Be Alert
Sermon Delivered on July 12, 2009So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:6-11
Self-Controlled
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and ensalved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hates and hating one another. Titus 3:3
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
Self control might be the most imporatnt part of __________ personal character.
How does self control help prepare us for the future?
What is an area of my own life that I need to develop good self control?
Faith and Love
So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted in faith and established in love. Ephesians 3:17
However, as it is written, "No eye as seen, no ear has heard, no mind has concieved what God has prepared for those who love him. Ephesians 6:14
A breastplate is a piece of ____ _______ that protects our ________.
Righteousness: The state of being right with _____ - to be in a right _________ with God.
Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:6
Hope
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope. 1 Timothy 1:1
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverace; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:2-4
Where is it in your life that you have been putting your hope?
Encourage and Build Up
Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. Titus 2:6
We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith 1 Thessalnoians 3:2
Now I commit to you God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32
Encouragement is giving positive/helpful _______ to someone.
Building up is an on-going __________ that will strengthen someone.