PRESERVED IN JESUS CHRIST

Intro.

1. Guards secure/preserve people/things – Matt. 27:36, 54; 28:4 (27:65-66).

2. threw tereo - AV-keep 57, reserve 8, observe 4, watch 2, preserve 2, keeper 1, hold fast 1; 75

1) to attend to carefully, take care of

1a) to guard

1b) metaph. to keep, one in the state in which he is

1c) to observe

1d) to reserve: to undergo something (Online Bible Greek Lexicon)

3. Christians are “preserved in Jesus Christ” – Jude 1.

4. God has reserved (kept, preserved) some things for men; There are other things each of us must “keep” (observe, preserve).

I. HEAVEN IS PRESERVED FOR THE FAITHFUL.

A. The Christian’s Inheritance is Reserved – 1 Pet. 1:4.

1. Our hope is laid up for us in heaven – Col. 1:5.

2. It is incorruptible, undefiled & doesn’t fade away (1 Pet. 1:4).

B. The Christian is Kept (guarded) by the Power of God So He May Obtain His Heavenly Inheritance – 1 Pet. 1:5.

1. God keeps disciples from Satan – Jno. 17:15.

2. 1 Cor. 10:13 (God’s escape routes) ; 1 Pet. 5:8-9 (faith in the faith).

3. Secure when we follow Jesus - Jno. 17:11-12; 10:27-28.

II. HELL (PUNISHMENT) IS PRESERVED FOR SINNERS.

A. The Unjust are Reserved for Punishment – 2 Pet. 2:9 (4).

1. cf. False teachers – 2 Pet. 2:17 (1) – “blackness of darkness forever”!

2. “Holding” to traditions rather than God’s commands – Mk. 7:9.

a. Creeds, confessions of faith, catechisms, manuals, etc.

b. When these are observed & preserved rather than God’s commands we hasten reservation of punishment! (Matt. 15:14)

B. Heaven and Earth – 2 Pet. 3:7.

III. THINGS WE ARE TO KEEP (reserve, attend to carefully, take care of, keep, preserve, hold fast, observe)

A. The Teachings of Christ (NT) - Matt. 28:20 (observe)

1. Keep His word - never see death – Jno. 8:51 (keep).

2. Jesus kept Father’s word (Jno. 8:55); Apostles did (Jno. 17:6).

3. Love for Christ – Jno. 14:15, 21, 23-24.

4. Loved by Christ – Jno. 15:10.

5. Know Him – 1 Jno. 2:3-5; 3:24; 5:2-3.

B. Keep the Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace – Eph. 4:3 (Psa. 133:1).

1. Guard it, preserve it, give it attentive care. How?

2. Eph. 4:1-2 – Right lives & right attitudes of heart.

3. Phil. 2:1-4 – Love, humility & unselfish behavior (Col. 3:12-15).

C. Keep Our Whole Being Blameless – 1 Ths. 5:23; cf. 1 Tim. 5:22; Jas. 1:27; 1 Jno. 5:18; Rev. 16:15.

D. Keep the Faith – 2 Tim. 4:7.

1. The pattern of sound words from apostles – 2 Tim. 1:13-14.

2. Some turned away from it by turning away from Paul – 2 Tim. 1:15.

E. Keep Ourselves in the Love of God – Jude 21 (cf. 1 Jno. 5:3).

1. Faithful, continued obedience (Heb. 5:9; 10:36, 39).

2. Looking for (anticipating) mercy of the Lord (Jude 21; Tit. 2:13).

Conclusion

1. God will guard His people.

a. Reserving for them an eternal inheritance – 2 Tim. 1:12 [Keep is diff. word here - “custodial care” in the face of assault.].

b. God reserves eternal punishment for all sinners.

2. We must…

a. Observe the teachings of Christ.

b. Guard unity among us.

c. Watch carefully to maintain pure living.

d. Hold fast the faith (gospel).

e. Remain in the love of God.