POSITIVE PERSPECTIVES IN PERILOUS TIMES
(2 Timothy 3:1) “This
know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”
Introduction:
Defining
"Perilous": Dangerous, risky, unsafe, or grievous.
The
Bible clearly identifies our current era: we are living in the "last
days" and facing the "perilous times" foretold in scripture.
While these times are difficult, the Word of God provides us with a roadmap for
how to stand firm.
I. FACE
IT WITH GOD’S COMFORT FROM HIS PERFECT WORD
The
promise of the Lord’s return and the resurrection of the dead in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18: 1Thes
4:16 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:
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.
1Thes 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with
these words.
The Word
of God is perfect and sure; it converts the soul and makes the simple wise.
Psalm 19:7-9: Pss
19:7 The law of the Lord [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of
the Lord [is] sure, making wise the simple.
Pss 19:8 The statutes of the Lord [are] right,
rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord [is] pure, enlightening the
eyes.
Pss 19:9 The fear of the Lord [is] clean,
enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord [are] true [and] righteous
altogether.
II. FACE
IT WITH GOD’S PERFECT PROTECTION
Those
who dwell in the secret place of the Most High abide under His shadow. He is
our refuge, our fortress, and our shield against the "noisome pestilence.
Psalm 91:1-7: Pss
91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under
the shadow of the Almighty.
Pss 91:2 I will say of the Lord, [He is] my
refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Pss 91:3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the
snare of the fowler, [and] from the noisome pestilence.
Pss 91:4 He shall cover thee with his
feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield
and buckler.
Pss 91:5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the
terror by night; [nor] for the arrow [that] flieth by day;
Pss 91:6 [Nor] for the pestilence [that]
walketh in darkness; [nor] for the destruction [that] wasteth at noonday.
Pss 91:7 A thousand shall fall at thy side,
and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee.
III. FACE
IT WITH GOD’S CONSTANT GUIDANCE
The
Great Commission. As we go and teach all nations, He promises: "I am
with you alway, even unto the end of the world."
Matthew 28:19-20: Mt
28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mt 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the
end of the world. Amen.
God is
our guide even unto death.
Psalm 48:14: Pss
48:14 For this God [is] our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide [even]
unto death.
He
gives light to those in darkness and guides our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 1:79: Lk 1:79
To give light to them that sit in darkness and [in] the shadow of death, to
guide our feet into the way of peace.
IV. FACE
IT WITH COURAGE AND FAITHFULNESS
The
blessing is for the "faithful and wise servant" whom the Lord finds
"so doing" when He returns. Our goal is to be found occupied in His
work.
Matthew 24:45-47: Mt
24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler
over his household, to give them meat in due season?
Mt 24:46 Blessed [is] that servant, whom his
lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Mt 24:47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall
make him ruler over all his goods.
V.
FACE IT WITH THE COMPLETE ARMOR OF GOD
We
wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness.
Ephesians
6:10-18: Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the
power of his might.
Eph
6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the
wiles of the devil.
Eph
6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high [places].
Eph
6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph
6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on
the breastplate of righteousness;
Eph
6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph
6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph
6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is
the word of God:
Eph
6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
The Equipment: The Girdle of Truth, Breastplate of
Righteousness, Shoes of the Gospel, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, and
the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God).
Conclusion:
Ephesians 6:10 “Finally,
my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
God
bless you all!
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