What practical steps can we take to prepare for "the coming salvation"? The Heart of the Promise “who through faith are shielded by God's power for the salvation ready to be revealed” 1 Peter 1:5 Step 1: Keep Faith Vibrant • Faith is the channel through which God’s power shields us • Strengthen faith by: – Daily gratitude for the cross (Galatians 2:20) – Remembering He will finish what He began (Philippians 1:6) Step 2: Rest in God’s Power • Our security rests in Him, not in self-effort (Jude 24) • Pray, acknowledging dependence: “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” Ephesians 6:10 Step 3: Train Your Mind for Action “prepare your minds for action; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you” 1 Peter 1:13 Practical ideas: – Start the day rehearsing future grace – Replace anxious thoughts with promised truth (Isaiah 26:3) Step 4: Pursue Holiness Daily “just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” 1 Peter 1:15-16 • Identify one habit to surrender • Say yes to purity in speech, media, relationships (1 Thessalonians 4:3) Step 5: Soak in the Word “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you” Colossians 3:16 • Read whole-Bible plan or smaller sections repetitively • Memorize key promises about Christ’s return (John 14:3) Step 6: Stay Watchful in Prayer “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation” Matthew 26:41 “keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape” Luke 21:36 • Set regular “watch points” through the day for brief prayer • Pray specifically for perseverance and purity (1 John 3:3) Step 7: Stand with the Church “let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds” Hebrews 10:24-25 • Commit to weekly gathering; share life, not merely attendance • Look for someone to encourage at every meeting Step 8: Serve and Shine “let your light shine before men so they see your good deeds and glorify your Father” Matthew 5:16 “Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that they may see your good deeds” 1 Peter 2:12 • Meet practical needs in Jesus’ name • Speak the gospel whenever opportunity arises Daily Checklist for Readiness □ Thank God for shielding power □ Read or recite at least one promise about Christ’s return □ Confess sin immediately and turn from it □ Pray watchfully for strength and purity □ Encourage at least one believer □ Serve or witness to at least one neighbor |
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