Waiting for the Lord's Return, Part 5Paul gives us four instructions in this passage on how to deal with those who get out of step with what they ought to be doing in the local church. Withdraw yourselves (3:6) Follow our example (3:7-9) Work or suffer the consequences (3:10-13)
Peace comes from knowing and obeying the truth (3:16) |
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Waiting for the Lord's Return, Part 4Paul gives us six essential actions that we can take as we are waiting on the Lord to return: |
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Waiting for the Lord's Return, Part 3The Benefits of Knowing the Truth (2:1-3)It keeps us from - wavering
- being paralyzed with fear
- being deceived
Sources of Deception (2:2-3)- evil spirits
- word
- letter
- man
Distinguishing Marks of the Tribulation Period- Apostacy (v 3-4)
- God will unleash the Wicked One (v 5-7)
- Revelation of the Wicked One (v 8-10)
- God's judgement (v 11-12)
To enjoy the benefits of knowing the truth we must build our lives upon it.- Jesus Christ and our relationship with Him is the foundation of truth in our lives.
- We build an abiding structure upon that foundation as we walk in truth and holiness. The wisdom of God is not compatible with the wisdom of the world–trying to build upon a foundation of truth by listening to the world will not work in my life–I must build upon the truth by continuing in the truth of God.
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Waiting for the Lord's Return, Part 2Description of the Church An above average growing faith (verse 3) Above average charity among the members (verse 3) Enduring persecutions patiently and faithfully (verse 4)
What was the catalyst for their growing faith, love, and patience? Their persecutions and tribulations "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecutions." (2 Timothy 3:12) The difference between someone who suffers persecution and one who does not is whether that person is living godly. - A godly person is bearing fruit of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galations 5:22-25)
- A godly person is sharing the gospel: "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses." (Acts 2:32)
What are the benefits of suffering for your faith? - Suffering makes me counted worthy in God's kingdom and prepares me for future service in Christ's kingdom
- God's goodness is more of a reality in my life
- My faith is empowered as I undergo persecution and I become stronger and grow quickly
- God is glorified in my life
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