[Part 18]

(Scripture: 2 Thess. 1:3-10)

JESUS OF NAZARETH:

Intro.

1.    The fact of the 2nd coming of Christ must impact our lives?

a.    Certain - Jno. 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Ths. 4:16.

b.    Irreverent ignore this truth! - 2 Pet. 3:3-4

2.    2nd coming of Christ is central to the Christian's life and hope. Without it, we are a foolish, pitiful people. With it we are blessed beyond measure!

I.    IMPORTANT TO THE CHRISTIAN'S LIFE.

    A.    Watchfulness - 1 Ths. 5:1-11; Matt. 24:42-44.

        1.     v. 2, 4 - Christian's knowledge should prepare him.

        2.     v. 2-3 - Manner of coming - Suddenly / Unexpectedly.

        3.     v. 5-8 - Sons of light/day (Eph. 5:8-10).

            -v. 6, 8 - Be sober, equipped; v. 9 - Appointed unto salvation!

        4.     Matt. 24:42-44 - Always be vigilant!

    B.    Preparedness Requires:

        1.    Repentance - 2 Pet. 3:8-9 (Deal w/ sin).

        2.    Holiness - 2 Pet. 3:11-12; 1 Jno. 3:3; 1 Ths. 3:11-13 (To be blameless!); Tit. 2:11-13.

        3.     Faithfulness - Matt. 24:45-51.

            a.     25:1-13 - Look ahead vs. Living for the moment.

            b.     25:14-30 - Use blessings per ability.

II.  IMPORTANT TO THE CHRISTIAN'S HOPE.

    A.    Hope Of Resurrection From The Dead - Phil. 3:20-21; 1 Ths. 4:13-18

        1.     3:20-21 - Wait....Conformed (Col. 3:4).

        2.    1 Ths. 4:13-15, 18 - No sorrow/Comfort!

            a.    v. 14 - Faith in the resurrection of Jesus secures our hope.

            b.    v. 14 - Power of God - cf. 2 Cor. 4:14.

        3.     v. 16 - What will happen:

            a.    Shout (Order, command) - Jno. 5:28-29.

            b.    Voice of archangel (chief-messenger) - Power, victory & glory - 2 Ths. 1:7.

            c.    Trump of God (signal deliverance) - 1 Cor. 15:52.

    B.    Hope Of Participation In The Eternal Kingdom - 1 Cor. 15:24-26; 2 Pet. 3:13.

        1.     15:24-26; cf. Matt. 25:34 - With His return, kingdom is ushered into the presence of God.

        2.    2 Pet. 3:13 - Look for habitation of righteousness - Rev. 21:1-5, 27.

III.  THE JUDGE IS COMING TO JUDGE!  Acts 17:31; Matt. 25:31-32

    A.    Accountability - Rom. 14:10-12.

        1.     Will receive according to conduct - 2 Cor. 5:10.

        2.     Truth to judge our works - Rev. 20:11-13.

    B.    Wrath Upon Sinner - Rev. 20:15; 21:8; Rom. 2:5-6.

        1.    2 Ths. 1:7-9 - Just vengeance.

        2.    2 Pet. 3:10-13 - Destroy world of sin; Replace with realm of righteousness!

        3.     Where do you stand?

    C.    Deliverance From Wrath - 1 Ths. 1:10; 5:9.

        1.    2 Ths. 1:7 - Rest for the afflicted.

        2.     Rom. 2:7, 10 - Glory, honor, incorruption & peace - Those who do good.

Conclusion

1.  The coming of Jesus is certain -- Only its exact time is unknown.

2.  We must be ready -- To share in His eternal blessings & to escape His eternal punishment against sin! Are you ready?