LIVING WITH THE PROMISE, 4: ADMONISHMENTS

1 Timothy 6:3-19 – “³If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, ⁴he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions ⁵and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. ⁶But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. ¹¹But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. ¹²Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ¹³In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you ¹⁴to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ¹⁶who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. ¹⁷Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ¹⁹In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

                                                             

            What Biblical lifestyle demonstrates someone is living with the promise of Jesus’ second coming?  Peter addresses activities and attitudes. Jude addresses anticipation. The Apostle Paul gives admonishments.

            Peter was concern about individuals who “are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.” (2 Peter 2:13) He instructs the church to “make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.” (2 Peter 3:14)

            Jude was concern with certain men who “are blemishes at your love feasts.” (Jude 1:12)  He instructs the church to be “without fault and with great joy.” (Jude 1:24)

            Paul instructs the church about a dimension of life that helps believers to be “without spot and blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Timothy 6:14)

            Certain words should cause you to slow down and meditate. The word “therefore” is designed to make you think about the phrase that follows. When you come upon a “therefore,” ask yourself, “What is it there for?”

            Another word that causes special attention is “until.”  Two questions come to mind: Will the issue intensify “until?” Will proper conduct be more difficult to fulfill as the “until” draws closer?

            What was troubling Paul? What would lead to “stains and reproaches” within the community of believers? In one word: finances!

            Wealthy people are not the only ones having problems with their approach to finances. People with little means often have bigger problems. Paul addresses two groups: “people who want to be rich” (V.9) and “those who are rich.” (V.17)  Money is a universal issue, impacting everyone. Money can cause anyone to end-up misdirected. The problem of financial management will intensify as the hour of His return approaches.

            Three areas can potentially misdirect the people of God.

Misdirected contentment

            “…Men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. ⁶But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” (Vs. 5-8)

            The term “corrupt mind” speaks of individuals incapable of moral judgment. Some people were using religion for profit. They reasoned, “Why not gain financially by being religious?” A morbid obsession with money causes a misguided approach to contentment.

            Contentment deals with satisfaction and includes such things as “sufficiency; having all that could be desired; full measure.” People, within the church, concluded only money makes this possible.

            Someone wrote, “Money will buy a bed but not sleep; books but not brains; finery but not beauty; a house but not a home; medicine but not health; luxuries but not culture; amusements but not happiness; religion but not salvation.”

            Possessions are external; contentment is internal. Money is material; godliness is spiritual. “Godliness with contentment,” the spiritual and internal, go with you when you depart this life, everything else is left behind.

            In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus gave His followers clear guidelines for a satisfying life. “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money…. Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6: 24, 33)

            Young couples just starting out together should financially pace themselves. You have a lifetime to acquire things. There are seasons of life. To purchase everything in one season is emotionally unstabling and highly stressful.

            A popular notion of progress is piling one thing on top of another, without caring if it is crushing. Excessive debt is crushing. Possessions are enjoyed the most when there is time to anticipate and be thankful. By crowding things together they lose the element of excitement, and expectancy is the secret of joy. Things never have the power to bring happiness.

            Give your attention to things that are permanent. One of the more permanent things available in this lifetime is genuine relationships with people. Deeply develop your connection with your spouse, your family and others. Relationships transcend time.

            You cannot take any material possession out of this world. The song writer Lowell Lundstrom truthfully sang you will never see a hearse with a U-Haul trailer. The pursuit of money is a misdirected approach to contentment.

Misdirected love

            “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. ¹¹But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.  ¹²Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (Vs. 9-12)

            These verses are not addressed to the rich but to those who want to be rich. The language vividly describes the destiny of the greedy. Verse 10 is often misquoted. It does not say, “Money is the root of all evil,” rather, “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” If money was the root then only the rich would have the problem, yet average, ordinary people greatly struggle with the love of money.

            The result of greed is disillusionment. Lovers of money are in the grip of an unrelenting deception and cause self-inflicted wounds, leading to immense sorrow. Passion for money leads to anxiety. The more people have, the more they can potentially lose and the risk of loss is haunting. Infatuation with money makes a person selfish. Money-lovers seek to posture others in a losing position so they can gain more. Everyone becomes an obstacle on the faulty pathway to riches.

            Earlier in the series attention was given to the practice of prayer being an act of faith. Paul, however, emphasizes the battle with greed is a fight of faith. In fighting “the good fight of faith” a person’s love becomes God, a person’s actions are godliness, and a person’s focus is on what they have, not what they do not have. Possessions, or the lack of them, no longer define them but their relationship with God does.

            The frightening fact is that anything money touches can corrupt, including you. Money is extremely dangerous. You should run scared and fear the deceptiveness of money. You constantly need to check and recheck what money is doing to you. Have a periodic money check-up. Learn how to say no to needless purchases. If you do not realize the damage money can cause, you may find yourself destroyed by it. A passion for money is a misdirected approach to love.

