Victory Over Death and Discouragement

1THESS. 4:15-17

Subject: The Rapture

Theme: Our Rapture Hope gives believers assurance of victory over death and discouragement.

Introduction:

Our Christ-filled hope thrills, cheers, and comforts us for the entire course of our lives and not even death can extinguish it. As we trust God’s promise of the Rapture, we are encouraged and strengthened as we face death; and we are powerfully filled with the anticipation of our coming Lord Jesus—HOPE. Our lives are marked with real hope. 

Spiritual Hope is presented as the confident expectation of what God has promised and its strength is in the well-documented faithfulness of Almighty God. In our culture, “hope” is commonly nothing more than wishful thinking or earnest desires. The Word of God; however, portrays the confident expectation based on the promise of God. The word hope refers to both the act of hoping (Rom 4:18; 1 Cor 9:10) and the thing hoped for (Col 1:5; 1 Peter 1:3). Hope does not arise from the individual’s desires or wishes but from God, who made the promise.

Four times “Hope” appears in this letter (1Thess. 1:3; 2:19; 4:13; 5:8). All of these references point to complete salvation with the coming of the Lord Jesus. Hope is our glorious anticipations because of salvation in Christ. This compelling assurance of the Rapture is one of the greatest blessings for every Christian. Victory over death and discouragement is realized when we place absolute confidence in our Rapture Hope. Comfort replaces despair about the death of saved love ones. Beloved, when the trumpet sounds whether we are still alive or asleep in Jesus, we will be made completely alive and fully united with our Lord and each other forever. This is the Hope that Thrills, Cheers, and Comforts!

Lesson:

Note how Specifically and Clearly God Declares our Rapture Hope (1Thess. 4:15-17)

This is the clearest explanation in Scriptures regarding the order of events related to the Rapture of believers. It is here that Paul gives the sequence of these interconnected epics of the Rapture.  Let’s study the details to realize the full comfort and encouragement of our Hope.

A REVELATION: The Living Believers Will Not Have Any Advantage Over the Sleeping Believers When Our Lord Returns. 1Thes 4:15, For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, [This is the Direct Revelation] that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent [precede, come before] them which are asleep.

This is significant because….

                    1.   They Will Not Miss the Rapture! Those who have died in the Lord will not miss the great events of the return of Christ, the Rapture, and they will have a part in the Lord’s Millennial Kingdom. The living will not have any advantages! Those who sleep in the Lord will not miss the Lord’s coming!

                   2.  The Lord’s Return is Also Imminent!  He could come at any moment!

1Thes 4:15, For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (Read 1Cor. 15:51-54; Phil. 3:20-21)

Paul fully expected the Rapture in His day, and so much the more should we! The point is to be READY, RIGHT, RESTING, AND WORKING when He comes!

A RETURN: The Lord Jesus Will Come Down from Heaven. Vs 16

1Thes 4:16, For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout….

                   1. It’s A Return of the Lord Himself.

This is a Literal, Physical Return of the Lord Jesus Christ to our atmosphere. He is not a spirit or phantom.  The Day of Pentecost nor salvation is synonymous with Christ’s Return. This is a separate event on God’s prophetic calendar—Christ’s Return in the Rapture. What makes the rapture thrilling is the Lord Jesus!

Morgan To Be Interrupted

G. Campbell Morgan, said, “I never begin my work in the morning without thinking that perhaps He may interrupt my work and begin His own. I am not looking for death. I am looking for Him.” –Tan, Paul Lee: Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations

                   2.  It’s A Return with The Lord’s Shout

By this Shout Christ will call the Sleeping Believers to Life Again. John 5:25-27, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. 26, For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; 27, And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

John 11:25-26, Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26, And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

During the Resurrection of Lazarus in Jn. 11:43-44 “....He [Jesus] cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.” The next time he will call His ‘Christians’ to Himself, the "Resurrection and the Life!"

