Hope and Guidance for Christians in Troubling Times
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the theme of "Examining Life in the Last Days," focusing on the hope and guidance that Christians can find even in perilous times. We began by acknowledging the increasing darkness in the world—spiritually, morally, and ethically. Despite this, there is hope for Christians, rooted in our faith in Jesus Christ. We explored the traits that should characterize Christians living in these challenging times, breaking them down into three categories: character traits, spiritual traits, and life traits.
Character traits include love, purpose, and a manner of life that reflects Christ. In an unloving world, Christians are called to display genuine love, not a superficial acceptance but a love that leads others to Christ. Purpose is essential, as Christians are called to live with intentionality, knowing that God has a plan for each of us. Our manner of life should be distinct, reflecting our faith in every aspect.
Spiritual traits involve a deep commitment to doctrine, faith, long-suffering, love, and perseverance. Christians must be grounded in Scripture, able to explain and defend their faith. Faith is crucial, especially when life becomes difficult. Long-suffering and perseverance are necessary as we face trials and tribulations.
Life traits focus on the reality that Christians will suffer persecution if they desire to live godly lives. This suffering is part of the spiritual warfare we face, but it also strengthens our faith and character.
Despite the rise of evil and false teachings, there is hope. This hope is found in continuing in the Holy Scriptures, which are inspired by God and equip us for every good work. The Word of God is powerful, capable of creating the universe, expelling demons, and ultimately defeating evil. By submitting to Scripture, Christians can be complete and lack nothing, fully equipped to handle the challenges of the last days.
### Key Takeaways
1. Character Traits in Perilous Times: Christians are called to embody love, purpose, and a distinct manner of life. In an unloving world, we must show genuine love that leads others to Christ. Our lives should reflect a clear purpose, knowing that God has a plan for each of us. This distinct manner of life should be evident to those around us, showcasing our faith in every aspect. [07:17]
2. Spiritual Traits for Stability: Being grounded in doctrine and faith is essential. Christians must be able to explain and defend their faith, especially in challenging times. Faith becomes even more crucial when life is difficult, and long-suffering and perseverance are necessary traits. These spiritual traits help us navigate the trials and tribulations we face. [12:30]
3. Life Traits and Persecution: Christians who desire to live godly lives will face persecution. This suffering is part of the spiritual warfare we encounter, but it also strengthens our faith and character. Understanding that suffering is a part of the Christian journey helps us to persevere and remain steadfast in our faith. [15:19]
4. The Rise of Evil and False Teachings: As we approach the last days, evil and false teachings will increase. Christians must be vigilant and discerning, relying on the Holy Scriptures to guide them. The Word of God is our ultimate authority, helping us to distinguish between truth and deception. [22:27]
5. Hope in the Holy Scriptures: Despite the challenges, there is hope in continuing in the Holy Scriptures. The Word of God is powerful and equips us for every good work. By submitting to Scripture, Christians can be complete and lack nothing, fully prepared to handle the difficulties of the last days. [28:59]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:24] - Introduction to Hope in Perilous Times
[03:02] - Prayer for Guidance
[04:40] - Examining Life in the Last Days
[06:24] - Traits of Christians in the Last Days
[07:17] - Character Traits: Love, Purpose, Manner of Life
[12:30] - Spiritual Traits: Doctrine, Faith, Long-Suffering
[15:19] - Life Traits: Persecution and Suffering
[18:12] - Spiritual Warfare and Combat
[22:27] - The Rise of Evil and False Teachings
[28:59] - Hope in the Holy Scriptures
[32:06] - The Authority of Scripture
[35:07] - The Power of God's Word
[40:07] - Completeness in Scripture
[42:23] - Trusting in Scripture Alone
[45:37] - Assurance of Salvation
[47:46] - Call to Raise Hands for Salvation Assurance
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Timothy 3:10-17 - "You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three categories of traits that should characterize Christians living in the last days according to the sermon? ([06:24])
2. How does the sermon describe the type of love Christians should display in an unloving world? ([07:17])
3. What does the sermon say about the role of Scripture in equipping Christians for the last days? ([28:59])
4. According to the sermon, what are the two life traits that Paul emphasizes for Christians in the last days? ([15:19])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for Christians to embody love, purpose, and a distinct manner of life in perilous times? How does this reflect our faith to those around us? ([07:17])
2. How can being grounded in doctrine and faith help Christians navigate trials and tribulations? What does it mean to be able to explain and defend your faith? ([12:30])
3. The sermon mentions that Christians will face persecution if they desire to live godly lives. How does understanding this help us persevere in our faith? ([15:19])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the rise of evil and false teachings in the last days? How should Christians respond to this challenge? ([22:27])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. How can you show genuine love that leads others to Christ in your daily interactions? ([07:17])
2. What steps can you take to live with more intentionality and purpose, knowing that God has a plan for you? ([09:13])
3. How can you deepen your commitment to Scripture and doctrine to better explain and defend your faith? What specific actions can you take this week? ([12:30])
4. Think of a recent trial or tribulation you faced. How did your faith help you navigate it? How can you cultivate long-suffering and perseverance in future challenges? ([15:19])
5. In what ways can you be more vigilant and discerning about false teachings and evil influences in your life? How can you rely more on the Holy Scriptures for guidance? ([22:27])
6. How can you make Scripture the cornerstone of your life, ensuring that every aspect of your life is built upon it? What changes might you need to make to achieve this? ([42:23])
7. Identify one specific area in your life where you feel incomplete or lacking. How can submitting to Scripture help you become more complete and equipped for every good work? ([40:07])
Devotional
Day 1: Embodying Genuine Love in Perilous Times
In a world increasingly characterized by spiritual, moral, and ethical darkness, Christians are called to embody genuine love, purpose, and a manner of life that reflects Christ. This love is not a superficial acceptance but a deep, transformative love that leads others to Christ. Living with purpose means understanding that God has a plan for each of us and living intentionally to fulfill that plan. Our manner of life should be distinct, showcasing our faith in every aspect and serving as a beacon of hope and guidance to those around us. [07:17]
1 John 4:7-8 (ESV): "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is difficult to love. How can you show them genuine, Christ-like love today, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone?