Misdirected riches

            “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ¹⁹In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (Vs. 17-19)

            Rich is sometimes described as being “affluent,” having the ability to lavishly spend. Rich is sometimes defined as being “opulent,” to live luxuriously. Rich can also be described as “well-to-do,” easy living. People who can spend lavishly, live luxuriously, and live easy may not be rich. They may be arrogant and egotistical. Conceited people are far from rich.

            People closely associated to the Lord are rich. The Bible indicates He owns the “cattle on a thousand hills,” a sizable financial portfolio. Jesus’ official title is “King of kings and Lord of lords,” an impressive heading.

            American Family Publishers sent its computer-generated entry form to "God of Bushnell," at the Bushnell Assembly of God, in central Florida. The advertisement went on to say, "God, we're searching for you. You've been positively identified as our $11 million mystery millionaire." The fine print showed the Creator was merely a finalist, but the letter encouraged him to try his luck. It went on to say, "Imagine the looks you'd get from your neighbors ... but don't just sit there, God, come forward now and claim your prize." The church's pastor told the Tampa Tribune he had not yet decided whether the church would enter the sweepstakes. "God already has $11 million," he said, “and a whole lot more.”

            Coming to Jesus makes someone genuinely rich. Those focused on the world’s “uncertain riches” simply perceive themselves wealthy. People must choose between the road of selfish accumulation and the road of spiritual acquisition. The latter road leads to abundance.

            How can those with financial means keep themselves from a distorted outlook? Faith in God does not omit wealthy people. Money does not exclude people from the grace of God. Paul invites them to take on the attribute of goodness and generosity. The charge to the wealthy follower of Jesus involves three demands: A greater sensitivity to the needs of others, doing well toward others, and being willing to give generously. The danger of riches is that they blind the owner of the realities of life.

            A wonderful reward is in store for those who use their riches to help others. On the one hand, attempting to buy a way into heaven is a waste of effort; on the other hand, using wealth to address the needs of others gives testimony of a deep-seated love for God. A misuse of wealth is a misdirected approach to riches.

As His return approaches

            The closer we come to the hour of His appearing the more misdirected people will become.  The instruction about finances is to fight the good fight of faith and take hold of eternity.

            God has set Eternity in your heart and this infinite capacity cannot be filled or satisfied with the things of this age. A very large part of mankind's ills and the world's misery is due to the rampant practice of trying to feed the personal soul with physical sustenance.

            Timothy Dwight said, “Men are merely taller children. Honor, wealth, and splendor are the toys for which grown children pine; but which, however accumulated, leave them still disappointed and unhappy. God never designed that intelligent beings should be satisfied with these things. By His wisdom and goodness people were formed to derive their happiness and virtue from Him alone.”

            Only godliness is the true means of great gain.

LIVING WITH THE PROMISE, 3: ANTICIPATION

Jude 1:3-4, 7-8, 10-13, 16-23 – “³Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. ⁴For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord…. ⁷In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. ⁸In the very same way, these dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject authority and slander celestial beings…. ¹⁰Yet these men speak abusively against whatever they do not understand; and what things they do understand by instinct, like unreasoning animals—these are the very things that destroy them. ¹¹Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion. ¹²These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. ¹³They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever…. ¹⁶These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. ¹⁷But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. ¹⁸They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” ¹⁹These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. ²⁰But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. ²¹Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. ²²Be merciful to those who doubt; ²³snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

            The focus has turned from the event of His return to your response to the promise.  His return should affect your activities, causing meaningful prayer, fervent love, expressive hospitality and gifted service.  His return should impact your attitude, causing pure integrity and protective alertness.

            Second Peter focuses on social standards.  Jude focuses on “certain men” who “secretly slipped in among you.”  As standards deteriorate, worthless people will attempt to bring loose standards into the faith community.

            Jude was the half-brother of Jesus. He recognized Jesus as Lord more than as kith and kin.  He described these “certain men” in graphic language: “godless, change the grace of our God into a license for immorality, dreamers, pollute their own bodies, reject authority, speak abusively against whatever they do not understand, unreasonable animal, blemishes at your love feasts, grumblers, faultfinders, following their own evil desires, boast about themselves, and flatter others for their own advantage.”

            Jude is very uncomplimentary about the character and motives of these self-centered individuals residing among the people of God. His description of these people is a portrayal of their motivation. They are not living as people anticipating the second coming of the Lord.  They are motivated by self-gratification.

            What would happen in your home if an important dignitary came for a visit?  Suppose the Queen of England wanted to visit a typical American family.  Of all the homes in America your family is selected.  The queen wants to have a meal in your house.  How would you prepare?

            My wife would make sure the house was spotless, able to pass a white-glove inspection.  She might make an appointment at a hair solon and buy a new outfit.  I would make sure the yard was tidy and cars were clean.  I would polish my shoes and have one of my suits cleaned.  Both of us would make sure to be freshly showered, have clean breath and trimmed finger nails.  Anticipation motivates certain behavior.

