This Fall we STAND – Week 3 Ready for what comes next

You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

Stand firm because His coming is near

Luke 21:7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

They wanted to know when… What will be the sign?

Luke 21:8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.

Watch out that you are not deceived

When people were drinking in Ephesus… Ephesians 5:18 - Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,

When people in Corinth were struggling with immorality… 1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.

When people in Corinth continued to struggle with other things… 2 Corinthians 12:20 - For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.

Luke 21:9-10 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” 10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 

People will continue to rebel against God

Luke 21:11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. 

Luke 21:12-15 “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 And so you will bear testimony to me. 14 But make up your mind not to worry

Luke 21:12-15 Before hand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.  

What we have to be ready for Importance of relying on the Holy Spirit for what to do

Luke 21:16-19 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life.

Why we have to STAND!

What do we need to do?

We need to be on guard! 1 Corinthians 16:13 - Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

We need to be ready! Matthew 24:44 - So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

We need to stand firm! 1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.