Year Two Thousand Preparation.

A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

God has given you advanced warning that problems will come our way whether it is Y2K, persecution, wars, famine, or ecological catastrophe. Matthew 24:5-7

For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. [6] You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. [7] Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. God's word confirms the warning in Proverbs 27:12. The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

Many are using the above passage as an underlay for Y2K and this may or may not be the case, it should make little difference to the Christian, whose hope and trust is in the Lord. In every lifetime there are good times and bad, hills and valleys, and eventually physical death. Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.

• Can you see the warning signs of turmoil around you? ____________________________.
• Have you begun to prepare for it physically? ____________________________.
• Have you made preparations spiritually? _______________________________.

Perhaps Joseph would be the example that we should keep in mind. God gave Egypt, administered though Joseph, a seven-year abundance that they may store up for a seven-year famine. Pray, and as the Lord prospers you with an abundance of anything, store the excess, that you can be a blessing to others in and until their time of need, both physically and spiritually.

• Did Joseph act on his own behalf or for the good of others? ______________________..

Proverbs 10:5 He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, But he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.

God has blessed us with a time of harvest, but we must act wisely, now! Keep in mind that Joseph (and we) should not just act for self preservation. As God provides an abundance, store up for the use and good of others, that God may send your way.

God's Covenant promises are those who fear Him!

The whole world is a prisoner of the evil one, but through the cross of Christ, God offers a pardon, a passport, yes even citizenship, into the kingdom of heaven to any who will accept it.

• A pardon must be _____________ to be of any use.
• A passport must be ____________ to change your location.
• To become a citizen you must _____________ allegiance to new kingdom.

God is our refuge and protector

• This is a good place to ask if you will or have accepted God's pardon (Christ death on the cross in your place), and will accept Him as king and lord of your life? _________.
• The promises and provisions below are reserved for the citizens of the kingdom of Heaven.

Psalm 91:2-6 I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust."

[3] Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare

and from the deadly pestilence.

[4] He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

[5] You will not fear the terror of night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

[6] nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

nor the plague that destroys at midday.

Our God will protect us and provide for us. You might argue, "What about all of the Christians who died, not only in the persecutions, but even on our highways or other local tragedies." Again Jesus gives us comfort: "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. [5] But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Luke 12:4-5

• What is the real calamity, is it the one who is martyred in the name of Jesus, or holds fast to their faith in Christ through sever sufferings or persecutions, or is it the one who gives up and again follows the ways of this world? ______________

Those who "fear the Lord," Jesus calls overcomer's, look at the promises for those who overcome. 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.' Rev. 2:7

'He who overcomes shall thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels. Rev. 3:5. There are many more, but the point is that the very worst that can happen to those who "fear God" on this earth is to die, to be absent from the body. Listen to Paul, in 2 Cor. 5:6-7, Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord--(7) for we walk by faith, not by sight-- (8) we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.

Take comfort in knowing that God will provide a refuge, either in this kingdom or the kingdom of heaven. Jesus said that He had gone to prepare a place for us.

What is the down side of God's provision?

Do not marvel, brethren, if the world hates you. It is not us, which the world and its ruler the prince of darkness, Satan hates, it is the Christ, whose image is reflected in those who serve Him.

• John 15:18-19 "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. [19] "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
• Matthew 10:22 "And you will be hated by all on account of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. Matthew 24:9-10 "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on account of My name. [10] "And at that time many will fall away and will deliver up one another and hate one another."
• Mark 13:13 "And you will be hated by all on account of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved."
• Luke 6:22 "Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and cast insults at you, and spurn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man."
• Luke 21:17 and you will be hated by all on account of My name.
• John 7:7 "The world cannot hate you; but it hates Me because I testify of it, that its deeds are evil."
• John 3:20 "For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed."

God's Provision for Y2K is found in the blessings of Fearing God. *

The Fear of God -

• Positions our hearts to receive answers:

Hebrews 5:7 In the days of His flesh, He [Jesus] offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety [piety in this sense is interchangeable with fear, to hold in awe].

(1) We are to be imitators of our Lord. God heard His prayers because of His __________.