                   3.  It’s A Return with The Voice of Michael the Archangel

This call will summon the angelic host as a Military Escort to accompany the Lord and His people through enemy territory back to Heaven (See Matt. 24:31; 25:31; 2Thess.1:7; Jude 9). Some believe this angel is Gabriel because he is more closely associated with the Christian Age than Michael.  I believe the Bible only refers to Michael as ‘the archangel.’

                   4.  It’s A Return with The Blowing of the Trumpet of God

This is the ‘Last Trump’ of the Christian Age, which has to do with the resurrection of believers at the time of the Rapture. 1Cor 15:52, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall be no more, and the morning breaks eternal bright and fair— When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore, and the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there.—James M. Black; When the Role is Called Up Yonder

This is not the seventh and last trumpet of the Tribulation period in Revelation 11:15-19. The Seventh Trumpet of the Tribulation Period is a Trumpet of Judgment not Rapture.  Christians will not go through the tribulation period.  The Tribulation is for the Lost World and to prepare Israel for her Messiah, not the Christian (1Thess. 5:9-11)!  We must realize that God is not done with Israel! (Dan. 9:24)

A RESURRECTION: The Dead “In Christ” Shall Arise First (Vs 16)

1Thes 4:16 … and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

                   1. Not all of the Dead, but Only “the dead in Christ” will Arise.

This excludes O. T. Saints who will be raised after the Tribulation Period according to Dan. 12:2.   

On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise and the glory of His resurrection share— When the chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies, and the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there. –James M. Black; When the Role is Called Up Yonder

       2. Obviously, the Christian Dead will Arise “First”—before the Living Christians are Raptured!

A RAPTURE: The Living Believers Will Be Caught Up Next (Vs 17)

1Thes 4:17, Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them ….

                  1.  The Phrase “Caught Up” is where we get our word ‘rapture,’ and it means to carry off. Thus, the Rapture means snatching away or catching up. The Greek word is ‘harpazo’ (har-pad'-zo); means to seize, catch (away, up), pluck, pull, and take (by force). The space travel of today with all its wonders will not even compare to the Space traveling we’ll experience in the twinkling of an eye!

                  2. Believers will be wonderfully Changed and Glorified in a Moment (1Cor. 15:50-53)!  Body and Soul will be perfected; this will be a first in the experience of the Christian. No more sin nature, sickness, disease, cancer, heart attacks, or strokes to contend with!

A REUNION: We All Will Be Reunited with The Lord In The Air (Vs 17)   1Thes 4:17, Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (A Revelation, Return, Resurrection, Rapture)

                1. Our Reunion with Deceased Believers (family, friends, church family) of the Christian Age. Those of our loved ones that died in the Lord are not lost we know where they are, and we will be with them again.  Now that is real comfort to the bereaving heart!

                2.  Our Complete Union with Our Lord Forever! Finally, we will see and be with our Lord Jesus! For some the concept of heaven is a place of peaceful resting. Others envision it as filled with golden streets and sounds of beautiful music. For most of us the thought of reuniting with loved ones is comforting. However, the most thrilling anticipation for every believer when he reflects on heaven is surely the moment of seeing our Savior “face to face.”

Face to face with Christ, my Savior, face to face—what will it be? When with rapture I behold Him, Jesus Christ who died for me!Only faintly now I see Him, with the darkling veil between; but a blessed day is coming, when His glory shall be seen.What rejoicing in His presence, when are banished grief and pain, when the crooked ways are straightened and the dark things shall be plain.Face to face—O blissful moment! Face to face—to see and know; face to face with my Redeemer, Jesus Christ who loves me so.Chorus: Face to face I shall behold Him, far beyond the starry sky; face to face, in all His glory, I shall see Him by and by!

     

Anticipate the joy it will be to greet our Savior and to fully “see and know”—when the “crooked ways are straightened” and the “dark things shall be plain.” Share this hope with someone. –Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace

                3.  Who Can Describe the Combustible, Boundless, and Spontaneous Joy We ALL Will Experience at this Grand Reunion Occasion.  We will see our loved ones again, never to say goodbye again. We will finally see Jesus our Lord, Savior, King, and Salvation! 

