Time Is Running Out

Topic: Jesus/Christian Living

Theme: Living Ready for Jesus’ Return

Purpose: to be the Holy Spirit’s second witness calling God’s people in my care to live so they can be unashamed when Jesus returns.

Response: Individuals will ponder what attitude or habit would be most embarrassing to them if Jesus returned today and then they’ll consider how they can get rid of it.

Pattern: A textual exposition arranged by the recurring themes of the text.

Visual Aid: An alarm clock set to go off during the service can demonstrate the surprise of Jesus’ return.

Intro: Many people are asking questions about the future and Jesus’ return.

Thesis: Jesus gave his disciples specific teaching about the future.

Transition: What did he say?

Jesus gave us several WARNINGS.

 There will be false messiahs (v. 8)

 There will be all kinds of natural disasters (v. 11).

 There will be wars (v. 9-10).

 The followers of Jesus will be persecuted (v. 12-18).

 Jerusalem will be conquered and dismantled (v. 20-24).

Jesus also gave us several COMMANDS.

 Watch out and don’t be deceived (v. 8).

 Make up your minds not to worry (v. 14).

 Pray that you may be able to stand before Jesus (v. 36).

Finally, Jesus gave us several PROMISES.

 I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict (v. 15).

 By standing firm you will gain life (v. 19).

 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near (v. 28).

So how should we live?

 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope -- the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2:11-14 NIV)

1. Say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions.

2. Live self-controlled, upright and godly lives.

3. Be eager to do what is good.

 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. (1 John 3:1-3 NIV)

4. Live with hope. Plan on seeing Jesus face to face.

5. Strive to become more like Jesus all the time.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

We should live so we aren’t ASHAMED when we see Him face to face.

What one ATTITUDE or habit in my life would be most embarrassing if Jesus returned right now?

What can I do to get rid of it?

With what will I replace it?