            Consider what people do in preparation for special church events.  Anticipation motivates them to excel in things normally done satisfactory.  People strive to do better in areas they already do well when they know a special event is coming. They apply themselves more diligently in readiness for the occasion.

            Jude challenges the people of God to excel in three areas normally done well by those who attend church.  Anticipation for His coming should motivate excellence.  One action should not be allowed and two actions should be aggressively done.

Do not let scoffers divide (Vs.18-19)

            The Apostle Peter addresses mockers from without; Jude addresses scoffers from within. These individuals embrace ungodly desires, follow unwholesome instincts, and fail to walk in the Spirit.

            Scoffing is an attempt to create conformity by ridicule. A scoffer contends, “If I cannot corrupt by enticement, I will make them conform by embarrassment.”

            Students in schools often experience pressure to use tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Many classmates stand a required distance from the school building to have a cigarette during school days. They rarely stand alone. Smoking is thought to be a mark of individuality but is a form of group conformity. Later, when smokers attempt to quit this high medical-cost, life-threatening habit, they envy those who never got started.

            The entertainment industry does a fair amount of scoffing at the sincere beliefs of devoted believers, causing some to conform to common standards. Two attempts of ridicule were extremely prominent several years ago. The television show “Sanford and Son” had an Aunt Esther, portrayed as a blundering believer. Flip Wilson did a portrayal called the “Church of What’s Happening Now” that mocked various expressions of worship.

            Why do people scoff meaningful and honest worship? Because the actions are weird? People are much weirder at sporting events and rarely ridiculed.

            Scoffing is an effort to cause God’s people to conform to cultural norms. Scoffing is connected to fear. Scoffers are afraid of being wrong and sincere believers being right. A scoffer is wagering the biggest bet of life, hoping to live selfishly while experiencing divine blessings.

            Jude makes mention that these people “secretly slipped in.” They are people of influence within the church. (V. 19) They have positioned themselves to impact the behavior of those who genuinely follow Jesus.

            Do you refrain from participating in worship because of peer pressure, thinking someone will take advantage of the situation? Some fail to worship God because of scoffers. They choose to not be expressive in worship, engaging in vibrant singing and lifting-up hands of praise because someone thinks it unnecessary and foolish. Following Jesus makes you susceptible to teasing. Be a worshiper! Those who try to cause others to conform to their practices could someday hear Jesus say, “Sorry, I never knew you, depart from Me.” (Matthew 7:15-23)

            Years ago I met a woman who grew up in the 1930’s. She described in great detail her youth group going downtown on Friday evenings, singing about Jesus and passing out tracts. Sometimes high school friends would pass on their way to a movie. A verse in the Bible kept her going: “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38) “Adulterous” people have an affair with the world while claiming allegiance to God. “Sinful” people miss the target altogether of abiding in the presence of God. Two groups are being addressed; one within the church and one within society.

            Scoffers should be expected whenever the church gathers. They seek to intimidate others with selfish motives. They only have themselves to blame when Jesus denies them. Do not allow scoffers to impact your Biblical beliefs and spiritual practices.

            Being raised in a family that did not attend church, I became a follower of Jesus at sixteen. Shortly after committing my life to Christ I sensed a call into fulltime service. I told these thoughts to my step-grandmother, an extremely devout Roman Catholic. She was excited about the possibility of having a “priest” in the family. She mentioned the conversation to my brother. He scoffed at the idea and teased me. I immediately quit considering fulltime vocational ministry. Approximately four years later the Lord penetrated my closed heart about a divine call.

            Scoffing is designed to deter God’s plan and generally comes from influential people within the church. The Lord will prove Himself faithful when you are faithful to Him.

Strengthen your spirit-being (Vs.20-21)

            Develop your faith in God five ways:

            Live with firmly-rooted hope. Regardless the situation, without Jesus things would be worse.

            Maintain a sense of encouragement. The Almighty God can handle every difficulty. Focus on Him more than yourself.

            Maintain a thankful heart. In every trial there is always something to be thankful for.

            Surround yourself with people of faith. Make friends with people willing to be led by the Spirit into the unknown.

            Be liberal in giving. Faithfully place every aspect of your life before Him. Offerings come from faithful people; full-of-faith people.

            These actions lead to “building yourselves up in your most holy faith.”

            Pray in the Holy Spirit. Worship in the heavenly prayer language daily.  There is keeping power by praying in the Spirit. In an old song of the church is a chorus, “There is power, power, wonder-working power in the blood of the Lamb.” Standing near me was an older Spirit-filled gentleman as the song was being sung. At the chorus he included a few additional words, “There is saving power, keeping power, wonder-working power….” Spirit praying intensifies the keeping power of God in your life.

            Jude instructs the church to become strengthened while waiting “for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Tell others to have faith in God (Vs.22-23)

            “Be merciful to those who doubt.” (v. 22) Help the skeptic! Skepticism is growing in society. Trust is growing increasingly difficult. Your business associates and co-workers are not looking for sincere believers to be just like them, having troubled hearts and selfish ambitions. You can overcome their skepticism with truth and by showing them the real Jesus.