Conclusion:

So, there you have it. Our Christ-filled hope thrills, cheers, and comforts us for the entire course of our lives and not even death can extinguish it. As we trust God’s promise of the Rapture, we are encouraged and strengthened as we face death; and we are powerfully filled with the anticipation of our coming Lord Jesus—HOPE. Our lives are marked with real hope. 

How can we respond correctly to such clearly defined hope? Perhaps we all could do a lot more to give God praise for the certainty surrounding our eternal home and destiny. Through this passage, God answered all of our questions and quieted all of our doubts. We know where we are going through death, and we know where our loved-ones (in the Lord) are presently. Yes, and some of us may never experience physical death! These are matters or certainty to us. Our great heavenly Father wanted all of His children to enjoy such assurance. Beloved, let us also live this day in that confidence. Share this Rapture Hope with others, that no one you love will be left behind!

The Hope that Thrills, Cheers, and Comforts

1THESS. 4:13-14

Subject: The Rapture

Theme: Our Rapture Hope thrills, cheers, and comforts us through life and death.  It gives encouragement and strength when facing death and fills each day with the anticipation of our coming Lord Jesus.

Introduction:

“Hope” is a wonderful word (1Thess. 4:13). In the Bible it sometimes refers to expecting something good, or the joyful and confident expectation of full eternal salvation. It is not referring to something that possibly may not happen, but instead to that which is certain to happen—a sure expectation. Four times “Hope” appears in this letter (1Thess. 1:3; 2:19; 4:13; 5:8). All of these references point to complete salvation with the coming of the Lord Jesus. Hope is our glorious anticipations because of salvation in Christ.

Paul’s design is to provide encouragement and hope to Christians whose loved ones have died (1Thess. 4:13, 14). The comforting hope he gives is based on three facts: 1) The Thrill—the dead will be resurrected and will participate in the Lord’s coming for us; 2) The Cheer— we all will be with the Lord eternally (v. 17); and 3) The Comfort— when Christ comes all Christians will be reunited forever with each other.

This compelling assurance of the Rapture is one of the greatest blessings for every Christian. Victory over death and discouragement is realized when we place absolute confidence in our Rapture Hope. Comfort replaces despair about the death of love ones. Beloved, when the trumpet sounds whether we are still alive or asleep in Jesus, we will be made completely alive and fully united with our Lord and each other forever. This is the Hope that Thrills, Cheers, and Comforts!

Lesson:

The Foundation of Our Hope (Vs 14)

1Thes 4:14, For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

The foundation of our Hope is the Lord’s Resurrection and it will be realized when Jesus returns for us in the Rapture.

          A.  OUR HOPE IS BASED ON OUR LORD’S RESURRECTION

1Thes 4:14, For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again....

                  1.  The Christian’s Resurrection Hope is Made Possible by Christ’s Resurrection. 1 Pet 1:3,  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

                       i. Our Lord is the First Born from the Dead

Col 1:18, And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  (This is a promise of more resurrections)

The Lord Jesus was the first to rise from the dead to die no more, He was the first to rise with a glorified body, and He rose as the Head of a new creation. His resurrection is unique, and is the pledge that all who trust in Him will also rise. It proclaims Him as supreme in the spiritual creation.

Alfred Mace put it well:

Christ cannot be second anywhere. He is “firstborn of every creature,” because He has created everything (Col. 1:15, 16). He is also firstborn from the dead in connection with a redeemed and heavenly family. Thus creation and redemption hand the honors of supremacy to Him because of Who He is and of what He has done; “that in all things He might have the pre-eminence.” He is first everywhere. –Believer's Bible Commentary

                      ii. Our Lord is the First Fruits of them that Sleep

1Cor. 15:20-21, But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21, For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. (First Fruits Always Anticipates the rest of the Harvest from the dead—1Cor. 15:23)

                  2.  There Will Be a Resurrection of Life For Believers and another Resurrection of Damnation For Nonbelievers. There is no such creature as a ‘general resurrection’ at the end of the world.  John 5:29,   And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.  (NOTE: The Saints of Israel will be resurrected after the great Tribulation and before the Millennium. See Dan. 12:1-2; Rev. 20:5-6; 12-15).

