Sinfulness -  Sanctification

Confusion - Clarity

Passivity  - Readiness

•  Justification is the moment your sins are forgiven once for all.

•  Sanctification is the lifelong process of becoming like Jesus.

… we instructed you how to live in order to please God ... 3It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God … 7For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 1 Thessalonians 4:1, 3-5, 7 NIV

… we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NIV

According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 NIV

A Traditional View of End-Time Events

• The rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

harpazō: to rescue, to snatch, to carry away suddenly

• The seven-year tribulation (Revelation 6-18)

• The second coming of Christ (Revelation 19)

• The millennial reign (Revelation 20:1-6)

• The ultimate defeat of Satan (Revelation 20:7-10)

• A new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21-22)

… about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly … 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 NIV

pax et securitas: peace and safety

… you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. 5For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. 6So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 NLT

7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 3:7-8

13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Eph 6:13

•        Where is God calling me to share my faith, even if it costs me?

•        When do I care more about pleasing people than pleasing God?

•        Who have I kept at a distance that God is calling me to love?

•        What trial is God using to strengthen my faith?

12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other … 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes …1 Thes 3:12-13

What would I change if I really believed

Jesus could return at any moment?

How to Live Ready

• Turn

• Serve

• Wait

• Speak Boldly

• Live Purely

• Love Deeply

• Endure Faithfully

Move From ...

Sinfulness - Sanctification

Confusion - Clarity

Passivity - Readiness