            “Snatch others from the fire and save them.” (V.23) Free your friends and family from the clutches of hell. While anticipating His return, help others to get ready.

            If the Queen of England was coming to your home, you would make sure your neighbors and family were equally ready for her visit. Someone far greater is coming soon.

            Are you telling others about God’s love? Throw out the lifeline of truth. Hate sin and offer God’s forgiveness to those who do not know Him.

            Let the anticipation of His coming impact your motivation. Excel in areas where you are doing well, ignore scoffers, strengthen your spirit-being with Spirit-praying, and tell others about Jesus.

LIVING WITH THE PROMISE, 2: ATTITUDE

2 Peter 3:7-18 – ⁷By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. ⁸But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. ⁹The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. ¹⁰But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. ¹¹Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives ¹²as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. ¹³But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. ¹⁴So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. ¹⁵Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. ¹⁶He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. ¹⁷Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. ¹⁸But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

            Second Peter is the Apostle Peter’s last Will and Testament. In the beginning he writes, “I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.” (2 Peter 1:13-14)

            Peter was about to die. These are his final words of admonishment and guidance.  The letter discloses the concerns that were troubling him.  What caused his heart to be uneasy? What did he want to make sure followers of Jesus understood before he departed?

            As people with an eternal view we have an interesting paradox:  we have the assurance of heaven yet struggle with death. One reason is that believers see some unfinished business and are concerned the issues will not be addressed unless they are around to attend to them. No matter what Peter saw as unfinished, Jesus had spoken to him that it was time to come home.

            Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit he gives some final instructions. He knew Jesus was coming again. He also knew he was going to die before it happened. The question was: Would there be devoted followers when He returned?  Peter saw some things that could jeopardize believers being ready. Things problematic were occurring, maybe even being epidemic. The soon to die Apostle sees warning signs and addresses them.

            First Peter states, “The end of all things is at hand; therefore….” (1 Peter 4:7) The word therefore means, “consequently; for this reason; as a result of this.” The verse indicates His return should affect our activities.

In Second Peter, after revealing the severity of the coming Judgment is the phrase “so then” (v.14) and the word “therefore.” (v.17) Both are similar in nature.  The focus of these verses is not on activities as much as attitudes.  Attitude impacts thinking, reveals disposition and influences opinion.  Peter’s desire was for end-time believers to have an attitude lending itself to godly activities.

In verse 11 the question is asked, “What kind of people ought you to be?” He states the conduct of a believer is to be holy, godly, anticipating and involved. This is behavior of people living with the promise. 

What is the attitude that will produce this behavior?  Two are revealed: a pursuing attitude and a protective attitude.

In verse 14 is the phrase, “Since you are looking forward to this” and then Peter addresses certain actions believers should take.  In verse 17 is the phrase, “Since you already know this” and then Peter addresses certain protections believers should make.

To win a competitive game a team needs to have a good offense and a good defense.  To be ready for Jesus’ return requires certain actions and certain protections.

The apostle saw some troubling behavior and states two attitudes that will keep a believer ready for the coming of the Lord.

Pursue integrity

            In Chapter 2 Peter mentions “blots and blemishes.” (2:13) People’s attitude about life’s value and the worth of an individual had become distorted. People had become like “brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed.” (2:12) He later describes these people as having “eyes full of adultery,” as “seducing the unstable,” as “experts in greed.”  (2:14) The weapon of choice was to appeal to “lustful desires,” to “entice,” to “promise…freedom” that led to enslavement and depravity. (2:18-19) He concludes his indictment with a proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit, and a sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.” (2:22)

            Purity will be in jeopardy as the hour of His return comes closer. Sexual desires will take preeminence, sensuality will take charge, and greed will rule the hearts of men and women. Restraint will be thrown to the wind and immorality will be on the rise.

            Peter challenges the people of God “to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.” (3:14) They are to be people with an unsullied attitude. They are to look up so that their mind is not in the gutter. Thoughts and conduct are to be irreproachable, free from censure.

            There is no peace in sexual promiscuity. Peace comes from a spotless, blameless attitude. Ron Auch in his book Prayer Can Change Your Marriage speaks of how a pornography addiction was destroying his life and home. He pursued answers in many different ways but to no avail. Eventually he pleaded with God for an answer. This is what he discovered: “I gave myself to seeking God.  I gave up trying anything else. I instantly came to realize that God is what I needed and not answers.  I realized that up until that time I hadn’t been seeking God at all; I had used my prayer time to ask God to take care of my situation…. In prayer so often all we seek is the band aid when what we really need is God.  What I needed more than God to take care of my problems was for me to spend time in His presence.  That’s what I had to learn to do.  To go after God! … For the first time in my life I began to experience what I really needed.  I didn’t need all that sex, I needed God.  I may have been seeking it, but God was what I needed.  All the time I was…saying, ‘God, I need you to help me with my problem,’ God was trying to say to me, ‘what you need is Me.’”

