WHAT DO WE DO IN THESE CLOSING HOURS?

I THESSALONIANS 5:12-24

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

I.                  KNOW AND RESPECT THOSE WHO LABOR FOR THE GOSPEL

A.   KNOW THEIR CHARACTER

B.   KNOW THEIR LOVE

C.    KNOW THEIR PASSION

D.    RESPECT THEM FOR THEIR OFFICE AND CALLING

II.               COMFORT AND SUPPORT

A.   THOSE WHOSE INTELLECTUAL CAPACITIES ARE NOT THE SAME AS OTHERS

B.   THOSE WHO EMOTIONALLY AND SPIRITUALLY ARE WEAK

C.   BE PATIENT WITH ALL

III.           DO NOT GIVE IN TO THE TEMPTATION TO RETALIATE

A.   DO NOT BEHAVE AS THOSE IN THE WORLD BEHAVE

B.   REMEMBER MATTHEW 5:44 “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

C.   BE KIND TO ALL MEN, NOT JUST TO THOSE WITHIN THE CHURCH

IV.           REJOICE, PRAY, AND BE THANKFUL

A.   REJOICE BECAUSE OUR LORD IS COMING AGAIN

B.   PRAY UNTIL ALL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS COME TO JESUS

C.   LIVE WITH A THANKFUL HEART THAT YOU HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH

V.              STRIVING FOR PERFECTION

A.   DO NOT QUENCH THE LEADING, CONVICTING, TEACHING POWER OF THE SPIRIT

B.   LOVE PREACHING AND TEACHING

C.   PROVE WHAT IS BEING PREACHED AND TAUGHT

D.   HOLD TO THE TRUTH

E.    AVOID THE VERY APPEARANCE OF DOING EVIL

VI.           OUR PRAYER FOR ONE ANOTHER, AND THE HOPE THAT WE HAVE

A.   PRAY THAT WE WILL ALL BE READY

B.   BELIEVE THAT THE PROMISES OF GOD ARE TRUE

C.   BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS REALLY COMING BACK AGAIN