Advent thoughts #7: Jesus = Two Advents

Title:  The Ramification of Christ’s Two Advents    

Text: I John 3:1-10

Introduction: The angels said in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Proposition:  In Christ we have hope and blessing!

I.   The Hope of Christ’s Future Coming –  Second Advent –
“When He Shall Appear” – vs.1-4

A.  Our Hope’s  basis – God’s loving act of adoption into God’s family – vs.1

B.  Our hope’s end  – vs. 2

1.  Sons of God will be like Christ when he comes

2.  Sons of God will see Christ as He is.

C.  Our hope’s effect – vs.3-4   Cleansing of our live

II.     The Blessing of Christ’s Former Coming –  First Advent  –
“Was manifest” – vs.5-10

          A.  Jesus came to take away our sin – vs.5-7

1.  The proof that he can take away our sins – “in Him is no sin”

2.  The proof that our sins have been taken away –

a.  A child of God does not continue to practice sin

b.  A child of Satan continues to practice sin

B.  Jesus came to destroy the works of Satan – vs.8-10

1. The works of Satan:  “The Devil sinneth from the beginning”
Without the new birth you continue as a child of Satan! – vs.10

2.  The works of God –
To destroy the work of Satan through the gift of the new birth.
In the new birth you have deliverance from the continual
practice of sin! – vs.9
Illustrate:  Testimony – Faith in a prayer instead of faith in God

a.  Satan still attacks:

1. Satan lays snares: 2 Timothy 2:26, “And that they may
recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are
taken captive by him at his will.”

2. Satan is like a roaring lion – 1Pe 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant;
because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion,
walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

b.  God provides help:

1. God gives us armor to fight Satan – Ephesians 6:11, “Put
on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil.”

2. God gives grace to choose Him – James 4:7, “Submit
yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil,
and he will flee from you.”

Conclusion:  What are you? A child of God or a child of the Devil?