Living in Anticipation

Living in Anticipation 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 November 1, 2020 The Big Idea: Jesus’ return to the earth is certain, but no one knows when it will happen. The Father has delayed this event for 2 reasons: so that unbelievers have time to repent and believe (2 Peter 3:9) and so believers have time to be sanctified and to live out our love for the Lord in front of unbelievers (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13). Matthew 24:36 Acts 1:6-8 1 Thessalonians 5 (ESV) Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 5 Truths About Jesus’ Return 1. You really already know everything you need to know about the second coming of Jesus (v. 1). 2. His coming will unexpected to many (v. 2) 3. His coming will surprise many who were unprepared and thought their lives were safe and secure (v. 3). 4. His coming is inevitable – like a baby coming once labor begins (v. 3) 5. His coming will place us all in accountability before the King. (vv.4-11) 1 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6 So then let us not sleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day , let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love , and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live 4 The Life of Believers While We Wait (vv. 4-11) ü It Starts With God’s Work of Salvation on Our Behalf ü We Find Our Identity Which is Based On God’s Work “children of the light” ü Now, Our Living Is An Expression of Our Identity “awake” “sober” “faith” “love” “hope” DOING A “SPIRITUAL CHECKUP” 1. Is my faith in Christ and His sacrifice solid? 2. Is my love for Jesus and people strong and growing? 3. Is my hope of Jesus’ salvation and return certain?