Real Issues to Be Considered
The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing our identity in Christ and the urgency of living in light of His imminent return.
Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the importance of not indulging in idle speculations but being alert to the signs of the approaching day of the Lord. Believers, as 'children of the light' and 'children of the day,' should be mindful of the positive conditions leading to that day and not disregard them. The imminent return of Christ should serve as a motivating vision that propels believers to action and inspires them to diligently pursue their tasks, just like it did for faithful saints and ministers like Mr. Moody. As the fulfillment of Scripture unfolds rapidly, Chafer urges listeners to open their eyes, heed God's Word, and recognize the signs of the times.
Text
We are not to draw on our imaginations, nor to be led into idle speculations. We who are saved are "the children of the light" and "children of the day." If that day draws near, we, who have been attentive to God's Word, should be conscious of its approach. God has indicated some positive conditions leading up to that day. We cannot ignore them. Having considered His faithful Word of prediction, we have but to open our eyes upon this fast consummating age to be solemnized by the evidence of His nearness.
Like the mariner of old, we shall also be heartened by the sight of land. Oh that the promise of His return and the victory which it brings might be to us, as it has been to multitudes of God's faithful saints, the vision which impels us to our task and which inspires us to strip off our coats and bend to the oars!
Thus has this great hope of His return affected the people of God who have understood it and believed it. Mr. Moody said it was the unceasing inspiration of his ministry. It has been and is the living hope of the great missionaries, evangelists and soul-winners of all generations. Some of these have rowed faithfully when but little of the land could be seen. What shall be said of us before whose eyes the rugged mountains are looming so near? Scripture is being fulfilled on every hand. Brother, will you lift your eyes and see? Will you give heed to the Word of God?
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding our identity as children of light
- Awareness of the approaching day
- Importance of God's Word in prediction
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II
- The evidence of God's nearness
- Historical examples of faithfulness
- The role of hope in ministry
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III
- The inspiration drawn from the promise of His return
- The call to action for believers
- The urgency of recognizing fulfilled scripture
Key Quotes
“We who are saved are 'the children of the light' and 'children of the day.'” — Lewis Sperry Chafer
“Oh that the promise of His return and the victory which it brings might be to us... the vision which impels us to our task.” — Lewis Sperry Chafer
“Scripture is being fulfilled on every hand.” — Lewis Sperry Chafer
Application Points
- Stay vigilant in your spiritual life by regularly engaging with God's Word.
- Let the hope of Christ's return inspire you to actively serve and share your faith.
- Recognize the signs of the times and respond with urgency in your ministry efforts.