• Assures that God's great goodness abounds

Psalm 31:19 How great is Thy goodness, Which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee, Which Thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in Thee, Before the sons of men!

(1) The goodness of God is reserved for those who ________________ Him and who take ____________ in Him.

• Promises angelic protection

Psalm 34:7. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.

(1) When we fear God, God places His _____________ with us to ________ us

• Secures God's continued protection:

Psalm 33:18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness,

(1) God is watching out for those who ____________ Him

• Supplies His provision

Psalm 34:9 O fear the Lord, you His saints; For to those who fear Him, there is no want.

(1) For those who fear Him there is no _____________.

• Contains great mercy.

Psalm 103:11. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.

(1) God's great lovingkindness is _______________ toward those who _____ Him

• Provides the assurance of food.

Psalm 111:5. He has given food to those who fear Him; He will remember His covenant forever.

(1) In the past God has provided sustainment for those who _______ Him. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

• Promises protection

Psalm 115:11. You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.

(1) When I fear God, He ____________ and __________ me.

• Fulfills our desires and delivers us from harm

Psalm 145:19. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them.

(1) God is not a Genie in a bottle, but His love is so uncomprehensible that He desires to ____________ the desires of those who ____________ Him.

• Provides wisdom, understanding and time management.

Proverbs 9:10-11. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. [11] For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.

(1) When I fear the Lord, He begins to renew my mind and impart ___________, the ________________ of the Holy One is ____________________. My __________ will be multiplied and _________ will be added to my life.

• Is our confidence and protection in the face of death.

Proverbs 14:26-27 In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And his children will have refuge. [27] The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life that one may avoid the snares of death.

(1) Because I fear the Lord, God will keep His promises to me, I ___________ Him.

• Provides peace of mind

Proverbs 15:16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and turmoil with it.

(1) When I ________ the Lord, my eye is on my heavenly reward rather than on earthly ________ .

• Results in a good nights sleep

Proverbs 19:23. The fear of the Lord leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.

(1) When I fear the Lord, I can put my complete trust in Him and __________ without a worry in the "world."

• Leads to riches, honor, and life

Proverbs 22:4. The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and life.

(1) When we fear the Lord, our eyes are on heavenly things and God will reward us with ____________, ____________, and eternal ___________.

• Will keep us on the path.

Jeremiah 32:40 "And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; and I will put the fear of Me in their hearts so that they will not turn away from Me."

(1) Who is it that allows us to understand in our hearts the awesomeness of God? _________________________

• Provides clarity and direction

Psalm 25:12. Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.

(1) For those who fear the Lord, God will help him _________ the right path.

• Results in enjoyment of our labor, and full, rewarding lives.

Psalm 128:1-4 A Song of Ascents. How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways. [2] When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands, you will be happy and it will be well with you. [3] Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine, within your house, Your children like olive plants around your table. [4] Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.

(1) God makes three distinct promises here for those who fear Him and walk in His ways. They are:

A. ___________________________________________________________________________

B. ___________________________________________________________________________

C. ___________________________________________________________________________

Acts 13:26 "Brethren, sons of Abraham's family, and those among you who fear God, to us the word of this salvation is sent out."

• Salvation has been revealed only to the Jew (Sons of Abraham's family) and the Gentile who _____________ God. "Without this holy fear we cannot recognize our need for salvation."

* Most of the above Proverb passages were compiled by John Bevere in the "Fear of the Lord." For a companion Bible study on the "Fear of the Lord" go to www.geocities.com/Athens/Agora/6922

Notes from the compiler:

These next passages will help us learn how to live a life in the "fear of the Lord."

• Col. 2:6-7. As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, [7] having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

(1) We are to ________ in Him. Being ______ up in Him, _____________ in our faith, and be _______________ with Gratitude.

• Deut. 5:29 'Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me, and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever!

(1) When we fear God we will _________ all of His _________________.

• 2 Cor. 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

(1) How do we cleanse ourselves? __________________________________-

Ephes. 5:26 to make her [the church] holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,

When we sometimes find ourselves doubting God, because of the bad behavior of people, who are supposed to be Christians.