          B.  OUR HOPE IS REALIZED IN OUR LORD’S RETURN

1Thes 4:14, …even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

                  1. Some Christians Will Pass Through Death into God’s Presence Prior to The Rapture. 2Cor 5:6-8, Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7, (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8, We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (Also Phil. 1:20-24)

                  2. These Disembodied Believers will Return with Christ to Receive their Resurrection Bodies. In the return of Christ for His saints, God will send the souls of those who were already with Him in Heaven to be reunited with their new and transformed bodies during Christ’s return.  Together with the Lord we will all go back to Heaven to the Judgment Seat of Christ.  It does not matter if our bodies were eaten by beasts or burned and sprinkled across the seas, He will raise our bodies from their sleep!  What a Powerful God we know and worship! I know He is coming don’t you?

He Knew He’d Come

The story is told about two young men, in the First World War, who had been friends for their entire lifetimes. Being neighbors, they had played together, gone to school together, engaged in the same athletic programs, and finally had enlisted in the army together. Fate determined they would eventually be in the same area of battle together.

After a particularly bitter battle one day, it was found that one of the boys was missing somewhere out in what is known as “No-Man’s Land.” The other boy, safe and unhurt, went to the commanding officer and requested permission to go out and look for his friend. He was told it was of no use for no one was alive out there after the withering fire of so many hours. After great insistence, he was finally given permission to go.

Some time later he came with the limp body of his friend over his shoulder. The commander said, “Didn’t I tell you it was no use to go?” to which the boy replied with radiance in his eyes, “But it was not; I got there in time to hear him whisper, “I knew you’d come.””—Earl C. Willer

Conclusion:

Our Rapture Hope thrills, cheers, and comforts us through life and death.  It brings encouragement and strength in the face of death and fills our lives with the enduring prospect of our coming Lord Jesus. Give God praise for the certainty about your eternal destiny that you as a child of God enjoy. Live this day in that confidence. Share this Rapture Hope with others, that no one you love will be left behind!

Healthy Attitudes

1Thess. 5:16-18

SUBJECT: Healthy Christian Attitudes

THEME: As Christians our attitudes, motives, and behaviors are vitally important. The most important is our attitude towards God as we anticipate our Lord’s return.

By definition an attitude is “a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior.”  Our attitude towards something is the way we think and feel about it, especially when this shows in the way we behave.

The first three attitudes in First Thessalonians chapter five seem to relate particularly to our Heavenly Father. These are joy, trust (prayer), and thanks. Our joy is in Him and from Him. Our prayers are directed to Him as our Provider, and we offer our sincerest and most heartfelt thanks to God! We have already examined joy, now let us look at prayer and thanks.

As Believers we are transformed by the Word and Grace of God; our attitudes can be stimulated by Christ’s coming for us in the Rapture. Notice now the potential impact of prayer and trusting God.

CULTIVATE AN ATTITUDE OF PRAYER  

1Thes 5:17, Pray without ceasing. 

Continuing to pray unceasingly is a definite expression of trust and confidence in the Lord's love, character, wisdom, and power! Prayer is powerful because it is rooted...deeply rooted in a concrete trust in the awesome Word of God. To hang on to God in prayer...to cling to Him refusing to entertain any other options are serious evidences of a well-founded trust. To utter and mean it when we say, 'Your will, O' Lord, on earth as it is in heaven.' To yearn for His will above all...to cry out to God passionately...to hang on to the Lord while hot tears race down your cheeks are activities of unwavering trust in the Lord above all else.

The word "pray" here means to speak to or to make requests of God. It implies enjoying his company and Presence...conversations involving speaking and listening. Speaking confidently with a much-treasured Friend is the idea. It is not racing through a laundry list of requests but entrusting serious concerns and real needs to Him who cares like no other. God wants us to come to Him as often and continually as possible...as frequently as opportunities present themselves...seizing seasons to be with Him. So, what might this look like in our experiences?

