Bible Readings:
Matthew 25
1Thessalonians 5:1-11
Sermon Outline:
1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 (NKJV)
1But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.
2For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
3For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.
4But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
5You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.
6Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.
8But 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.
9For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
10who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
11Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
I The times and the seasons
II What should be our attitude to Jesus’ return?
He who loves the coming of the Lord is not he who affirms it is far off, nor is it he who says it is near. It is he who, whether it be far or near, awaits it with sincere faith, stead-fast hope and fervent love.
Augustine
Augustine
That day lies hid that every day we be on the watch.
Christ keeps the minds of believers in a state of suspense until the last day.
John Calvin
Alexander MacLaren
The primitive church thought a great deal more about the coming of Christ than about death, and thought a great deal more about his coming than about heaven.