Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 99)
Introduction:
1. According to James 1:27, "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world" is an essential component of "pure and undefiled religion before God." 2. We are blessed to have such a wealth of instructions and information in the Bible that will help us to remain free from the world's stains. 3. In this lesson we are studying "God's promise of new heavens and a new earth." 4. The Scriptures show how this special promise will affect the way we live. Discussion: I. THIS PROMISE IS MENTIONED THROUGHOUT THE SCRIPTURES
A. It is mentioned in Isaiah 65:17; 66:22. B. It is mentioned in 2 Peter 3:13. C. It is mentioned in Revelation 21:1. D. To help us properly understand and appreciate it, . . . II. LET US KEEP IN MIND CERTAIN PRINCIPLES THAT RELATE TO THE HEAVENS AND EARTH IN WHICH WE LIVE
A. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 1. This is revealed in the first verse of the Bible (Genesis 1:1). 2. By doing so God provided a dwelling place for man (Genesis 1:26-31). B. When Jesus returns God will destroy the heavens and the earth in which we live. 1. After the flood God indicated to Noah that the earth will not last forever (Genesis 8:22). 2. Peter showed how the heavens and the earth in which we live will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:7, 10). 3. When John saw "a new heaven and a new earth," "the first heaven and the first earth were passed away" (Revelation 21:1). III. "THE NEW HEAVENS AND THE NEW EARTH" IS THE PLACE WHERE GOD WILL DWELL WITH HIS PEOPLE FOREVER
A. Jesus has gone there to prepare a dwelling place for His people (John 14:1-3). B. This special place is described as "a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (2 Corinthians 5:1). C. "Righteousness" dwells in this place (2 Peter 3:13). D. A beautiful description of this place is given in Revelation 21:2-4, 10, 22-27; 22:1-5. IV. GOD'S PROMISE SHOULD LEAD US TO KEEP OURSELVES UNSPOTTED FROM THE WORLD
A. It should lead us to always serve the Lord faithfully so "we may be accepted of Him" (2 Corinthians 5:2, 9). B. It should lead us to be diligent to have the Lord's approval (2 Peter 3:11-12, 14).
