We Can Know the Truth about the Day of the Lord (John 8:31-32)
Introduction:
1. In these verses Jesus revealed several principles that relate to His Word. a. We must "continue" [abide] in His Word to be His disciples. b. Continuing in the Lord's Word is the key to knowing the truth. c. Knowing the truth is essential because it makes us free. 2. With these principles before us, let us turn our attention to a very special day mentioned in 2 Peter 3:10 -- "the day of the Lord." 3. In our lesson we want to continue in the Lord's Word so "we can know the truth about the day of the Lord." Discussion: I. THE LORD'S WORD EXPLAINS HOW THE DAY OF THE LORD WILL ARRIVE
A. Peter stated that "the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night." B. The same point is made in 1 Thessalonians 5:2. C. This expression simply means that the time of the Lord's return in unknown. D. We must not be deceived into thinking that the Lord will not return. 1. Peter warned against this in 2 Peter 3:3-4. 2. Jesus said that He will return in John 14:2-3. 3. We learn from Acts 17:30-31 that God has "appointed a day" when His Son will return in judgment. E. Many attempts have been made to predict when Jesus will return, but the day of the Lord will arrive "as a thief in the night." II. THE LORD'S WORD CONTAINS INSTRUCTIONS THAT RELATE TO THE DAY OF THE LORD
A. Jesus gave instructions in Matthew 24:36-41. 1. Jesus first stated that no man or angel knows when He will return. 2. He compared His return to the flood in Noah's day. a. God said He would destroy the earth with a flood. b. Unfortunately, no one outside of Noah's family was prepared for the flood. 3. Jesus explained how a separation will occur when He returns. B. Jesus gave instructions in Matthew 24:42-43. 1. Jesus taught His followers to "watch" for His return. 2. He illustrated the importance of watching by referring to a thief breaking into a house. C. Jesus gave instructions in Matthew 24:44-51. 1. Jesus taught His followers to "be ready" for His return. 2. He illustrated the importance of being ready by contrasting 2 servants. D. Jesus gave instructions in Matthew 25:1-13. 1. "The parable of the virgins" is recorded in these verses. 2. Jesus used this parable to illustrate the importance of watching and being ready for His return. III. THE LORD'S WORD CONTAINS SOME ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS IN 2 PETER 3
A. (vs.11-12) Looking forward to the day of the Lord should affect the way we live. 1. Our "conversation" is to be "holy." 2. We are to pursue "godliness." B. (vs.13) We are to look forward to a new dwelling place that God has promised. C. (vs.14) Looking forward to this should lead us to be diligent so we can be in good standing with the Lord. Conclusion:
1. By continuing in the Lord's Word "we can know the truth about the day of the Lord." 2. Let us watch and be ready for that great day.
