PREPARING FOR OUR GROOM 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11

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1 PREPARING FOR OUR GROOM 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11 Introduction: Rapture (1 Thess 4:13-18) Christ comes as a Groom for the Church o When: Before the Tribulation Day of the Lord (1 Thess 5:1-4) Christ comes as the Conquering King for Israel & World o When: During the Tribulation and Millennial Rule 1. Be : Be Ready When The Groom Comes (6a; cf. Mt 25:1-13) 6a So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake What is distracting us from being attentive to our spiritual life? Don t Be Distracted From Christ s Return By Self-Indulgence And Busyness (Mt 24:37-39; Gen 6:5) Don t Live Recklessly In Light Of Christ s Return (Mt 24:42-44; 2 Pet 3:10; Rev 16:15) Don t Sin Defiantly In Light Of Christ s Return (2 Pet 3:3-6) Don t Rebel Because You Think Christ Is Taking Too Long To Return (Mt 24:45-51; 2 Pet 3:7-10) 2. Be : Don t Be Drunk Before The Wedding (6b-8a; 1 Pet 4:7) 6b and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8a But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, What is competing against the Lordship of Christ for control in our lives? 3. Be : Straighten Your Cummerbund/Dress (8b) 8b having put on the breastplate of faith and love, Is our heart protected by faith in God s love for us? 4. Be : Know The Significance Of Your Top Hat/Veil (8c-10) 8c 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 with him. Is your eternity secured by salvation in Christ? 5. Be : Get The Wedding Party Prepared (11; Heb 10:24-25) 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Are we helping other believers get ready for the coming of Christ? Conclusion:

2 PREPARING FOR OUR GROOM 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11 Introduction: Rapture (1 Thess 4:13-18) Christ comes as a Groom for the Church o When: Before the Tribulation Day of the Lord (1 Thess 5:1-4) Christ comes as the Conquering King for Israel & World o When: During the Tribulation and Millennial Rule 1. Be Alert: Be Ready When The Groom Comes (6a; cf. Mt 25:1-13) 6a So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake What is distracting us from being attentive to our spiritual life? Don t Be Distracted From Christ s Return By Self-Indulgence And Busyness (Mt 24:37-39; Gen 6:5) Don t Live Recklessly In Light Of Christ s Return (Mt 24:42-44; 2 Pet 3:10; Rev 16:15) Don t Sin Defiantly In Light Of Christ s Return (2 Pet 3:3-6) Don t Rebel Because You Think Christ Is Taking Too Long To Return (Mt 24:45-51; 2 Pet 3:7-10) 2. Be Sober: Don t Be Drunk Before The Wedding (6b-8a; 1 Pet 4:7) 6b and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8a But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, What is competing against the Lordship of Christ for control in our lives? 3. Be Dressed: Straighten Your Cummerbund/Dress (8b) 8b having put on the breastplate of faith and love, Is our heart protected by faith in God s love for us? 4. Be Assured: Know The Significance Of Your Top Hat/Veil (8c-10) 8c 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 with him. Is your eternity secured by salvation in Christ? 5. Be Encouraging: Get The Wedding Party Prepared (11; Heb 10:24-25) 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Are we helping other believers get ready for the coming of Christ? Conclusion:

3 PREPARING FOR OUR GROOM 1 Thessalonians 5: Thessalonians 5: 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 with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Introduction: Rapture (1 Thess 4:13-18) Christ comes as a Groom for the Church o When: Before the Tribulation Day of the Lord (1 Thess 5:1-4) Christ comes as the Conquering King for Israel & World o When: During the Tribulation and Millennial Rule 1. Be Alert: Be Ready When The Groom Comes (6a) 6a So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake What is distracting us from being attentive to our spiritual life? Ie/ Have you been to weddings where the bride or groom is late? I haven t. Ie/ A lot of late rehearsals, but never a late bride/groom to the Wedding It s the DAY! The Bride & Groom have a lot invested in that Day! What it means to each other means everything! sleep = inattentiveness, distracted from the implications of Christ s coming o different word than sleep in 1 Th 4 that is an analogy of death Mt 25:1-13 The Processional Anticipation The virgins were to wait for the groom (1) The virgins were to prepare their lamps (2-5) The virgins rested in the groom s delay (5) The virgins were alerted by a midnight cry (6) The virgins were to light their lamps (7) The foolish virgins ran out of oil (8) The foolish virgins missed the groom while trying to buy oil (9-10a) The foolish virgins were shut out (10b-13) The Prophetic Concern There is a waiting period for Christ s return God wants believers properly prepared for Christ s return ie/ fig tree (24:44), two men & women (24:40-41) and the householder (24:42) Only expect Christ s return when the warning signs are evident ie/ the fig tree (24:32) and the thief s modus operandi (24:43) The Tribulation will announce the nearness of Christ s return ie/ leaves on the fig tree (24:32) and the flood signs (24:37) True believers will be illuminated by the Holy Spirit Falsely professing believers will be found without the Holy Spirit Unbelievers will be distracted from the return of Christ ie/ the days of Noah (24:38-39) and the evil servant (24:48-51) There is no second chance for unbelievers when Christ returns ie/ the wicked servant (24:48-51)

