1. Walking With Wisdom

2. Always Being Filled

3. Living a Life of Joy

Today's sermon explored what it means to truly "look ahead" as believers living in what the Bible calls the Last Days. We examined how the signs around us—increasing lawlessness, wars and rumors of wars, the rise of secularism, and the rejection of absolute truth—all point to Christ's imminent return. Rather than causing us to live in fear or depression, this reality should awaken us to live with purpose, wisdom, and joy. We explored three key areas: walking with wisdom in a spiritually sleeping world, being continually filled with the Holy Spirit's power, and living a life characterized by genuine joy and thanksgiving. Let us examine whether we're wasting our lives on temporary things or investing in eternity, and to make ourselves available as instruments in God's hands during these critical days.

Takeaways:

- Wake up and walk with wisdom. We cannot afford to be spiritually asleep while the world around us abandons God. We must be alert, making the most of our time, understanding that tomorrow is not guaranteed. The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we allowing our faith to breathe and come alive, or is it confined to Sunday mornings? God desires all people to be saved, and we must be His voice of reason and warning to those around us.

- Be continually filled with the Holy Spirit. While we receive the Holy Spirit at conversion, we need regular "refills" of His power and influence in our lives. This means dying to ourselves, surrendering to God's will, pursuing purity, and not grieving the Spirit through habitual sin. We must examine our hearts honestly: Is there anything—even "good things" like hobbies or sports—that is consuming our time and robbing us of becoming who God has called us to be? Don't waste or squander your high calling.

- Live with overflowing joy and thanksgiving. When we are filled with the Spirit, joy naturally flows from our lives. We encourage one another, sing praises to the Lord, and give thanks in all circumstances. This isn't manufactured happiness but the fruit of being refreshed by God's power and ready to be used by Him. Our joy becomes a testimony to others and creates a welcoming atmosphere that draws people to Christ.

As we look ahead to Christ's return, let's not be found sleeping. Let's make every day count for eternity, continually seeking fresh anointing from the Holy Spirit, and living with a joy that can only come from knowing our redemption draws near.

May the Lord bless you and keep you this week as you walk in His wisdom and power.