There should be a definite daily scheduled period of prayer. Praying continually does not mean abandoning normal life, duties and responsibilities to pray all the time without ever stopping. It is simply choosing the habit of conversing with God daily once we initially engage Him. It is appropriate to cry out to the Lord early on in our day to greet each day by calling upon Him. For many of us, we start praying as soon as we awake. Our first season of formally praying from a list or from our journal is really a continuation of our “Good Morning Lord” prayer. Still starting our day practicing real faith and recognizing the all-important presence of the Lord is vital. What we start initially we can practice periodically throughout the day. It is an exercise of real trust and confidence in the Lord God.

Then we should maintain an attitude of prayerfulness throughout our day. Continuing in fellowship and sweet communion with God is the idea—He becomes your constant companion in every experience. Call God up early in your day and keep Him on the phone throughout your day! Your relationship with God will become more real and meaningful with this attitude of trust, dependence, and prayerfulness. Beloved, we must never stop looking to the Lord. There is no occasion where we are justified in giving up on the Lord. Periodically, repeatedly, and constantly throughout our days we take all our concerns to the Throne of grace confident we will obtain mercy and secure grace to aid us as the needs arise. 

Clearly, we should pray in a recurring fashion. Extemporaneously praying as needs arise, to confess sins, and to express thanksgiving and praise throughout our day are the habits all of God's people must cultivate. Instead of worrying we pray. Another option to living independently is persisting quite dependently upon the Lord. Refusing to 'handle it yourself', choose to take it to the Lord in prayer. A person with a hacking cough would be a good illustration of this valuable discipline. The audible cough is not always heard, but the tendency to cough is always there, so the Christian who prays without ceasing is not always audibly praying, but praying is always the attitude of his or her heart and life. We live in communion with the Lord; sharing each moment in His company is a sheer honor. If we are truly anticipating His return, we will converse with Him consistently and continually.

CULTIVATE AN ATTITUDE OF THANKS  

1Thes 5:18, In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Thankfulness should characterize the heart of the Christian. We can even be thankful in adverse situations because we are confident that God will bring something good and beneficial out of it though the situation itself is not good. (Rom 8:28)

Certainly, it is good to pause and thank the Lord for how He has worked, is working, and will work in our lives. To appreciate the care and attention He gives us even when we are not as aware of His care. Such practices of gratitude cultivate hope, cheers the heart, and brings our thoughts into a proper balance. Reflecting on past blessings and numerating them perhaps on a note pad or in a journal creates legitimate hopes and anticipations of good outcomes. After all, the Lord came through before and He is well able to do it again. So, real hope rooted in past experiences with the Lord springs up in the soul transforming us into people marked by this excellent quality. We could also read Scriptures where God gave His people hope and positive anticipations to inspire hope in us. Biographies of Christian giants can also be a great source of growing hope in our hearts and personalities.

In addition, when we focus primarily on the bad, frustrating, and anxious situations, we can become imbalance in our thought life. We will begin to feel like nothing is going well or right. Our thoughts can become almost entirely negative and down cast. However, when we intentionally reflect on the blessings and allow our minds to be filled with these thoughts it helps to restore the balance. Such exercises can prompt us to recognize that which is going well, which counterbalances the ruminations on our disappointments.

Beloved, to note or jot down how God is strengthening, supporting, providing for, encouraging, protecting, teaching, renewing, correcting, empowering, polishing, advancing, and refining me is a great reason to be thankful! Do not miss what He is doing because you allow yourself to think primarily on the frustrating and stressful experiences. Don’t take all the goodnesses of God towards you for granted; thank Him often for what He is doing in you, through you, and with you. We truly are wonderfully privileged to share life with the Most High.

The expression of genuine gratitude will promote humility in our lives. Thanksgiving is an acknowledgment that “I” stand in need.  It is the realization that “I” am not self-sufficient nor independent of God and those He uses to meet my needs. Thankfulness is a sure cure for the disease of pride! Thanksgiving also recognizes that others incurred a cost for me—they sustained an expense to aid or help me. This not only encourages me, but I understand how love has been shown to me. I must accept such love and appreciate the person who was willing to pay whatever price to meet a need in my life. As the receiver of such thoughtfulness it is appropriate to send a thank you card or note. It is advisable to make a call to simply express our gratitude. We must resist the entitlement mentality and show others we genuinely appreciate them and what they are doing to bless and enrich our lives.

