Temple Baptist Church - 3-24-2019
Romans 13:11-14
Introduction:
A. I fear that the church is sleeping in perilous times! This is not a new phenomenon. Paul had to deal with this problem 2,000 years ago. It is easy for us to be charmed to sleep with so many good things to occupy our free time.
B. We have so much in these last days of Laodicea. Things that people have never experienced in the history of man. A “rocket paced,” automated society where our “poor” are the envy of the world and it has caused the prophecy of the Church at Laodicea come true in our lifetime.
Revelation 3:15-17 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. (16) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (17) Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
C. To quote an old saying, “We are about as snug as a bug in a rug.”
D. These are perilous times physically. 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Proverbs 30:11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother. (No fear of God-no reverence to parents-disobedient)
Proverbs 30:12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. (Self righteous, yet blinded by the god of this world)
Proverbs 30:13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up. (Full of pride-not recognizing their weakness and God’s graciousness)
Proverbs 30:14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men. (Not caring – cruel and inhuman)
E. These are perilous times spiritually. Revelation 3:14-22 (This is not the dead sleep of sin, but rather the apathy of the redeemed.)
1. It is the carnal security of the believer – we have need of nothing!
2. It is the slothfulness of the duty of the believer – the harvest is perishing!
3. It is the unconcern about personal sins of both omission and commission – Laodicea: the rights of the people!
4. It is the weariness of lack of spiritual exercise – fat bodies and lean souls!
5. It is a willingness to continue in such a state of unconcern – my four and no more!
Isaiah 10:16 Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.
F. These are perilous times doctrinally. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3
1. Doctrinal impurity is widely accepted because of both carnal believers.
2. Doctrinal impurity is widely accepted because of subtle wolves.
3. Doctrinal impurity is widely accepted because of shallow pulpits.
1. Time To Wake Up!
a. “knowing the time” (The times are certainly knowable)
Matthew 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
b. “high time” – a definite time or appointment
Job 14:13 O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!
c. “salvation nearer” – the very threshold of His appearing
2 Peter 3:13-14 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
d. “night is far spent, the day is at hand” – the night of sin will soon be the light of the Son of God
2. Take Off The Night Clothes!
Colossians 3:8-9 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
1 Peter 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
Ephesians 4:21-22 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
3. Put On The Light Clothes!
Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Colossians 3:12-17 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
1 Thessalonians 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
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