Sudden - Preparing for the Spiritually Unexpected (part 3)
Introduction. In part 2, we tried to glean lessons from people in the Bible who were ill- prepared when confronted with sudden spiritual challenges. In this final part of our study, we will look at positive examples as well as how we can better prepare ourselves for the spiritually unexpected.
Bible Examples – Positive. What can we learn from the following positive examples?
Abram. In Gen. 12, God called Abram to leave Haran for Canaan. He obediently went. In Gen. 22, God called Abram to sacrifice his son, Isaac, on a distant mountain. He obediently went early the next morning. Are we as prepared to obey when we realize that God thru His word is calling us to do something?
Rahab. In Joshua 2, Rahab took advantage of the unexpected visit by the Israelite spies to save herself and her family from physical destruction. Are we as prepared to obey the truth if we are unexpected confronted with it? Or do we reject it just because it is unusual or not what our family believes?
Naaman. When Naaman was unexpected told to dip seven times in the muddy river Jordan to cure his leprosy in 2 Kings 5, he flew into a prideful rage. Fortunately, his servants were able to bring him back to his senses. Does pride get in our way when confronted with spiritual truth?
Esther. In the Old Testament book bearing her name, Esther was confronted with a sudden challenge – approach the king on behalf of her imperiled people (risking her life in the process), or “let someone else do it”. Fortunately, she chose wisely. Do we when confronted with sudden spiritual opportunity?
New Testament Converts. Throughout the book of Acts, we find good examples of people positively responding when they encountered sound gospel teaching (e.g., Jews in Acts 2, Eunuch in Acts 8, Saul of Tarsus in Acts 9, Philippian jailer in Acts 16). Are we as eager and willing to accept the Truth when confronted with it?
How to Prepare. Having seen both negative and positive examples in the Bible, how can we better prepare for the spiritual unexpected? Following are some ideas.
Think ahead. Often, if we pause to ask ourselves “What if…?”, we can plan for the spiritual unexpected. How about counting the cost of being a disciple before becoming one per Luke 14? What about avoiding tempting situations by considering what could go wrong per Prov 4:14-15? Or what about choosing on a trusted ‘buddy” to give you wise council and help you to be good per Eccl. 4:10?
Study. A solid understanding of God’s word is essential to being prepared. As Heb. 5:14 says about solid spiritual “food”, “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” This includes paying attention to sermons, participating in group Bible study classes, and personal Bible study. What about having trustworthy mentors or advisors you can get wisdom from per Prov. 11:14; 15:22; 24:6? As the Apostle Peter encourages,
Pay attention. Don’t be caught off guard spiritually. Just like texting drivers can suffer from “distracted driving”, you can suffer from “distracted living” if you are not careful.
And the most sudden challenge of all. Ultimately, we need to be prepared for the greatest spiritual challenge of all – Jesus’ Second Coming in judgment. It will be entirely sudden and unexpected (1 Cor. 15:52 “in a moment, In the twinkling of an eye”, 1 Thess. 5:2-3 “… as a thief in the night, … as labor pains … sudden destruction…”). As Jesus Himself clearly said:
Conclusion. The overall message of this short series is a simple one. Whether for sudden temptation or a sudden spiritual opportunity or sudden confrontation over your faith, “Be Prepared!” As we commonly say in our culture, “Fail to prepare and you prepare to fail.”
Bible Examples – Positive. What can we learn from the following positive examples?
Abram. In Gen. 12, God called Abram to leave Haran for Canaan. He obediently went. In Gen. 22, God called Abram to sacrifice his son, Isaac, on a distant mountain. He obediently went early the next morning. Are we as prepared to obey when we realize that God thru His word is calling us to do something?
Rahab. In Joshua 2, Rahab took advantage of the unexpected visit by the Israelite spies to save herself and her family from physical destruction. Are we as prepared to obey the truth if we are unexpected confronted with it? Or do we reject it just because it is unusual or not what our family believes?
Naaman. When Naaman was unexpected told to dip seven times in the muddy river Jordan to cure his leprosy in 2 Kings 5, he flew into a prideful rage. Fortunately, his servants were able to bring him back to his senses. Does pride get in our way when confronted with spiritual truth?
Esther. In the Old Testament book bearing her name, Esther was confronted with a sudden challenge – approach the king on behalf of her imperiled people (risking her life in the process), or “let someone else do it”. Fortunately, she chose wisely. Do we when confronted with sudden spiritual opportunity?
New Testament Converts. Throughout the book of Acts, we find good examples of people positively responding when they encountered sound gospel teaching (e.g., Jews in Acts 2, Eunuch in Acts 8, Saul of Tarsus in Acts 9, Philippian jailer in Acts 16). Are we as eager and willing to accept the Truth when confronted with it?
How to Prepare. Having seen both negative and positive examples in the Bible, how can we better prepare for the spiritual unexpected? Following are some ideas.
Think ahead. Often, if we pause to ask ourselves “What if…?”, we can plan for the spiritual unexpected. How about counting the cost of being a disciple before becoming one per Luke 14? What about avoiding tempting situations by considering what could go wrong per Prov 4:14-15? Or what about choosing on a trusted ‘buddy” to give you wise council and help you to be good per Eccl. 4:10?
Study. A solid understanding of God’s word is essential to being prepared. As Heb. 5:14 says about solid spiritual “food”, “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” This includes paying attention to sermons, participating in group Bible study classes, and personal Bible study. What about having trustworthy mentors or advisors you can get wisdom from per Prov. 11:14; 15:22; 24:6? As the Apostle Peter encourages,
- “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” (1 Pet. 3:15)
Pay attention. Don’t be caught off guard spiritually. Just like texting drivers can suffer from “distracted driving”, you can suffer from “distracted living” if you are not careful.
- “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Pet. 5:8)
And the most sudden challenge of all. Ultimately, we need to be prepared for the greatest spiritual challenge of all – Jesus’ Second Coming in judgment. It will be entirely sudden and unexpected (1 Cor. 15:52 “in a moment, In the twinkling of an eye”, 1 Thess. 5:2-3 “… as a thief in the night, … as labor pains … sudden destruction…”). As Jesus Himself clearly said:
- “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.“ (Matt. 24:44)
Conclusion. The overall message of this short series is a simple one. Whether for sudden temptation or a sudden spiritual opportunity or sudden confrontation over your faith, “Be Prepared!” As we commonly say in our culture, “Fail to prepare and you prepare to fail.”