Attitudes and actions that garner God’s blessings

What is this series about? An examination of 21 attitudes and behaviors identified in the New Testament as “blessed” A look at Christian conduct and characteristics that will enrich our lives with lasting joy A look at the condition of those who lack these qualities

Luke 12:37 Outline The dressed and alert The blessing of being dressed and alert The cursed life: the unprepared

A man called home and said, “When I get home, we are all going out. Get dressed and be ready so we can leave as soon as I get there. I’ll be home soon.” But what happens when he gets home? Wife is still putting on makeup Son is playing his video game…not dressed Daughter is talking on the phone…dressed, but distracted The baby is crying, the dog is barking, and no one is ready. And then the excuses start rolling in… Son says, “I didn’t know - nobody told me” Wife says, “I thought you wouldn’t be here so soon” And “I just need a few more minutes” Daughter says, “I don’t really want to go anyway” And the dog: “did you really believe they would be ready?” Would that make him want to go without them?

Those who are dressed and alert The Hebrews at Passover (Exo. 12:11) They were dressed and ready to leave Egypt! Christians must be dressed to leave this world Not external, but from the heart (1 Pet. 3:3-4) Clothed with Christ (Gal. 3:27) Not imputation, but imitation of His death/burial/resurrection resulting in righteousness (Rom. 6:3-5) “He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness” (Is. 61:10) Christians must be alert for His appearing (Mt. 24:42-44) Always watching, because we know not when (1 Thess. 5:2-6) “awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus” (1 Cor. 1:7) “Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness” (Ps. 132:9)

The blessings of being dressed and alert (Rev. 16:15) Blessing in this life: confidence! Readiness breeds confidence for His return (1 Jn. 2:28) If you are not ready, you should be very afraid! Blessing in the next life: the master serves the servants (Lk. 12:35-38) He will “appear a second time for salvation…to those who eagerly await Him” (Heb. 9:28) But some will not follow His instructions to prepare...

The cursed life: the unprepared What happens when you catch people unprepared? They are surprised, make excuses, seek more time They “shrink away from Him in shame at His coming” (1 Jn. 2:28) They will be denied and rejected (Matt. 22:1-14) Those who were invited but did not come Specifically, Jews who rejected Jesus Also anyone today who hears and rejects the Gospel Those who come without properly preparing Those who try to attend on their own terms Believers who fall away “A generation that did not prepare its heart and whose spirit was not faithful to God.” (Ps. 78:8)

Summary Jesus has announced that He will be here soon, to take us out, and that we should all get dressed and be ready to leave as soon as He arrives. “But when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Lk. 18:8) Some will be dressed and ready to go (blessed are they!) Some will be improperly dressed, some will not be dressed at all, and their excuses will not avail them What sort of people ought we to be until then? (2 Pet. 3:10-12) If death should claim you, or if He returns in this minute, are you ready to meet Him?

Believe in Jesus Christ (John 14:1; Acts 16:30-34) That He died for your sins and was resurrected (1 Cor. 15:3-4) Repent of your past sins (Acts 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9) Commit yourself to holy conduct (Acts 26:30; Titus 2:11-12) Confess your faith (Matthew 10:32) Declare your belief that Jesus is God’s Son (Acts 8:37) Receive Baptism (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12) Baptism puts you into Christ (Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:27) Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16) Baptism saves you (1 Peter 3:21) Be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10) Trust His grace and obey His commands (Hebrews 5:9) Or face the retribution due to those who do not obey 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Romans 2:8; John 3:36

Pray without ceasing…Practice what Jesus preached…Prepare for our next assembly