Mystery: any truth that is unknowable except by divine revelation.
We are created. We are made. And therefore, we are owned. We are not our own, we are bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus!
Jesus said: I know longer call you servants, but I call you friends!
A price was paid for the bride.
The groom goes to his father’s house to prepare a place.
The bride prepares for her groom’s return.
When the groom finishes the room, the father decides when it is time to return to the bride.

As Jesus has warns of the difficulty to come in the end, He prepares us with divine understanding. Parables give insight into the mysteries of His Kingdom.
The parable of the sewer and of the wheat and tares give warning of false conversions versus true conversions which produce fruit.
The mystery of lawlessness gives insight into the attempts of fallen humankind to solve problems.
The mystery of godliness reveals us as a vessel meant to contain God himself. A transcendent power from without now living within. We were never intended to face life alone.
Christians face all the same afflictions, perplexities, and struggles as non-believers, but can learn to live by God’s power within.
God conditions us for the future difficulties and puts us on display to the world.

Though we would like things to return to normal, what if they get worse? Our Lord states they will in Matthew 24? Will we be ready?
The picture of increasing trouble isn’t pretty: being misled, increased lawlessness, tribulation, persecution, natural love of hearts growing cold in most people, professing believers falling away.
True believers who endure to the end will continue proclaiming the gospel to all nations, filled with Christ’s supernatural love.
Two things are required to be one of those who do not grow cold in their love: Divine Understanding and Divine Power, revealed to believers in “the Mysteries of God.” We are trustworthy stewards. (1 Cor. 4:1-3)
Christians must be informed (divine understanding) of the two opposing kingdoms and how they operate: the mysteries of the Kingdom (Matt. 13:11) and the mystery of lawlessness (2 Thess 2:7).
The mystery of godliness is essentially the counteracting measure against lawlessness, which is “Christ in You, the hope of glory.”
Christians must place their confidence in Christ in them—not a political figure or party—to stay on course, manifesting the fragrance of Christ.

2 Peter 3

There are 1,845 mentions in scripture concerning the second coming of Christ.
For each verse that speaks about the birth of Christ, there are 8 that speak about the second coming.
21 times, Jesus said “I’m coming back.”
50 times, we are told to be ready.
We are to expect Christ’s coming and believe that He is coming back.
We are to be aware of false teachers twisting the scriptures to support their own passions.
We are to make peace with those around us.
We are to live holy and blameless lives.
We are to look forward to the new heaven and new earth.

Dwell in the Word of God. Breathe it in.
We need to be saved.
Salvation is through Jesus Christ.
Salvation brings freedom.
Freedom from the wrath of God.
Freedom from sin.
Freedom from the law.
Freedom from death.
“We dwell on this side of glory—we carry about, as Paul elsewhere writes, our “outward man” which is wasting away even though our “inward man is being renewed day by day.” – J. V. Fesko
We live in the already and not yet of the Kingdom of God. We are already in His glory, but not yet in the fullness of glory.
Dwell in the Word of God.

We are to grow into the image of Jesus.
Four things that will keep us wandering in the wilderness:
Grumbling / Complaining
Not submitting to God's Word and leaders
Not applying faith to God's promises
Lack of gratitude
God places His Son and His Spirit in us to glorify Him.
If we are found to be wandering, we must confess and turn.
Obedience, trust, and serving all are ways to Glorify God.

We are void of life and darkened without Jesus.
We are completely dependent on Jesus.
No eternal perspective or eternal purpose without Jesus.
Prayer is a declaration of dependence.
Living in and through Christ allows us to forgive and love.
Love is a sacrifice.

Putting on the armor is for the express purpose of protecting the believer from the evil day.
Believers are called to stand firm and withstand.
Our battle is not against each other (but it sure seems that way when watching the news or reading social media).
We need to stand together... a house divided cannot stand.
When we put up the shield of faith, there is more protection when linked together.
Pray in the Spirit in unity for proclamation of the Gospel.
We are called to humility. Pride will keep us apart.
We are called to build each other up in the faith.
One Body, One Spirit, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God, One Father.
We should be eager to maintain what has been given: One Body.
Are you one with the one another’s in our body?
God judges who stands or falls.
Accept the non-essentials in those around you.
Honor God in all you do.
Don’t look down on another believer as if they are less-than.
Live in such a way as to not trip up your brother or sister.

Before we put on the armor, we must put off our old manner of life.
The belt of truth…Jesus.
The shoes of the Gospel... peace.
The breastplate of righteousness... new heart.
The shield of faith… protection.
The helmet of salvation… victory over death.
The sword of the Spirit... the Word of God.
The armor protects us from our own self-righteous nature.
The Word of God should be wielded in our own heart before we share it with others.
Be careful of strong opinions they will cause division.
Praying in the Spirit at all times includes praying for our brothers and sisters.

Stand in The Gospel.
Stand in His Grace.
Stand Firm in Faith.
Stand in Freedom.
Stand in Unity.
Stand Firm in The Lord.