4 The Processional Anticipation The virgins were to wait for the groom (1) - parthenos - virgins - virginal quality not emphasis - but there role as bridesmaids are number of completeness took ten men at a wedding to give a proper blessing customarily The virgins were to prepare their lamps (2-5) - lamps = torches - wooden poles, wire mesh at end filled with cloth, soaked in oil then lit v.3 wise = phronimos = thoughtful, sensible, prudent v.3 foolish = moros = moron, stupid The virgins rested in the groom s delay (5) The virgins were alerted by a midnight cry (6) The virgins were to light their lamps (7) The foolish virgins ran out of oil (8) - Exodus 27: continually burning oil as testimony in tabernacle - symbol for Holy Spirit The foolish virgins missed the groom while trying to buy oil (9-10a) - desparate, not many stores open at midnight The foolish virgins were shut out (10b-13) The Prophetic Concern There is a waiting period for Christ s return God wants believers properly prepared for Christ s return ie/ fig tree (24:44), two men & women (24:40-41) and the householder (24:42) Only expect Christ s return when the warning signs are evident ie/ the fig tree (24:32) and the thief s modus operandi (24:43) The Tribulation will announce the nearness of Christ s return ie/ leaves on the fig tree (24:32) and the flood signs (24:37) True believers will be illuminated by the Holy Spirit Falsely professing believers will be found without the Holy Spirit Unbelievers will be distracted from the return of Christ ie/ the days of Noah (24:38-39) and the evil servant (24:48-51) There is no second chance for unbelievers when Christ returns ie/ the wicked servant (24:48-51) a. Don t Be Distracted From Christ s Return By Self-Indulgence And Busyness Matthew 24: But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. In the days of Noah, people ignored Noah s message for 120 years

5 Genesis 6:5 5 Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. b. Don t Live Recklessly In Light Of Christ s Return Matthew 24: Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. 2 Peter 3:10 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Revelation 16:15 15 Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame. c. Don t Sin Defiantly In Light Of Christ s Return 2 Peter 3:3-6 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation. 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. The characteristics of the last days will be characterized by great sin and rebellion (2 Tim 3:1-5) The rebels will be familiar with biblical prophecy but will be scoffing at it The problem is not ignorance, but arrogance the time immediately before Christ s return will be just as it was during Noah s day. The public grew bored with Noah s preaching. Anyway, the old man was politically incorrect. He kept saying what people didn t want to hear. For as long as most people could remember, he d been hammering away about judgment and an approaching flood. But where was it? Where was the water? Where was the rain? And because God s judgment didn t appear on their monthly calendars, these people assumed it couldn t be real. (David Jeremiah, Jesus Final Warning, Word Publishing, 1999, p. 89) When you put something on layaway, you don t settle the account right away. You pay for the item over a period of time until the final payment is made and you collect the merchandise. You have to be patient to use the layaway plan, and God is very patient. (Tony Evans, The Best Is Yet To Come, Moody Press, 2000, p. 311) d. Don t Rebel Because You Think Christ Is Taking Too Long To Return

6 Matthew 24: Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, My master is delaying his coming, 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, 51 and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 2 Peter 3: But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Peter continues his discussion of the Lord s coming by describing the fact that Christ s return and judgment are certain, but pending. God s patience is actually mercy for us to repent V. 10 does describe the end of God s patience and His judgment will be swift and complete The scoffers did not understand God s eternality nor did they understand His mercy. Why was God delaying the return of Christ and the coming of the Day of the Lord? It was not because He was unable to act or unwilling to act. He was not tardy or off schedule! Nobody on earth has the right to decide when God must act. God is sovereign in all things and does not need prodding or even counsel from sinful man (Rom. 11:33 36). God delays the coming of Christ and the great day of fiery judgment because He is long-suffering and wants to give lost sinners the opportunity to be saved. And account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation (2 Peter 3:15). God s delay is actually an indication that He has a plan for this world and that He is working His plan. There should be no question in anybody s mind whether God wants sinners to be saved. God is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). (Warren Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, 2 Peter 3:8, Victor Books, 1996, Logos Electronic Edition) 2. Be Sober: Don t Be Drunk Before The Wedding (6b-8a) 6b and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8a But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, What is competing against the Lordship of Christ for control in our lives? 1 Peter 4:7 7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

