I. What are the truths that require action
A. You are loved by God! vs. 2
B. You are sanctified by the Spirit of God! vs. 2
C. You are born again! vs. 3
D. You have a living hope! vs. 3
E. You have an inheritance! vs. 4
F. You will face trails! vs. 6
G. You believe in a real person, Jesus! vs. 7
H. You are able to rejoice greatly! vs. 9
II. Since these statements are true, what should we do? vss. 13-16
A. Prepare our minds for action vs. 13
B. Be self controlled vs. 13
C. Set our hopes on Jesus vs. 13
D. Do not be conformed to our evil desires vs. 14
E. Be holy as God is holy. vss. 15-16
III. What does it mean to “be self-controlled”?
A. What do the different texts say?
“be self-controlled” – NIV
“be sober” – NKJV
“be totally ready” – The Message
“be sober (circumspect, morally alert)” - AMP
“exercise self-control” – Living Bible
“keep sober in spirit” – NASB
From the Greek NT –
to be sober, to be calm and collected in spirit
to be temperate, dispassionate, circumspect
1st Thessalonians 5:6
B. How can we be “self-controlled”?
1. The key is MODERATION in all things!!
a. Do not lose it – Drinking, Drugs, or anything-
b. Spurgon – Do not act like a child – Money
c. Keep control of self
d. Keep your mind focused
e. Know your way – Pilgrims Progress
f. Keep things in perspective
g. Live with your eyes open.
IV. So what am I to do?
Ask yourselves these questions:
A. How full of expectation am I with the second coming of Jesus?
B. Do I desire in my heart to really please Jesus Christ?
C. How do I show this in my life?
D. How will it be shown when I am riding in –