An unthankful attitude can lead to spiritual and moral ruin! This is illustrated from the words of the Apostle Paul describing fallen depraved humanity and the decline of civilizations.

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22, Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23, And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24, Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25, Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26, For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27, And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. (Rom. 1:21-27)

In this description of the depravity and decline of humanity we see people failed to know God in truth and failed to give Him the glory, honor and praise He deserves. Naturally, this leads to a failure to appreciate and thank Him for His blessings and involvements in our affairs. Meaningless, empty, and biblically unintelligent notions about God will soon displace the truth of Him. At least in the human mind…. Progressing downwardly the pursuit of falsehoods and foolishness replaces real knowledge and wisdom from above. Onward the decline and depravity of humanity continues into various forms of idolatry and spiritual adultery. From here the picture becomes even darker and more godless…issuing into sins of increasing magnitude, pervasiveness, and gravity.

Beloved, the third stage of sinfulness in this dark list of depravity is stated as, “neither were thankful.” My how one grievous sin leads to another! Furthermore, an attitude of ingratitude is not viewed as a serious offense anymore. This fact alone should alert us to the reality that we have declined beyond woeful ignorance of God and giving Him the glory, He rightly deserves. Our descent into sinful attitudes and behaviors are in stage three! How often we overlook His blessings; how many times we forget to say, “Thank You Lord.” We require more and expect more and have little desire to utter the words, “Thank you” to the Lord. We feel ourselves entitled like we deserve God’s highest honors, privileges and blessings. We frequently find ourselves angry with the Lord because we are convinced He is not treating us in a manner becoming of someone of our stature. We are no different than the nine lepers who failed to return to thank the Lord Jesus and give Him praise for His exceptional kindnesses to us. How important it is that we intentionally develop an attitude of gratitude!

Rejoicing, praying, and thanking are known as the standing orders for Christians. We are called on in every situation to exercise ourselves well in these three duties and attitudes. The Scriptures teach us that “this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”! Yes, God’s plan for your life includes rejoicing, trusting, and appreciating. In the gospel record, Jesus Christ is the embodiment of these truths, he revealed to us God’s will concerning joy, prayer, and thanksgiving! Occupy yourself accordingly in anticipation of our Lord’s coming for us in the Rapture.

Our lives will be significantly transformed if we took these basic instructions seriously making them an integral part of our daily walk. Every Christian’s life should be distinguished by joy, trust, and gratitude. Depression, anxiety, and ingratitude are not Christian at all. While life presents many serious tensions for us all, we can choose to be joyful, trusting, and appreciative. Make the decision to live in joy, confidence, and gratitude.

In fact, such shining examples would be contagious positively touching others for Christ. When these precious qualities refine our character, we are deeply attractive people. People cannot resist such exuberant joy, confident prayerfulness, and rich gratitude! Beloved, these traits showcase what God can do in our lives and we honor Him. We become living commercials of God’s grace and craftsmanship commending Him to everyone we touch. I truly believe more people would be influenced and drawn to Christ as Savior through our lifestyles of joy, trust, and appreciation. We will have more chances to open our mouths and present the gospel when the glory of godly character shines through us and into the lives of the unsaved. Its a matter of attitudes, attitudes, attitudes!

Pursuing Personal Purity

1 John 3:1-3

Theme: God encourages us to Pursue Personal Purity with the hope of Christ’s coming for us in the Rapture.

The Sons of God Practice Righteousness and Shun Sinfulness (1Jn. 3:1-10). John is concentrating on sonship—God’s children or family. He emphasizes being “born of God” (see 3:9; 4:7; 5:4). Recall in John 3 the apostle emphasized the theme “God is love” (4:8, 16). Here he articulates that a true child of God will prove his spiritual birth by practicing righteousness and shunning sin—being obedient to God’s Word.

