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I AM RESOLVED…

To Be Prepared for the Lord’s Return

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.    Do you really, really believe it?

1.      When asked this question, there many answers that might be given depending upon what the “it” is.

2.      When asked this question, a variety of accompanying emotions will be felt depending upon what the “it” is.

 

B.      Examples:

1.      Do you really, really believe that 2 + 2 = 4?

a.      The answer is:  “Yes.”

b.      The emotion that is felt is certainty.

2.      Do you really, really believe that it is wrong for someone to rob your house?

a.      The answer is:  “Yes.”

b.      One emotion is certainty, but there is also some anger or hostility expressed.

3.      Do you really, really believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is coming again?

a.      The answer is:  “Yes.”

b.      What is the emotion that accompanies your answer?  Certainty?  Unbelief?  Fear?  Joy?  Indifference?

 

C.     In this lesson, we will once again mention our theme for 2017:  I AM RESOLVED.”  The title of our lesson is:  “I Am Resolved…to Prepare for the Lord’s Return.”

 

I.                   THE CERTAINTY OF THE LORD’S RETURN

 

A.    Jesus promised that He would return.

1.      John 14:3

 

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

 

2.      The parable of the talents (Matt. 25:19)

 

After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

 

3.      The parable of the sheep and goats (Matt. 25:31a)

 

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all of the holy angels with him…

 

B.      The angels at the Lord’s ascension (Acts 1:11)

 

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?  This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

 

C.     The apostle Paul (I Thess 4:16)

 

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God…

D.    The apostle Peter (II Pet. 3:10)

 

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night…

 

E.      The apostle John (I John 3:2)

 

Beloved, now we are the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:  but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

 

II.                THE CRIES TO WATCH FOR HIS COMING

 

A.    Matthew 24:42

 

Watch therefore:  for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

 

B.      Mark 13:35

 

Watch ye therefore:  for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at cockcrowing, or in the morning.

 

C.     I Thessalonians 5:6

 

Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

 

III.             THE CONCERN FOR HIS COMING

 

A.    One of the emotions we should have about the Second Coming of Jesus is that of concern.

1.      It is not fear for we long for Him to come.

2.      It is a deep-seated interest about His coming that causes us to prepare to the very best of our ability.

 

B.      Things we should be doing.

1.      Constant in prayer (Col. 4:2)

 

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.

 

2.      Be strong and faithful (I Cor. 16:13)

 

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

 

3.      Be serious about your Christian life (I Thess. 5:6).

 

Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

 

4.      Don’t give in to afflictions (II Tim. 4:5).

 

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions…

 

5.      Practice holiness (I John 3:3).

 

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

6.      Always be doing (Matt.24:46)

 

Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.    Being prepared for the Lord’s return means being ready to stand before Him and give an account of all that we have done.

1.      All of us have had to prepare for tests.

2.      Many of us have prepared for job interviews.

3.      Some of us know what is involved in preparing to teach.

4.      Some of us have had to prepare for warfare.

 

B.      All of us must RESOLVE to be prepared.

1.      We must make things ready.

2.      We must set our spiritual houses in order.

3.      We must make ourselves suitable for the Lord’s return.

 

C.     Matthew 25:10

 

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready when in with him to the marriage:  and the door was shut.

 

1.      Five of the virgins had to go buy oil because they were not prepared.

2.      The bridegroom came while they were away.

3.      The five virgins who were ready went in with him to the feast.

4.      The door was shut.

5.      Those who had not been ready could not go in (Matt. 25:11-12).

 

Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.  But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.  Watch therefore; for ye know not the day nor the hour when the Son of man cometh.

 

D.    QUESTION:  Are you ready?