3rd February 2019 - Staying Awake and Clothed Before Christ's Return - (Ian Robson, Stephen & Rabi)
Summary
The sermon emphasizes focusing on the core message regarding Christ's return, drawing attention to Revelation 16:15, which warns that Christ will come like a thief. The central call is for believers to remain spiritually awake and prepared, metaphorically keeping their 'clothes' on, to avoid shame when He returns. The message also encourages drawing strength from God's unchanging nature and focusing on Him alone for help.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Welcome to worshipThe service begins with a welcome to the congregation and an invitation to focus on the glory of the risen Savior.
Praising God from every nationThe congregation sings a song of praise, celebrating standing before God as a multitude from every tribe and tongue, redeemed by the blood of Christ.
Seeking help from the unchanging LordWhile everything around us changes, we can trust God alone in times of trouble, as seen in the contrast between Martha's distractions and Mary's focus on Jesus.
A prayer of praise and dependence on GodThe speaker begins with a prayer acknowledging God as our rock, salvation, and the source of all help and grace.
Reciting the week's memory versesThe congregation recites Hebrews 1/2:1 regarding laying aside sin and Jeremiah 32:40 regarding God's everlasting covenant.Hebrews 12:1
The danger of being spiritually naked and unpreparedUsing the example of a young man fleeing during Jesus' arrest, the speaker warns against being caught without spiritual covering when God's wrath is poured out.
The danger of spiritual self-sufficiencyWe must avoid the trap of thinking we are spiritually fine while actually being in a wretched condition that requires repentance.
Clothed with the garments of salvationThrough faith and repentance, God clothes us in His righteousness and provides a mantle of praise to replace our mourning.Isaiah 61:10
The necessity of being clothed with power and humilityBelievers must seek the power of the Holy Spirit to avoid a hollow form of godliness and must clothe themselves in humility toward one another.
Being clothed with humilityGod sees those who seek to humble themselves before Him and their brothers and sisters. True humility is the soil from which all other virtues like love and holiness grow.
Preparing our wedding garmentAs the Bride of Christ, we must prepare ourselves by practicing righteous acts, which constitute the fine linen required for His return.Revelation 19:7–8
The danger of avoiding the lightUsing the example of Felix, the speaker warns against being too afraid of exposure to come to the light, urging believers to take sin seriously and live godly lives before it is too late.
A call to obey God's waysIn the last days, God promises a time when people will willingly hear and obey His ways. We must wake up from spiritual sleep and respond joyfully to the Holy Spirit.Isaiah 2:3
The source of conflict and the need for repentanceInternal wars and quarrels stem from selfish pleasures and wrong motives. The Holy Spirit calls us to repent so that we can live rightly before the Lord's return.
Being clothed in Christ's resurrection powerContrasting a young man fleeing naked with a young man found in white at the empty tomb, the speaker urges believers to be transformed by God's power rather than just holding a form of godliness.