7 3. Be Dressed: Straighten Your Cummerbund/Dress (8b) 8b having put on the breastplate of faith and love, Is our heart protected by faith in God s love for us? Armor Put on the: Aspect of Christ Trust and Act on the: Attack Recognize and Resist the: Belt of Truth (14a) Truth of God Lies of the Devil Breastplate of Righteousness (14b) Righteousness of Christ Sins of the Heart Shoes of the Gospel of Peace (15) Security with Christ Insecurity without God Shield of Faith (16) Faith in Christ and His Word Attacks from our Enemies Helmet of Salvation (17a) Salvation in Christ Accusation of the Devil Sword of the Spirit (17b) Word of God False Teaching & Authority Not like California, leave off items of clothing for comfort No shoes, no shirt no service No gospel shoes, no breastplate of righteousness, armor won t be fullproof Breastplate = thorax thorax o physiologically: trunk or chest o militarily: chain mail (1 Sam 17:5,38), scale plates (1 Kings 22:34) or metal armor (2 Chr 26:14; Neh 4:16; Rev 9:9,17) Jer 17:9 heart is deceitful Out of the heart proceeds all issues of life a. The Breastplate Protects Our Heart With Righteousness (Isa 59:17; 2 Cor 6:7) Isaiah 59:17 17 For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, And was clad with zeal as a cloak. 2 Corinthians 6:7 7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, b. The Breastplate Of Righteousness Is The Sanctifying Righteousness Of Christ Applied By Faith (1 Thess 5:8; Phil 3:9; Rom 1:17; 6:12-13; 1 Cor 1:30; 2 Cor 5:21) 1 Thessalonians 5:8 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. Philippians 3:9 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

8 Romans 1:17 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 1 Corinthians 1:30 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God and righteousness and sanctification and redemption 4. Be Assured: Know The Significance Of Your Top Hat/Veil (8c-10) 8c 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 with him. Is your eternity secured by salvation in Christ? Ephesians 6: Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; take = grab with urgency o parallel s the other imperative stand in v. 14 (stand therefore) o it is the soldier s responsibility to take the helmet and sword o they are usually the last things taken when going to battle o ie/ Firehouse see through glass garage doors the boots and fireproof pants right in front of the seat they ll be sitting on as one of the last things they grab before a fire, then they put on their helmet Helmet = Περικεφαλαία = perikephalaia (around the head) o Leather helmet galea o Metal helmet cassis o Had a plate over the forehead, another over the cheek and another protecting the back of the neck o Because of the weight had sponge or felt lining the inside o Only axes could penetrate the helmet The Primary Battlefield In Spiritual Warfare Is The Mind: The Enemy Will First Attack Your Salvation And Assurance 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ Q: Why is there a law for kids to wear helmets when riding a bike? Q: If you were to shoot to kill, where would you aim? (heart or head) Q: How does Satan aim for the head today? o Schools: evolution, homosexuality, abortion, no ultimate truth o World: success is based on money, position & possessions o Personally: self-esteem is most important, love yourself

9 Paul was under criticism by critics who focused on outside appearances (legalism) and worldly success according to the flesh (v. 2), not the spirit. a. Get Rid Of The Old Hat: Take Off The Old Broken And Dirty Thoughts That Pollutes Your Mind Romans 1:28 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; When unsaved, mind wallowed in mud Mind is geared to pursue sin & selfish pleasure Mind perverts what is good: sex, food, money, relationships b. Switch Caps, You re Playing On A New Team: God Traded For You And Prepared You A Clean Conscience To Serve Him Hebrews 9:14 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Often feel guilty and don t feel like serving God God purges our conscience clean Ie/ Isa burned lips with coal to purify (Isa 6) No longer on devils team, now on God s team new mindset, new offense, new defense c. Keep Your Helmet Clean: Renew Your Mind By Thinking About Life From God s Perspective Romans 12:2 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Problem: Let mind be passive Neutral gear in an uphill battle If you just coast, you ll go backwards V. 2 conform squeeze into the mold of (ie/ Mattel dinosaur to starburst square V. 2 transform metamorphosis, caterpillar to butterfly Turns thinking focused on ugliness of sin to beauty of God Old Way Of Thinking Get popular by stepping on others Take advantage of others for personal gain Make transcripts look good Lie for convenience sake Make me successful in world New Way Of Thinking Look for the best in others (Phil 2:1-3) Serve and honor others Trust God with your future Strive for the truth Fulfill God s will for my life Philippians 2:5 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

10 5. Be Encouraging: Get The Wedding Party Prepared (11) 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Are we helping other believers get ready for the coming of Christ? Hebrews 10: And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.