FHBC Sermon Notes

There are so many times that men have tried to predict when Jesus will return. Why is it that we do this?  And it isn't just the heretics that get caught up in this.  There have been so many church fathers that have become almost obsessed with declaring when it will happen. Why do we do this?  Perhaps we are worried about preparations, a desire to get everything perfect and ready.

But, we do not know.  We have to take Jesus at his own word on this.  But it does not seem to be the point of our walk that we have this information, or that our state of readiness, and in turn how we live, is contingent on us know.

In 4:13-18 Paul in this letter makes it clear how the end comes.  The "dead in Christ will rise". Even those that have died are in the fullness of hope.

If we claim Jesus as Lord, we must be vigilant.  We must not become lax.  We are not just "keeping it going".  For we are not certain, that today is our last, or our death is our last. We must STAY AWAKE.  (Wachet Auf)

So the question we ask is.

**Why Must the Church Live in a State of Watchfulness?**

**1. Christ will return suddenly and unexpectedly.**

    We are looking for the conclusion, for that final day.  The coming of Christ completes the gospel.  This is the story of the gospel that speaks to the glory of God. This waiting helps us to understand the nature of our relationship with our God.  In a way similar to how Paul "desires" greatly to see his brethren, how much more do we desire and yearn for the presence of Jesus himself.  For that Day of the Lord.

    This Day of the Lord isn't just all celebrations and parties, it is also judgment. It is the day of judgment for all those that are not in Christ.  The terrible and wrathful judgment of God.  This is what those that we have not told, that have not heard have to look forward too. This is why we must be vigilant also, that we are out there declaring this to the nations.

    We must preach this to ourselves also, to examine ourselves.  Coming forward during a church service does not in itself make one a Christian.  It is living in Christ, the laying down of the whole of our lives before Him. The full of our lives, holding nothing back. 

    Finally, we really do not know when this will happen. (v.3) It will happen when we do not expect it.  "People are saying, 'There is peace and security'". This is written during the "peace" of the Roman Empire, but Paul calls this bluff.  It is a false peace.  But in Jesus, in him, there is peace, true and living peace.  Trust Him.

**2. The church eagerly awaits the destiny of our salvation (5:9-11)**

    We sometimes think of our salvation as the moment of our conversion.  But there is more.  In verse 9-10 Paul gives us a picture of salvation.  First, we have been saved, because we have been saved from the wrath of God. We deserve that wrath, but we have and will not receive it. Second, the other side (v.10), we have been saved to live with him.  This is something that is to happen. To live bodily in the presence of Jesus.  We are to share life with him, not for just a moment, or even for a lifetime, but for all eternal. 

    How is this all possible? Because  we have "obtained salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us!". He did it, for us. He saved us, to lift us up. So are we living this way?  Are we really living knowing this, that we have been obtained for Jesus. Do we long for our destiny with him?

**3. The church possess a new identity expressed in a radically distinctive life. (5:4-8)**

     We are "children of the light".  We are not "sleeping" as those who belong to the night, for we belong to the day.  We are not like that. Live as if you are attentive and vigilant, keeping watch diligently. We have our armor on (v. 8) and we live in the hope together, attentive and ready.  We do this not alone, but together (v.11).  Let us "encourage one another and build one another up." We share in his glory, and are enjoying him forever. We live between the times, the time of the cross and his return, of our salvation from wrath and the fullness of fellowship in Him.  So let us encourage each other. AMEN!