of all requests—PRAY FOR US. The pastor and church needs prayer.
  10. Partners—v. 26. Greet people with holy kiss-same as handshake today.
  11. Purpose—v. 27. Paul tells the people to be sure and read this Epistle to the Thessalonians.
  12. Peace—v. 28. The grace of God be with all people.
  13. THE AMEN OF ROMANS 16:20, 24, 27

16:20          “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”

16:24          “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”

16:27          “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.”