Preparation for This Moment

Introduction

I.	A commentator who was speaking of some of the Olympic athletes said, “They have prepared all their lives for this moment.”
A. 	Some of these athletes may well have injured their bodies through their intense training.
B. 	Some may have missed “growing up” because of their focus on winning an Olympic medal.
C. 	These athletes are admired for their commitment and focus.
D. 	Their medals may be forgotten soon by most of society and only relate to this life for all the participants.
E. 	This reminds us of Paul’s words to Timothy with respect to physical and spiritual discipline.  I Tim. 4:7-8.
II. 	Last week as we thought about those sixteen teenagers from a high school in Pennsylvania whose lives were unexpectedly taken as their flight to Paris exploded shortly after takeoff, we considered the brevity of life and the uncertainty of the time of death.
A. 	This was again illustrated last week in Atlanta when another terrorist’s bomb took the life of a bystander in the Centennial Park and a photographer died of a heart attack following the blast.
III. 	Today, instead of our focusing on earthly accomplishments which for a few lead to medals of honor, let us consider that we should prepare for that “moment” when we stand before God in judgment.  Heb. 9:27-28.

Body

I. 	Preparation for the judgment requires that we learn and obey the teaching of God for us.
A. 	Many will be lost, while few will be saved.  Matt. 7:13-14. 
1. 	Entering the small gate and walking the narrow way requires the dedication of the Olympic athlete.
2. 	There must be commitment of our lives.
3. 	Jesus taught that it takes more than saying, “Lord, Lord.”  Matt. 7:21-23.
B. 	Those who are lost must become obedient to God’s teaching.  Heb. 5:9.
1. 	You are reminded that you must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who seek after Him.  Heb. 11:6.
2. 	You must believe the gospel.  Rom. 1:16; Mark 16:15-16.
3. 	You must repent of sins.  Acts 2:38; II Pet. 3:9.
4. 	You must confess your faith.  Mt. 16:16; Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:9-10.
5. 	You must be baptized for the remission of sins.  Acts 2:38; 22:16; I Pet. 3:21.

C. 	Through your obedient faith you are saved by the grace of God.  Eph. 2:8-9.
D. 	The sinner must act before he can be saved.  Acts 2:40-41; Phil. 2:12-13.
E. 	When you obey God, you are doing that which will result in something of far greater value than any earthly medal you might ever achieve.

II. 	Remember that your obedience to God is preparing you, not for a judgment leading to an Olympic medal, but for a judgment unto eternal life.  Heb. 9:27.
A. 	Like the wise women, make sufficient preparation.  Matt. 25:1-13.
B. 	Work in the kingdom according to your ability.  Matt. 25:14-30.
C. 	Serve others in order to be a servant of Christ.  Matt. 25:31-46.  
D. 	If you serve God in this way, you will be able to be with the bridegroom at the marriage feast (Matt. 25:10), will enter into the joy of the Lord (Matt. 25:21, 23), will enter into the kingdom prepared for you (Matt. 25:34) and enter into eternal life (Matt. 25:46).

Conclusion
I. 	Don’t let your main goal be a medal in band or sports, a job so you can have a car, a diploma or degree, marriage, or a secure and good paying job.  (Matt. 6:33).
II. 	Be one who spends your life for that “one moment” when you stand before Christ in judgment.  II Cor. 5:10.
III. 	If you have prepared for that “moment,” your other successes and even failures will fade into nothingness.  
1. 	Then it will not matter whether you had a medal, car, diploma, degree, marriage or a good job.
2. 	You will then understand what John meant in I John 2:15-17.
III. 	That which will be important is hearing the Lord say, “Well done,   good and faithful servant;  enter into the joy of thy Lord.”
IV. 	As we concluded last week, are you ready—are you ready to begin your life today as a Christian?

Prepared by:
	David Arnold
	July 28, 1996