17 But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 that they were saying to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.
Three Imperatives that will help the Church battle together for the faith in an era of false teachers:
17 But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 that they were saying to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.
Three Imperatives that will help the Church battle together for the faith in an era of false teachers.
Recall the previous warnings (v. 17-19)
Remain in the love of God (v. 20-21)
“building yourselves up on your most holy faith” (v. 20)
17 But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 that they were saying to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.
Three Imperatives that will help the Church battle together for the faith in an era of false teachers.
Theme: Remember the responsibilities & privileges of Church Membership!
1) I will take seriously my relationship to others in the body of Christ, striving to maintain unity, and doing all I can to stimulate others to love and good deeds for the glory of God.
2) I will consistently serve and contribute, as a good steward of God’s blessings, such time, talent, and money, in the measure that God prospers me, so that our ministry of spreading the Gospel locally & worldwide may continue.
3) I will teach biblical truth to my family and acquaintances, as God gives me opportunity, with a desire to see them come to trust in Jesus Christ and be saved.
12 But we ask you, brothers and sisters, to recognize those who diligently labor among you and are in leadership over you in the Lord, and give you instruction, 13 and that you regard them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14 We urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek what is good for one another and for all people.
Instructions for how the Church should treat its leaders and each other based on the promises of the Gospel
1) Proper attitude towards leaders (5:12-13a)
2) Proper behavior within the church body (5:13b-15)
12 But we ask you, brothers and sisters, to recognize those who diligently labor among you and are in leadership over you in the Lord, and give you instruction, 13 and that you regard them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14 We urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek what is good for one another and for all people.
Instructions for how the Church should treat its leaders and each other based on the promises of the Gospel
1) Proper attitude towards leaders (5:12-13a)
2) Proper behavior within the church body (5:13b-15)
Theme: Christians should know clearly from the Bible what our purpose and part is in the local church, so that we can stay focused on the mission and move forward together under God’s direction.
Outline: The “Big 3” of God’s purpose for the local church, which must be our purpose as a church, in order to glorify Him:
Be a Worshiping Community – To Exalt the Lord
Be a Working Community – To Edify & Equip the Saints
Be a Witnessing Community – To Evangelize the Lost