            Peace comes from Jesus – anything less is guilt, frustration and despair.

            Sexual misconduct will be on the rise as the hour of His coming approaches. Living with the promise is seen by possessing an attitude of purity. The Apostle Paul said it best: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

            As people looking for the imminent return of Jesus we should refrain from crude humor, suggestive comments and gutter language. Living with the promise means pure irreproachable thinking, possessing an unadulterated disposition and having opinions that are saturated with spotless and blameless peace. In other words, pursue integrity!

Possess alertness

            Chapter 2 reveals a second concern of Peter: “The filthy lives of lawless men.” (2:7) Peter was deeply troubled by how people chose to live. Some followed shameful ways and brought “truth into disrepute.” (2:2) Others, in their greed, exploited people with made up stories. (2:3) Peter declared false prophets were “among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.” (2:1) They were described as having filthy lives (2:7), lawless deeds (2:8), corrupt desires (2:10), bold and arrogant (2:10) and who despise authority (2:10). People normally despise authority when it hinders them from getting their own selfish way.

            Since sexual misconduct will be increasing in the end-time generation, some will misuse their position of influence to satisfy unwholesome cravings. One of today’s great tragedies is educators and clergy using their status in life to sexually abuse children. Fortunately, the percentage of people violating a sacred trust is very small. Unprincipled men were evident at Sodom’s destruction (2:7) and unprincipled people will be evident at the end of time. (3:17)

            Sensual living is living by the senses (taste, smell, sight, sound, touch). The focus moves away from doing what is right to doing what feels good. Feeling good becomes the measure of acceptable living.

            Sensual living is living life as it comes – living for today and feeding every sensual and greedy desire as they arise. A heart seeking to fulfill every craving will be the standard at the end of time.

            Peter calls the people of God to “be on your guard.” (3:17) Do not be gullible! Be alert!

            The Apostle Paul warns not to be “blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” (Ephesians 4:14)

            Augustine said, “Always beware of the man who abounds in eloquent nonsense.” It is not an unwholesome desire, nor a lack of faith, to want verification from the Lord before moving into unchartered territory where there is also an element of personal desire. Oswald Chambers said, “God never threatens; the devil never warns.”

            2 Timothy 3:1-5 reads: “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ²People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—⁵having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.”

            Be cautious of the actions of unprincipled people, advocating unprincipled lifestyles that bring unprincipled gain to sensual and corrupt desires. Many will embrace various unwholesome attitudes and fail to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (3:18)

What is happening today?

What Peter saw in his day is evident now.  Restraint is quickly disappearing and caution is being thrown to the wind.  Sensual living is increasing over purposeful living. Pursuing inappropriate sexual pleasure is taking precedent over pursuing a greater sense of God’s presence.

            To insure of not falling into a deadening end-time trap take on an attitude of integrity and alertness.  Advancement only comes by being free from vice and protecting what godly ambitions you possess.

In 1986 Chernobyl became a nuclear disaster: Two electrical engineers were in the control room one night. They were playing around with the machine; performing what the Soviets later described as an unauthorized experiment. They wanted to see how long a turbine would "free wheel" when they took the power off.

Taking power off a nuclear reactor is a difficult, dangerous thing to do.  The reactors are very unstable in their lower ranges. In order to get the reactor down to that kind of power they had to manually override six separate computer-driven alarm systems.  One-by-one the computers came up and said, "Stop! Dangerous! Go no further!" Rather than shut off the experiment, they shut off each alarm and kept going. The result was a nuclear fallout that was recorded all around the world.

The instructions and warnings in Scripture are very clear. In the end-times many will ignore them at our own peril, and tragically, at the peril of others.

As end-time believers take on an attitude of integrity and alertness. Are you ready for the Blessed Hope?

LIVING WITH THE PROMISE, 1: ACTIVITIES

1 Peter 4:7-11 – ⁷The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. ⁸Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ⁹Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

            The first group of articles on the Lord’s return entitled “Look Who’s Coming” dealt with four questions people must ask themselves:  Do I know Him?  Am I serving Him?  Am I looking for Him?  Am I preparing to reign with Him? 

            The second group of articles entitled “Notice the Signs” dealt with ongoing and closing signs.  Present day evidence indicates Jesus can come at any moment.

            The last group of articles addresses lifestyle.  When speaking of His return the focus is not only the event but also the response.  Every New Testament writer makes reference to His return.  They are not simply informing believers, they are addressing the conduct of believers.  Knowing about His second coming should affect lifestyle.  Things people should do, or not do, is directly linked to the imminent return of the Lord.  The issue is not legalism but readiness.

            His return should affect both how life is viewed and how life is lived.  In the near future those who follow Jesus will be changed bodily.  Having this promise should change behavior today.  We dare not become indifferent with this information. Doing so would be an act of denying Him.

            The promise of His return should affect a believer in five ways – activities, attitude, anticipation, admonishments and attention.

