Sermon 120797
1Co. 13:12 Now and Then - IV 12/7/97
Series 23.26 ABCC
I. Review 601
q Context = instructions on HOW the Christian is to use spiritual gifts
q We must honestly face the reality of TIME & the challenges associated with it (v. 12)
- NOW is before Christ returns; THEN is when Christ returns (v. 10)
II. Theological & Practical Implications of Time for the Saint
My brother/sister, what is your perspective of the current times in which we live = NOW? Since we see through a mirror dimly, life now is much better on the one hand & much worse on the other than you think!
A. The saint’s life NOW
1. Forgiveness & abundant GRACE; joy & glory (Rom. 8:1; 5;1; Heb. 4:16; Lk. 2:10; Rom. 14:17; 2Co. 3:18)
2. Objects of God’s love & blessing (Rom. 8:38-39; Phil. 4:19)
3. Kept securely & protected by God(Jn. 17:9-15; 1Pe. 1:3-5)
4. Empowered by, filled with, taught by, led by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18; Jn. 14:26; Rom. 8:14)
5. Trials, difficulties, troubles (2Tim. 3:12; Ac. 14:22; 2Co. 12:9-10)
6. Slandered, mocked, cursed with gross & vulgar language; we live among evil & wicked people!
7. Questions, lack of understanding & wisdom, disappointments, discouraged, distressed & even depressed at times (2Co. 4:7-10; 12:8; 1Th. 2:18 – Satan)
8. Victory, success, prosperity (Rom. 8:37; 3Jn. 2; Phil. 4:13)
Now and Then – IV, pg. 2
The Christian’s life is filled with this mystery, wonder, joy, excitement, praise, prayer, problems, discouragement, persecutions, shame, hurt, pain, abundance/lack, success/failure, health/sickness, marital joy/conflict, parental joy/conflict, employment joy/woes, victories & disappointments in ministry, love, grace, mercy, – God had so designed the Christian’s life NOW such that we collectively experience all of life’s joys & sorrows and know Rom. 8:28; 1Co. 10:31; In spite of every challenging experience of life, the Christian is given the opportunity to use his/her spiritual gifts NOW (Jn. 9:4; Gal. 6:10). But my question is how are you seeing your life today or NOW? Since we see in a mirror dimly, what you see might not be an accurate assessment of things. You may be perceiving that all is well with you & with your soul, when all is not well with you at all. You may perceive that you’re being persecuted, when you’re simply suffering the consequences of your sin. You may perceive that the bottom has dropped out of your life, when it’s just preparation for God’s great deliverance & blessing. When you look at your life, what do you see – an active, faithful Christian or one constantly hindered by excuses; one taking advantage of every opportunity to use your spiritual gifts in ministry or one who constantly misses opportunities; one who has learned to be content in every circumstance of life or one who is plagued with discontentment; one who gives thanks in all things or one who grumbles & complains? what do you see my brother/sister? How are you affected by what you see? The scriptures say “we walk by faith, not by sight”; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”; “but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”. Are you pressing on today, despite what you see or have seen? Are you pressing on toward the goal with your eye on that great day THEN when you’ll see Him face to face? Are you pressing on with your eye on Jesus Christ & do you “count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” How well do you know Christ NOW – are you getting to know Him in your victories & sufferings - that’s what will matter THEN!
