Building natural affection in a perilous time!
Main Scriptures for this study: 2 Tim.3:1-5
1. But mark this: There will be perilous times in the last days! 2 Tim.3:1
May it be known to all man! Perilous times are here to stay!
2. For men will be lovers… 2 Tim.3:2-5
Lovers of self, lovers of money, lovers of unholy, lovers of dog and pig friends, lovers of a form of godliness, lovers of rebellion against their parents,
lovers of no natural affection, lovers of the world rather than lovers of God!
A. In a time like this, it is important that we build natural affection in the church!
1. Yes, we love our own family members!
2. I speak the truth in Christ-- I am not lying, my conscience confirms
it in the Holy Spirit-- I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. Ro.9:1-2
3. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers,
those of my own kinsmen according to the flesh. Ro.9:3
4. Yes, unbelievers in Hades practice natural affection for their kinsmen on earth! Lk.16:27-28
The man in Hades suffering greatly said: Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not come to this place of torment!
B. Look around, see where are your family according to the flesh!
1. Are they all here with you in worship to God in spirit and in truth?
2. Yes, they all have their own reasons for not being here with you!
3. How about those sleeping in the same place where you came from!
4. How about those who went somewhere else for other things!
5. The worse of all is those went to churches that are warped, sinful and self-condemned!
6. Look around and see who are here with you in the same church worshiping God the same way!
7. Look around and see who are walking with you in the same path following Jesus with you!
8. Yes, your brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ!
9. Be sure to build natural affection with these people!
Jesus gave us a new command! John 13:34-35
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
C. Take comfort and be encouraged!
1. Jesus said: I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scriptures:
He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me! John 13:18
2. Someone told him: Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you. Lk.8:20-21
Jesus replied: My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice.
3. A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Matt.10:36
4. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their
parents and have them put to death. Matt.10:21
5. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matt.10:22
6. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going
through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. Matt.10:23
7. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy body and soul in hell. Matt.10:28
8. Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.
But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. Matt.10:32-33
9. Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son
or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow
me is not worthy of me. Matt.10:37-38
Conclusion: Finally, brethren, farewell.
Be perfected, be comforted, be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Cor.13:11
Remember, love record all wrong done against you! But think no evil. 1 Cor.13:5
God remember all evil done by all man.
But God forgive all who believe Jesus, repent, got baptized and pray for forgiveness of their sins.
May the Lord bless us and keep us always! Preach this Jan. 17, 2016.
Part 1