God Encourages Us to Live Right with the Hope of Christ’s Coming (1Jn. 3:1-3). Through faith we are now God’s children. When Jesus appears we will be completely like Him. As we keep His promise of transformation in view, and fix our desire on the goal of perfection, we will grow in purity here and now (3:1–3).  There are three motivations John uses to inspire progress in growth: the love of God, Christ’s return, and Christ’s purity.

God’s Amazing Love Encourages Us to Pursue Purity (3:1). 

Consider the Love of God that Brought Us into His Family in the Past. The thought of being born of God arrests John with wonder, and he invites us to “behold” God’s love also.   He beckons to us to stand in awe at the particular kind of wonderful love that brought us into the family of God. Such a lavish display of love should stimulate a life of righteous obedience to God.

God’s Love is from Out of This World! The phrase, “What manner of” actually means, “from what country, race or tribe?” and denotes something out of this world.

The phrase “what manner of” refers of something foreign. ““Behold, what foreign-kind of love” is literally what John writes.”—Wiersbe  

The love of God is foreign to the human race. It is not found naturally in humanity. When it exists there, it is in a saved individual, and by reason of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Smith suggests, “from what far realm? What unearthly love,… how other-worldly.” –Wuest

The Bible gives Us a Snap Shot Description of God’s Love.

God's love is forgiving (Luke 15:7).

God's love is beyond measure (Rom 8:38-39).

God's love is eternal (Jer. 31:3).  

God's love is sacrificial (John 3:16).  

God's love is inexhaustible (Ps 136:1).

I pray these appealing words will minister to you as they extol the profound truth of Christ’s out-of-this-world love for each of us. Beloved allow these words to move you to awe even now.

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul! What wondrous love is this, O my soul! What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul, to bear the dreadful curse for my soul. –What Wondrous Love is This

God’s Love Established Us as Sons of God! In the Bible the word “called” indicates that this is what we actually are!  We are (“called to be saints,” lit., “called holy” [1 Cor. 1:2]). Believers are “called the sons of God” because we are the born-ones of “the Father.”

God could have saved us without making us sons of God. But the manner of God’s love is shown in that he brought us into His family as children. Beloved, contemplate the greatness of the divine love (Jer. 33:3; Jn 15:9; Rev. 1:5, 6)!

O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure—the saints’ and angels’ song. –Frederick M. Lehman: The Love Of God

God will give us the power and strength to grasp how wide and long and high and deep the love of Christ truly is (Eph. 3:17-19). We must pray for such enlightenment and strength! Christ’s love is an immense concept to be comprehended. Yet God wants us to know experientially the love of Christ that supersedes all knowledge (Phil. 4:7). The more a Christian knows Christ, the more amazed he is at Christ’s love for him.   Stand with John in amazement of God’s love.  Appreciate the fact that God’s love is expressed to you, that Christians are included in His family. God loves you believer, whether you are weak or well or strong. The Lord Jesus on the night of His betrayal loved His own; “having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end” (John 13:1). He still loves you also!

God’s Love Suffered the Cross of Calvary for Sinners! Paul had this idea in mind when he wrote Rom. 5:6–10.

John 15:13, Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Not father or mother has loved you as God has, for it was that you might be happy He gave His only Son. When He bowed His head in the death hour, love solemnized [made official] its triumph; the sacrifice there was complete.—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

 “Behold” (1Jn. 3:1) this wonderful display of love! “Behold” means to look in order to perceive, understand or know more fully! God wants us to grasp and appreciate His awesome display of love toward us. Don’t ignore it or take it for granted. Instead focus and concentrate on it as a motivating power in your heart! Reflect often on the wondrous love of Christ!

Love is the greatest motive in the world, and if we understand God’s love, we will obey His Word. “If ye love me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). –Weirsbe

It was Isaac Watts who wrote the great hymn When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.  In the last stanza he wrote, “Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.”

God’s Love Is In Stark Contrast To The Love Of The World (3:1).

