Sermon 102697

1Co. 13:12                                          Now and Then                                                   10/26/97

Series 23.23                                                                                                                       ABCC

I.     Review                                                                                                                             595

q      Paul describes HOW we are to use our spiritual gifts in 12:31b-13:7 = the excellent way

q      The effect of using spiritual gifts the wrong way or without love (13:1-3) = NO PROFIT!

q      The Biblical Description of Love or the Excellent Way (v. 4-7)

q      Why should the Christian be certain to use his/her spiritual gifts in love (v. 8-13)?

-         Love never fails = there is no time in the future when love will not be needed or SUPREME (v. 8a, 13)

-         Spiritual gifts will fail = there is a time in the future when spiritual gifts will not be needed (v. 8b-12)

II.    The Relationship/Interrelationship Between the Present & Future

A.        Foolishness of living only for the present (1Co. 15:32b; Lk. 12:19)

B.        Foolishness of living only for the future (Jas. 4:13-16)

C.        The Christian must always consider the present & future together (v. 12)

NOW = before Christ returns (v. 10) - we don’t see things clearly & we don’t understand circumstances of life fully; NOW our knowledge is limited, so we must pray & study the scriptures, seek counsel from other godly people & ask the Lord for wisdom – families, church, jobs, communities, government, education, economics, country, weather, etc.  These frustrations & limitations are for this brief lifetime ONLY.  NOW is not forever!!!

THEN = after Christ returns (v. 10) – we will see eternal life clearly & our understanding will be complete; no need for studying the scriptures, seeking counseling from other people & pleading for wisdom; no more cloudy understanding, confusion, strife & war within ourselves, asking WHY Lord – Eph. 1:15-19a will be reality!

1.      The exact date of Christ’s return is not known by Christians & therefore should not become a major concern (Ac. 1:6)

2.      Present suffering will result great joy in the future for the Christian (1Pe. 4:12-13)

Now and Then, pg. 2

3.      The return of Christ motivates a holy lifestyle for the Christian (1Jn. 3:3;Jas. 5:7-9; 1Pe. 1:7,13; 2Pe. 3:10-13)

4.      The return of Christ creates an eagerness now (1Co. 1:7-8; Phi. 3:20)

5.      The Christian will be thoroughly examined when Christ returns (1Co. 4:4-5)

6.      The Christian will be rewarded for faithfulness (2Tim. 4:7-8)

7.      The Christian willingly & eagerly participates in the Lord’s Supper (1Co. 11:26)

8.      The resurrection and rapture of saints when Christ returns (1Co. 15:22-23)

9.      The judgement of unbelievers when Christ returns (1Co. 15:24; 1Th. 5:3; 2Th. 1:7-10; Jude 14,16)

10.    The Christian’s heart will be establish unblamable in holiness (1Th. 3:13)

Just as surely as you are living in the NOW dimension  of your life, THEN is coming.  Verse 10 does not say if the perfect comes, but WHEN the perfect comes – Christ is going to return with great glory, awe & might; nothing can detain or restrain Him – no angel or demon or satan himself.  “Behold He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the will earth will mourn over Him.”  “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.”  Do you know Jesus Christ NOW?  Only those who know Him NOW will go with Him THEN.  Have you repented…?  My Christian brother or sister, how are you living your life NOW?  How are you spending your time? ..using your spiritual gifts?  Is love controlling you, compelling, motivating you to be steadfast, immovable…NOW & THEN in the one & only excellent way = Love!  Read 1Timothy 6:14-16.