            First, examine the activities of a believer.  What actions should be a part of your lifestyle?  Although not all-inclusive, a broad standard-of-living is given in Peter’s first letter.

Meaningful prayer

            The Apostle Peter gives details about end-time praying. “Be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” (v. 7) Another translation states, “Be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.” The Living Bible states, “Be earnest and thoughtful in prayer.”

            As the hour of His return approaches, greater effort will be needed to have meaningful time with the Lord. With so many voices crying for your attention, it takes clear-minded, self-control to recognize the voice of God.

            Communication with God will not become easier as the hour of His return approaches. Conversation, dialogue and intimacy with the Lord will call for greater focus.

            How much time are you giving to the activity of prayer? Most of us are extremely busy but if we are too rushed to pray we end up spinning our wheels and going nowhere. Pressures of end-time living are going to increase; pressures that will drive some people away from an audience with God.

            In Luke 18:1-8 is recorded a parable of Jesus that was “…to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart.” (V.1) The parable ends with a frightening question: “However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (V. 8) The action of praying is an activity of faith. Although a concern has not yet been resolved, you keep asking because you still have faith He is able to answer the request.

            Some wonder when they should quit praying for a need and start praising for the answer? The Bible tells you to pray until you see the answer, then praise God for what was done. There is no denial of faith to pray for something more than once. Faith causes you to keep praying. If the devil can find a way to get you to quit praying, he wins.

            Jesus emphasized prayer. Nowhere is it recorded that He emphasized praise. The value of praise is found in the practice of prayer. Praise is not separate from prayer but part of it. Praise is inclusive of prayers. The act of praise is the portion of your prayer that brings you into an audience with God. What follows is a conversation with Him. God will manifest Himself in your adoration but He earnestly desires your conversation.

            Prayer is occasionally made harder than it has to be. In its simplest form prayer is simply talking to God. Like worship, it comes from the heart and is honest and sincere.

            Peter admonishes believers to be clear-minded; open and receptive to correction and change. Praying is never an attempt to manipulate God or coerce God. It is not a time to make demands or threaten rejection.

            Years ago a couple was expecting a baby. Complications developed in the delivery. The husband went to the hospital chapel to pray. His approach, however, missed the mark:  “God, you better keep her alive or I won’t serve you.”

            Various approaches to prayer are frightening. It is not a ritual, a performance, a chant, or a formula for success. Prayer is conversation with the Father with all preconceived notions out of your mind – clear-minded.

            End-time praying is meaningful praying. You are to be well versed in prayer when He comes.

Fervent love

            People are not coming to Jesus for greater wisdom, although faith in God is not unreasonable. People are not coming to Jesus to be chastised and condemned, although conviction is a very real part of knowing God. People are entering into a meaningful relationship with God to be loved and to find acceptance.

            The God, who is Love personified, wants us to “love each other deeply.” The Lord who reconciled us unto Himself wants us to be agents of reconciliation. As His day draws closer, Biblical love will become scarcer.

            Remember: love does not accuse, does not criticize, does not grumble and does not provoke.

            A study on the miracles of Jesus reveals that supernatural manifestations were almost exclusively an extension of compassion (love). Jesus ignored people when they wanted a sign, when they only wanted a supernatural demonstration of power.

            The wonder of genuine love is that it covers a multitude of flaws. I saw this firsthand when pastoring in Minnesota. Doug fell in love with Doris. He had been struck hard by love. In the pre-marital sessions he said, “She’s perfect! She can do no wrong. She’s an angel from heaven.”

            Truthfully, she made the best sweet pickles I have ever eaten, but his thoughts of her were unquestionably clouded over. Several months after their wedding I asked if he still believed her to be perfect. He bashfully admitted she had a few faults. His love covered his will to notice the imperfections.

            Love is perfected when you can see someone’s worst and not lose respect. Noah was a righteous man and was spared from the devastation of the worldwide flood. Sin, however, survived the flood as well. Genesis 9:20-23 records him getting drunk and exposing himself. One son chose to shame his father. Two sons sorrowfully chose to cover their father. Fervent love covers and restores.

            Fully recognize the critical role of repentance while following love’s action to restore.

Expressive hospitality

            Hospitality means “to be friendly to others.” Hospitality addresses the importance of friendship. People are not looking for friendliness but for a friend.

            There are many lonely people attending churches in America. In this age of indifference, believers are to demonstrate Biblical care and concern without complaint.

            Hospitality is a matter of generosity. What wins a person to Jesus is love; what wins a person to church is hospitality.

            My mother-in-law genuinely loved the Airmen serving at Ellsworth AFB and invited them to her home for dinner on Sundays. Her home was not fancy. No one was ever able to say they were impressed with her furnishings. The place was simple yet spotlessly clean. Going to her house was for enjoying the common bond of Jesus.