The world loves those who love them, while God loves even those who disobey Him. Of course, the world has no understanding of this love, and the world hates us. So as we journey from day to day, the world does not recognize us as children of God. The people of the world do not understand us or the way we behave.

Remember, the world did not understand the Lord Jesus when He was here on earth. “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. ¹¹ He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:10-11). Since we have the same characteristics as the Lord Jesus, we cannot expect the world to understand us, either. They do not know Christ, so they cannot know Christ’s family.

Christ’s Appearance in the Rapture Encourages Us to Pursue Purity (3:2). 

Consider the Hope of Transformation at Christ’s Coming in the Future. The fact that we are presently the sons of God, guarantees our future glory through the rapture (3:2).  Our future glorification has not yet been revealed, but we are confident that when Christ is revealed, we shall be 

like Him. Our perception is purely spiritual; there is no physical evidence of this that any eye can see.

What we are now in Christ is wonderful; but what we shall be is even more wonderful!

Jesus Christ will Appear as Promised!

         1.      1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: ¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

        2.      2 Peter 3:11, Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

        3.      2 Peter 3:14, Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Christ Gives Us the Anticipation of Complete Transformation—“We shall be like Him.”

This does not mean that we will be physically like Jesus in heaven. The Lord Jesus will have His own definite appearance, and will bear the scars of Calvary throughout eternity. Each of us, we believe, will have his own distinct features and will be recognizable as such. The Bible does not teach that everyone will look alike in heaven.

However, we will be morally like the Lord Jesus Christ. We will be free from the possibility of defilement, sin, sickness, sorrow, and death. This means inheriting a glorified body like His body (Phil. 3:20–21) and sharing in His eternal glory (John 17:24).

And how will this marvelous transformation be accomplished? (1Jn. 3:2)

       1.   When the Rapture Trumpet Sounds! (1 Cor. 15:52-54)

       2.    When We Finally See Jesus!

The answer is that one look at Christ will bring it to pass. “For we shall see Him as He is.” The physical changes in Christians await the coming of Christ. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him (Phil. 3:21). This transformation will result from seeing Him!

Here in life, the process of becoming like Christ is going on, as we behold Him by faith in the Word of God (2Cor. 3:17-18). But then the process will be absolutely complete when we see Him as He is: for to see Him is to be like Him.

Christ’s Purity Encourages Us to Pursue Purity (3:3). 

Consider how the Purity of Christ Stimulates Personal Purification Today.  

Christ is Pure!

       1.      Hebrews 7:26, For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

       2.      1 Peter 2:22, Who [Jesus] did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

       3.      John 19:4, Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them [Jews], Behold, I bring him [Jesus] forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.

      4.       Luke 23:41, And we [thieves] indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man [Jesus] hath done nothing amiss.

       5.      2 Cor 5:21, For he [God] hath made him [Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

       6.      Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

       7.      1 John 4:17, Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. (Also 1John 2:2; 3:5; Rev. 3:7)

Christ is Coming; therefore, Purify Yourself.

Believers who really have this hope and expect Christ to return will obey His Word and keep their lives clean.  They are not difficult to recognize! Their pure walk identifies them! (Eph. 5:1-13; Gal. 5:14-26)

We shall see Him “as He is,” but we must also “walk, even as He walked” (see 1Jn. 2:6) and do “righteous, even as He is righteous” (1Jn. 3:7).

We are expected to purify ourselves—“everyone that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself,” that is, keep our hearts clean (2 Cor. 7:1; 1Jn. 1:7-9). New life results in continuous purification from sins as we anticipate meeting Christ Who is perfectly pure (Heb. 7:26; 1Jn. 4:17).

This is what God expects of us as believers—Christ is our standard.  Not some believer who is stumbling and failing constantly, but Jesus Christ the Righteous Himself! Our perception of His purity and conception of biblical purity will drive our own quest and yearning for purity. The clearer our view of Christ’s purity, the greater purity of life we will strive for.  But if our estimation of Christ is deficient, then our desire for chastity of life will be greatly deficient.  It is not wise to compare ourselves with each other as a standard of righteousness, it is best to compare yourself with the spotless Son of God in His brilliant spotlessness.