(1) Without a heart dedicated to entering the holy presences of God, they cannot offer themselves as ___________ and _________ ___________ acceptable to God.

(2) How does Scripture define worship? ________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

(3) Like the "wheat and tares," Can you and I tell the difference? ______. On the outward appearance the look and talk just like real Christians. The real difference is that they do not "fear God and tremble at His word."

James 2:19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.

(1) Is it possible to believe in God and not "worship" Him? ____________.

(2) Have you ever observed professed Christians who appear to have less awe of God then the demons mentioned above do? _________

Jude 1:12. These men are those who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted;

(1) How does Jude define these men "without fear?" ________________________________ _______________________________________________________________

These men professed to know Jesus, but what is really important here is, does Jesus know them? Let us ask the question of ourselves, "does Jesus know us?" Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. [22] "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' [23] "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.'"

(1) These men profess to know Jesus but does Jesus know them? ___________

(2) They say all of the right things and appear to be godly, but in reality they " _______________ ____________."

(3) Why do you think that God tolerates pretenders among his people? ____________________________________________

How do we demonstrate a proper fear of the Lord: Let me conclude with a quotation again from Mr. Bevere: "When we properly fear God and tremble at His word we will "willingly obey God even when it appears more advantageous to compromise or not obey His word."

Jesus illustrates for us, the heart of God toward those that are His, in His lament over the Inhabitants of Jerusalem: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it!" Luke 13:34

• What would happen to the chick who refused the refuge offered? _____________________.

What will he do for you when you "fear Him"? Remember that a covenant is a two part agreement. We always concentrate on what God will do for us, how serving God will benefit me! We have an obligation, we are citizens of the kingdom of Heaven, we owe our allegiance and devotion to the King, Lord Jesus!. Ask and pray how can we be a benefit to our Lord?

Conclusion:

Whether or not Y2K develops into a catastrophe or merely a bump in the road of our comfort an convenience zone, what does God expect from Christians? We must remember that He has trusted us with His most precious possession, the reputation of Jesus. When people see a Christian, do they see an absolute trust in the Father or a sniveling self-centered coward, looking to their own ends? Which is more likely to cause a person to want to know the Jesus of the Bible? _______.

Does He expect us to look to our own comforts or to be His tools of mercy that others may come to know our Jesus? _________________ .

Whose reputation suffers if we funnel Scripture into a Y2K event and it comes to naught? ______.

Paul was aware of the turbulent times of his day, yet his words to Timothy were not those of physical preparation, rather spiritual.

2 Tim. 2:19,21 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness." [21] Therefore, if a man cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

• Therefore, if a man cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, ___________[set apart], __________ to the Master, ____________ for every good work.

Again listen to the words of Paul as he exhorts young Timothy. 2 Tim. 4:2-5

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. [3] For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. [4] They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. [5] But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

• Paul counsels Timothy to be _________________. He knows that Timothy will have to endure _____________ just as we may, but the context of this passage could have been written for 1999, for we live in a time when men will not put up with sound doctrine. They will turn their ears away from the _____ and turn aside to myths.

The emphasis of the New Covenant always seems to be on spiritual preparedness not physical.

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

• Where does Paul put the emphasis of preparedness? ________________________.
• As Christians what should our response to pending cataclysmic events be? If you have been serving the Lord in fear and trembling then you already know that God has met all of your needs thus far. Should we begin hoarding food and other provisions, stockpiling weapons as opposed to making sensible provisions for our families as well as others? ______________________________________________________________________.

The American perspective: all of the fear fostering hype that is taking place in the Christian community is because our comfort zones may be interrupted, meanwhile, all over the globe there are those who daily put their lives on the line, suffering unimaginable persecution, to uphold the name of Jesus. What am I saying then, should we not prepare for impending disasters? By all means, yes, but our preparation should not be self-centered or merely physical. The focus of our preparation should be to help, aid and assist others in their time of need. As we prepare to meet physical needs, let us prepare and equipt ourselves to meet spiritual needs as well.