            Is the diminishing of hospitality revealing that Jesus is coming soon? We are to be warm and welcoming to others. End-time living involves offering “hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

Gifted service

            Exercise your abilities and talents for the advancement of God’s kingdom. Some think they do not have much to offer. You do not need much. Use what you have, whether great or small.

            Matthew 25 records an end-time parable about talents. “It will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them.  To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability.  Then he went on his journey.” (Vs. 14-15) The first servant was told later, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (V. 21), the second also heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (V. 23), the last servant heard, “You wicked, lazy servant!” (V. 26)

            In this story the opposite of good is wicked; the opposite of faithfulness is laziness. Expand God’s investment in you. Use what you have. The one ability God can genuinely use is availability.

            A major reason why some people do not exercise their abilities is the potential of criticism. Unfortunately whatever a person does is subject to disapproval by others.

            Here are a couple of notable quotes that may help you:

·         “It is better to try and fail than to do nothing and succeed.”

·         “A critic is one who points out how imperfectly other people do that which the critic does not do at all.”

·         E. Stanley Jones wrote in his classic book, The Christ of Every Road, this great thought:  “May I add a word of personal testimony?  No one in public work can escape criticism.  I have had my share.  It used to cut me to the quick.  But now when criticism comes, I find myself asking, ‘Is it true?’  If so, I will take it, will profit by it.  My critics thus become ‘the unpaid watchman of my soul.’  If the criticism isn’t true, I can still use it.  I can make fires of unjust criticism serve to burn up my fetters and make me free.”

            May criticism not deter you from devoting your abilities to God! Whether a task is big or small, if something needs to get done and you see the need, God is most likely asking you to meet the need.

            These are some of the activities that are to be a part of your life. As people living with the promise of His return, be active in meaningful prayer, fervent love, expressive hospitality and gifted service.

NOTICE THE SIGNS, 2: CLOSING SIGNS

Matthew 24:42-51 – ⁴²“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. ⁴³But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. ⁴⁴For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. ⁴⁵Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? ⁴⁶Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. ⁴⁷Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions. ⁴⁸But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is not coming for a long time,’ ⁴⁹and begins to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards; ⁵⁰the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know, ⁵¹and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

            The previous article addressed the ongoing signs, signs that have continued through the centuries and have led the unchurched to mock the promise of His return.  Natural calamities and wars are two prominent ongoing signs.  The more subtle ongoing signs deal with the savior complex, cold love, falsehood and increased wickedness.  These signs have always been around but are increasing in intensity and dimension.  Ongoing signs declare His coming is near. As long as they continue, however, His coming has not yet occurred.

            The other group of end-time events is the closing signs, signs that declare a particular generation is the final generation.  Closing signs are unique to the end of time.  Some attempt to mistakenly declare these events as irrelevant.  Those who disregard these signs will witness His coming as a “thief in the night.”

            Matthew 24 records a parable about a master’s slave – one with an assignment; one with responsibilities until the master returned.  His instructions were simple: be faithful and sensible – feed instead of beat those under your care; nourish instead of neglect.  The master came back, not unexpectedly but unsuspecting to that individual.  The worthless slave was assigned a place with the hypocrites.  He knew what signs to look for but chose not to look.  Those who choose not to look will not prevent Jesus from returning.

            A National Geographic magazine showed, through color photos and drawings, the swift and terrible destruction in A.D. 79 of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The explosion of Mount Vesuvius was so sudden that residents were killed while in the midst of their everyday routine. Men and women were at the market, the rich were in their luxurious baths, slaves were at toil. They died amid volcanic ash and superheated gasses. Even family pets suffered a quick and final fate. The pictures leave little for the imagination of the panic on that terrible day.

The saddest part is these people did not have to die. Scientists confirm what the ancient Roman writers’ recorded. Weeks of rumblings and shakings preceded the actual explosion. An ominous column of smoke was clearly visible from the mountain days before the eruption. They only had to read and respond to Vesuvius' warning!

There are similar rumblings in our world. People need not be caught unprepared.  We dare not fail to notice the closing signs. Today is the day for faithfulness, not indifference.

The sign of the fig tree.

            “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. ³³Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. ³⁴I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. ³⁵Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:32-35)

            The parable of the fig tree is generally accepted as the restoration of the nation of Israel. Years after Jesus ascended into heaven, around AD 70, the temple was destroyed and the people of Israel were dispersed among the nations. They kept their beliefs while adapting to new cultures and societies. No group of people has survived without land like the Jew. No group of people has been harassed and blamed for social ills more than the descendents of Abraham. No group of people has endured more attempts at annihilation than Israelites.

            When the fig tree brings forth her leaves, summer is near. The fulfillment of God’s promise to the descendents of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is a sign of the end-times. The tree of Israel showing life once again is testimony the time of the Gentiles is down to its last generation.

            The Bible reveals the length of a generation to be around 35 to 40 years (Job 42:16 and Numbers 14:33) When did the nation of Israel become restored? In 1948 the United Nations chartered the Jewish people a portion of land in Palestine, shaped and designed by human government. It excluded much of the land declared in the Abrahamic covenant. Old Jerusalem was not part of the agreement.

