June 16, 2013
Evening Service

This morning Paul instructed us that since we had been raised with Christ we should; set our sights on the things above, let thoughts of heaven fill our minds, and when Christ is revealed we will share in His glory.

 

We were encouraged to act upon the facts that we are citizens of heaven, bought with a price, and given a chance to enjoy the “newness of life.”  We are to press on daily, leaving the past behind and striving for the “prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

 

Our new perspective of looking to the future for the coming of Christ will allow us the ability to live above today’s trials, temptations, and prosperity.  We must not be “choked out” by the cares of this world.

 

Tonight we will look at what Paul wrote to his spiritual son concerning the second coming.  We will begin right after Paul’s instructions to servants to honor their masters whether they are believers or not.

 

Read: I Timothy 6:1-5

·         Avoid those who continually are dwelling in arguments, disputes and strife as they seek to gain from their godliness.

 

1Ti 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain.  (7)  For we brought nothing into the world, and it is clear that we can carry nothing out.  (8)  But having food and clothing, we will be content.

·         This is the two folded state of mind we need to achieve along our journey.  A calm yet confident satisfaction and faith that God is in control and that is enough.  We are not worrying about the past or the future and simply place our lives in His control.  We are satisfied with what we have.

 

Hebrews 13:5  Let your way of life be without the love of money, and be content with such things as you have, for He has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you!"

·         We simply believe Him and are content with that.

 

1Ti 6:9-10  But they who will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which plunge men into destruction and perdition.  (10)  For the love of money is a root of all evils, of which some having lusted after, they were seduced from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

·         Here is the state we must strive to avoid.  These are not satisfied with what we have, where we live, or what we do.  They are always searching for more; never even enjoying the simple pleasures we have been given. They are always seeking to win the lottery, to get a bigger house, a new job, or a spouse who treats me better than the one they have. 

·         Those who give into this temptation Paul describes as being “seduced from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”  As they seek happiness they actually bringing heartache upon themselves.

·         They seek heaven upon this earth.

 

1Ti 6:11-12  But you, O man of God, flee these things and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness.  (12)  Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold on eternal life, to which you are also called and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.

·         Flee, follow, fight, and lay hold.

·         These are not passive words, but ones of action.  We must make every effort to follow these things and create our lives into a testimony for Him.

·         God is calling us to be people of integrity (who we are when no one is watching).  The character traits of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness can all be wrapped up in our integrity.  Our lives are to reflect the One who has called us.

 

1Co 15:58  So that, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

 

1Ti 6:13  I charge you before God (who makes all things alive) and in the sight of Christ Jesus (who witnessed the good confession to Pontius Pilate),

·         What was the confession Jesus made?

 

Joh 18:37 Pilate then said to Him, Are you a king then? Jesus answered, You say it that I am a king. To this end I was born, and for this cause I came into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.

·         Paul encourages Timothy to know his calling and to bear witness to the truth as Jesus did.  How long must he contend for the faith?

 

1Ti 6:14 that you keep the commandment without spot and without blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

·         Here is the goal.  We continue until the end.  There is no place or provision for retirement until we draw our last breath or we witness His return.

·         Can we do it without spot or blame?  No, probably not, but we are commanded to try.  Why?  Just look at how Paul describes our Lord.

 

1Ti 6:15-16  For He in His own time will reveal who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords,  (16)  who alone has immortality, dwelling in light which cannot be approached, whom no one of men have seen, nor can see; to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.

 

Act 4:12 And there is salvation in no other One; for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

 

Christ’s second coming should instill within us a greater desire to follow His commands.  He calls us to flee, follow, fight, and lay hold of our eternal life.

·         Why would we ignore such a wonderful, complete, and loving plan of salvation given to us freely for the asking?

·         Is the cost too high?

·         Do we love the things of this world more than Him?

 

Christ invites us to a life of contentment here on earth and to an eternity of sharing in His glory in heaven with Him.  Set your sights on Him and the things which are above.  Keep heaven on your mind and don’t get “choked down” with the cares and pleasures of this world.

 

Lord, may your Spirit empower us to live a life focused on a vision of heaven.