Day 2: Grounded in Doctrine and Faith
Being grounded in doctrine and faith is essential for Christians, especially in challenging times. This involves a deep commitment to Scripture, enabling us to explain and defend our faith. Faith becomes even more crucial when life is difficult, and traits like long-suffering and perseverance are necessary to navigate the trials and tribulations we face. These spiritual traits help us remain steadfast and resilient, providing stability in an unstable world. [12:30]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where your faith is being tested. How can you deepen your commitment to Scripture to find strength and guidance in this area?
Day 3: Embracing Persecution and Suffering
Christians who desire to live godly lives will inevitably face persecution. This suffering is part of the spiritual warfare we encounter, but it also strengthens our faith and character. Understanding that suffering is a part of the Christian journey helps us to persevere and remain steadfast in our faith. Embracing this reality allows us to grow spiritually and become more resilient in the face of adversity. [15:19]
1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial or hardship you have faced. How did it impact your faith, and what steps can you take to embrace and grow from such experiences in the future?
Day 4: Vigilance Against Evil and False Teachings
As we approach the last days, evil and false teachings will increase. Christians must be vigilant and discerning, relying on the Holy Scriptures to guide them. The Word of God is our ultimate authority, helping us to distinguish between truth and deception. By staying rooted in Scripture, we can navigate the complexities of a world filled with misleading doctrines and remain faithful to the truth. [22:27]
2 Timothy 4:3-4 (ESV): "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."
Reflection: Consider a recent situation where you encountered a teaching or belief that seemed contrary to Scripture. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to ensure you remain vigilant and discerning in the future?
Day 5: Hope in the Holy Scriptures
Despite the challenges of the last days, there is hope in continuing in the Holy Scriptures. The Word of God is powerful and equips us for every good work. By submitting to Scripture, Christians can be complete and lack nothing, fully prepared to handle the difficulties of the last days. The Scriptures provide us with the wisdom, strength, and guidance needed to navigate life's challenges and remain faithful to God's calling. [28:59]
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Reflection: How can you make the study of Scripture a more integral part of your daily routine? What specific steps will you take this week to deepen your engagement with God's Word?
Quotes
1. "For us as Christians living in what seemingly is a hopeless world, we can carry the hope that is out of this world and look towards that. And that simply is by trusting in our Savior, Jesus Christ." [03:02] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "A Christian, we should be embodying in these last days of hopelessness, love, purpose, and manner of life. Love, purpose, and a manner of life. Love, purpose, and a manner of life." [07:17] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There is still a purpose to your life. You are going to glorify the Lord. You're supposed to sow in, you're supposed to plant the gospel. You are supposed to do the thing that the kingdom of God until the, until God calls you to the kingdom. You have a purpose for your life. There is a purpose for you being here on this rock today." [09:13] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When the child of God submits to the Holy Scriptures then that child will be the Bible says complete. I thought that was interesting. We sometimes some of you perhaps overlooked this verse and charade it because it says the man of God you know that's for a preacher. I assure you there's no verse in the Bible that's exclusive to a preacher. All is profitable here for all of us." [40:28] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The word of God is the most powerful force in this entire universe. Fast forward from Genesis to the gospels. How did Jesus test out the demons? Did he do this paid after and have this magical little rope and have this nice pointy hat and all the demons were just seating him and he was like, Dandolf, you shall not pass! You know, this great Hollywood after stage. No. What did he say to the demons? To those that were possessed of the Israelites, get out. And they obeyed by the words of God." [38:07] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The hope found within perilous times is found in the rest of this chapter that we're going to look at today, and that kind of catapults our sermon. So, you know, our sermon series is Lesson for the Last Days, really both chapter three and chapter four highlighting that series." [01:24] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The rise of evil will come and come. Evil influence will grow numerically. That much is true, both doctrinally and by present. We don't know which way he intended. We probably meant both for the double analogy of worse and worse, I suppose. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse numerically. There will be more evil influences as we get closer and closer to the perilous times." [24:05] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The challenge for you and I today, and I know it's one that you've probably heard a thousand times, but may I refresh your mind? May I kind of prick your spirit? May I bring you back into the right order if you have drifted from this? How then does the Christian handle such a spiritually ungodly state of life? God supplies the answer in verses 14 to 15. You must continue in, what are we continuing in? Verse 15 answers that right in the middle. The holy scriptures." [29:42] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The Bible says when the child of God goes through and submits to the Holy Scripture and grows in the Holy Scripture then the Scripture will complete that child of God that Christian. You will be complete. You will lack nothing in this life. You can handle it all. You can handle the perilous times. You can handle the evil men. You can handle it all. You will lack nothing. You will be complete and equipped for every good work the Lord has prepared you." [41:25] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So the challenge set before us is do you trust in Scripture alone today to be your guide to saving relationship with God? That's what it said in verse number 15, that Scripture will make you wise, will reveal to you how to have salvation. But, Tony, I just don't know. I had a prayer at one time where I just can't shake this feeling. Forget your feeling. I'm being time for you for just a moment. Forget your feeling. Don't care. What does Scripture say? Scripture will reveal to you how to be saved, not your feelings." [42:47] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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