            In 1967 an amazing six-day war occurred. Jerusalem and a larger portion of the covenant land became their possession. In 1948 land was chartered by man, in 1967 more territory was incredibly conquered. It was also in the late-1960’s that the world saw the greatest shift in morality.

            Today much of the covenant property is not in their possession. Could 1948 to 1967 be Israel’s budding years and 1967 to the “trumpet sound” be their leaf-bearing years? What follows the “trumpet sound” is the fruit-bearing years, when the wine press of God’s wrath is poured out.

The sign of Noah’s generation.

            “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. ²⁷People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.” (Luke 17:26-27)

            Jesus specifically mentions their “business as usual” mentality. In other words, they did not care.

            Noah’s generation saw the ark being built and did not care. They witnessed the warnings from righteous Noah’s life and did not care. They had a testimony of pending doom for a long time and did not care.

            They may have been thinking, “When I see the flood, then I’ll worry.” It is no different then when people say, “When I see the rapture, then I’ll worry.” The time of the flood was too late in Noah’s day. The time of the rapture will be too late in the day of His coming.

            Genesis 6:5 states the intentions of Noah’s generation were evil. They were continually bent on evil. They liked the crude, the sadistic, the foul, the sacrilegious, the brutal, the reckless and the treacherous. They were lovers of pleasure at other people’s expense. They found pleasure in viewing suffering. Their heart became hard, calloused and indifferent. They were a society that lost decency.

            Genesis 6:11 states the craving of Noah’s generation was violence. Evil intentions and physical violence go together. The movie industry has statistics that prove the top moneymaker is violence. The second is sex.  If the two themes are done together financial success is assured. Note the number of horror movies that regularly come out of Hollywood. It is a “Noah’s generation” form of entertainment. Violence is in entertainment, in sports and in the heart.

            These signs, as in Noah’s day, will be evident in the last generation.

The sign of Sodom’s generation.

            “It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. ²⁹But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. ³⁰It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed.” (Luke 17:28-30)

            Many assume the sign of Sodom is the act of Sodomy, defiant sexual behavior. This is a symptom of a greater problem. Ezekiel 16:49-50 reveals the real issue: “Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. ⁵⁰They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.”

            They possessed an attitude of arrogance. They based life upon unwarranted pride and self-importance.” 2 Timothy 3:2 states that the last days will be filled with arrogance like Sodom.

            Arrogance carries a feeling of being unbeatable. Out of arrogance Lot’s son-in-laws thought Sodom could not parish. When an attitude like this develops, defenses go down and loose standards develop.

            They had abundant food. The United States has 70% of the food and 7% of the world’s population. America is the food producer of the world. What is the wrongfulness of Ezekiel’s concern? Abundant food is representative of a failure to share with others; a testimony of uncaring people; a lack of compassion that causes hoarding. Sodom was not willing to share what they had. Over abundance is the testimony of selfishness; a visible statement of lacking faith and concern.

            Sodom lived in careless ease. The King James Version writes, “An abundance of idleness.” This country’s leading industries are geared towards leisure and entertainment. Gambling, the ultimate waste of time and resources, has become a major enterprise of local and state government. Believers are to focus on service, not ease and chance.

            Sodom refused to help the poor and needy, a willful defiance to recognize their plight.

            Sodom was haughty. They had contempt for others; disdain for others; treating others as scum. The nature of haughtiness is abuse and is the source of cruelty. Haughtiness crushes the feelings of others.

            Recall the story of Sodom, as recorded in Genesis. Visitors came and they desired to perform a contemptuous act. Forced sexual activity is a natural outgrowth of haughtiness.

            Sodom committed many atrocities before God, one being homosexual preferences and behavior. Sodom is a picture of people feeling unbeatable, self important, uncaring, unresponsive to needs, having little sense of the sanctity of life or respect for people, pursuing pleasure at the cost of life itself and craving inappropriate moral behavior. This will also be the sign of the last generation.

The sign of the worldwide declaration of Jesus

            “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)

            The Good News is the ray of hope in the gloom of the final generation. Romans 5:20 states, “…where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” The church is to embrace the assignment of a righteous Noah (addressing a wicked world) and a righteous Lot (separating from a wicked lifestyle) and declare, “Today is the day of salvation; the day of the Lord is at hand.”

            The story of Jesus is presently being told to a “business as usual” generation; a generation strongly influenced by arrogance, selfishness and haughtiness.

            Worldwide missions is to be the high priority of the church.  By word of mouth, through printed material and on the airwaves the good news is to spread around the world. Aggressively proclaiming the message of grace through faith to every nation is testimony of the final generation.

The end

            Are the closing signs evident today?  Israel has a promised land. The actions of Noah’s generation are being witnessed. A Sodom mentality is in our midst.  The church is diligently proclaiming Jesus around the world. 

Today is the day of salvation. Any moment can be the coming of the Lord.