IntroductionIntroduction

• As we think ahead to prepare for eternity we need to cover some truths that will help us be ready for Jesus when He returns.

• What does the Bible tell us that we can do to be ready?

• Why is it important to be ready?

The Nature of Our LifeThe Nature of Our Life• We only have one life to live in order

to prepare for eternity. Hebrews 9:27

• Our earthly life is rather short. James 4:13-17

• We will be judged by what we do in this life. 2 Cor. 5:10; Eccl. 12:13-14

• Thus, proper preparation is required now! 2 Cor.6:2; Acts 17:30; Jn.12:48

Live a Faithful Life for JesusLive a Faithful Life for Jesus• Paul’s life was nearing its end.

– He described how his life was like a sacrifice for the Lord. 2 Timothy 4:6

– All Christian’s are commanded to live like this in Romans 12:1-2.

• Before he departs, Paul gives us 3 secrets of a life well lived.– We should listen to God’s word here so

that we can live our lives well too!

Secret #1Secret #1 “I Have Fought the Good Fight!”“I Have Fought the Good Fight!”

• We’re told to fight the good fight of faith and wage the good warfare!

1 Timothy 6:12; 1:18; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5– This describes the spiritual battles we will

have… Ephesians 6:10-17– We must endure hardships as a good

soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3• We will suffer persecutions and trials. 2 Timothy 3:12

Secret #2Secret #2Finish the Race!Finish the Race!

• Were instructed to finish the race of life which every Christian has to run.– This race involves spiritual exercise and

training. 1 Timothy 4:7-8– It will take endurance. Hebrews 12:1– It will require self-denial. Luke 9:23– It also calls for self-control and self-

discipline. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Secret #3Secret #3We Need to Keep the Faith!We Need to Keep the Faith!• “The faith,” is the gospel system of

Christ in the New Testament. Phil. 1:27– To keep the faith we must remain true to it!

1 Corinthians 16:13– We must not be like others who have rejected

the faith and resisted the truth.

1 Timothy 1:19; 2 Timothy 3:8– Paul had lived the faithful life giving a good

example for others to follow. Phil. 3:17; 4:9

A Crown Awaits…A Crown Awaits…If You Fulfill These 3 Secrets!If You Fulfill These 3 Secrets!

• We also don’t have to fear death.– Because Christ abolished death and

brought life and immortality to light through the gospel! 2 Timothy 1:10

– We need to have this deep faith in God that He will deliver us from evil. vv.16-18

– If we’re faithful and looking for Jesus’ return, we too, can have this crown! v.8; Revelation 2:10b

Be Prepared for Jesus Return!Be Prepared for Jesus Return!

• God wants all to be saved! 1 Timothy 2:3-4

• Be saved by obeying Jesus plan for salvation. Hebrews 5:9; Romans 1:16-17– We have to hear the gospel. Rom.10:16-17– We must believe the gospel. Mark 16:15-16– We must repent of sin and change our life.

Acts 2:38; 3:19– We have to confess Jesus as the Son of God.

Acts 8:37– You must be baptized into Christ.

Romans 6:3-4; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21