How do we see the 2nd coming of the Lord?
Scriptures for this study: 1 Thes.5:1-22
A. Forget about the times and dates because no one knows! 5:1-2
Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,
for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
Jesus put it this way--> Matt.24:14-46
1. This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations,
and then the end will come. 24:14
2. No one but the Father knows the day! 24:36
No one knows about the day or hour, not the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
3. As it was in the days of Noah! 24:37-38
As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark.
4. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 24:42
5. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect.
The faithful and wise servant do not worry about the coming of the Lord!
… It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 24:44-46
B. Don’t be caught off guard! 1 Thes.5:3
1. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly,
as pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
2. I used to think, the day when we get to paradise and see kinfolks in Hades will we be sad?
Read Abraham’s reply to the rich man and you will know! Luke 16:24-25
**Abraham’s reply: Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things,
while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.
C. How may we be prepared?
1. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5:4
2. Be son of light at all times! 5:5-7
You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.
For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
3. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate,
and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 5:8
The heart and the mind is to be protected with faith and love and the hope of salvation!
Breastplate is like bullet proof vest and the helmet are dressed ready to fight!
4. To receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, we must be ready to fight at all time! 5:9
The other alternative is suffer the wrath of God like the rest of the world!
Yes, Jesus died for us, dead or alive, we will live together with him. 5:10
D. Keep doing these while we wait for the Lord’s 2nd coming! 1 Thes.5:11-22
1. Encourage one another and build each other up! 5:11
2. Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord
and who admonish you. 1Thes 5:13
Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.
Live in peace with each other. 5:12-13
3. We urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak,
be patient with everyone.
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,
but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. 5:14-15
4. Our daily walk with the Lord should be like these! 6:16-22
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt.
Test everything. Hold on to the good.
Avoid every kind of evil.
May the Lord bless you and keep you always!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O55j9XEpKE