Hope in Christ: Anticipating His Glorious Return
Summary
In a world that often seems devoid of hope, the Christian stands as a beacon of profound optimism. This optimism is not rooted in the transient solutions offered by worldly systems, which have repeatedly failed to bring lasting peace or improvement. Instead, it is anchored in the eternal hope found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The world, in its current state, is without hope because it is without God. The only true hope lies in the promise of Christ's return, a hope that transforms the Christian's perspective on life and the future.
The essence of Christianity is not found in vague idealism or philosophical teachings but in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the Savior, the Lord of Glory, who came into the world to seek and save the lost. His life, death, and resurrection are central to the Christian faith, and His return is the culmination of God's redemptive plan. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that the work of Christ is not yet complete; His return will bring about the final subjugation of all things under His authority.
Christ's second coming will be a visible, glorious event, marked by His power and authority to judge the world in righteousness. This world, currently under judgment, will be transformed as every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord. The Christian hope is not in world reform but in the coming of the Savior, who will establish His eternal reign.
For the believer, this hope is deeply personal. It promises not only the subjugation of all things but also the transformation of our own bodies. The body of humiliation, subject to weakness and sin, will be changed to be like Christ's glorious body. This transformation is part of the Christian's anticipation, as we eagerly await the return of our Savior.
Living in this world, the Christian is not a pessimist. Despite the increasing chaos and moral decline, the believer remains steadfast, knowing that Christ's return is imminent. This hope shapes our lives, directing our focus away from earthly concerns and towards the eternal kingdom. We live as strangers in this world, with our eyes fixed on the promise of a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
Key Takeaways:
- The Christian's hope is rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, offering a profound optimism in a world without hope. This hope is not based on worldly solutions but on the promise of Christ's return. [26:56]
- Jesus Christ is central to Christianity; without Him, there is no true faith. His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of our hope, and His return will complete God's redemptive plan. [28:00]
- Christ's second coming will be a visible, powerful event, bringing judgment and the subjugation of all things under His authority. This event is the ultimate hope for believers, as it will establish His eternal reign. [36:20]
- The transformation of our bodies is a personal aspect of the Christian hope. Our current bodies, subject to weakness and sin, will be changed to be like Christ's glorious body, completing our salvation. [46:40]
- Christians live with an eager anticipation of Christ's return, focusing on eternal realities rather than earthly concerns. This hope shapes our lives, directing us to live as strangers in this world, with our eyes fixed on the promise of a new heaven and earth. [50:23]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [26:03] - The Challenge of Hope
- [27:15] - The Christian's Only Hope
- [28:00] - Essential Christianity
- [29:53] - The Savior's Mission
- [31:08] - The Cross and Resurrection
- [32:00] - The Incomplete Work
- [33:01] - The Second Coming
- [34:51] - The Nature of His Return
- [36:20] - The Purpose of His Return
- [38:12] - The Power of His Coming
- [39:55] - Subduing All Things
- [42:34] - The Judgment to Come
- [46:40] - Transformation of Our Bodies
- [50:23] - Living in Anticipation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 3:20-21 - "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself."
2. Acts 1:9-11 - "Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.'"
3. 1 Corinthians 15:50-52 - "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
Observation Questions:
1. According to Philippians 3:20-21, what transformation is promised to believers, and how is it described in the sermon? [46:40]
2. In Acts 1:9-11, what assurance is given to the disciples about Jesus' return, and how does this relate to the Christian hope discussed in the sermon? [34:51]
3. How does 1 Corinthians 15:50-52 describe the change that will occur at the last trumpet, and what does this signify for believers? [54:09]
4. What does the sermon say about the current state of the world and its lack of hope without God? [26:56]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the promise of Christ's return and the transformation of our bodies provide hope for believers in a world that seems devoid of hope? [27:15]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of Jesus Christ in Christianity, and why is His return considered the culmination of God's redemptive plan? [28:00]
3. How does the sermon describe the nature and purpose of Christ's second coming, and what implications does this have for the world and for believers? [36:20]
4. In what ways does the anticipation of Christ's return shape the life and perspective of a believer, according to the sermon? [50:23]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt hopeless. How might the promise of Christ's return and the transformation of our bodies change your perspective in similar situations? [27:15]
2. How central is Jesus Christ in your daily life and faith practice? What steps can you take to ensure that your faith is rooted in Him and not in vague idealism? [28:00]
3. The sermon emphasizes living with an eager anticipation of Christ's return. What practical changes can you make in your life to focus more on eternal realities rather than earthly concerns? [50:23]
4. How can you live as a "stranger" in this world, with your eyes fixed on the promise of a new heaven and earth? What might this look like in your daily decisions and interactions? [50:23]
5. Consider the transformation of our bodies as part of the Christian hope. How does this promise affect your view of physical challenges or limitations you may face? [46:40]
6. The sermon suggests that the world is under judgment and that Christ will return to judge it in righteousness. How does this understanding influence your interactions with those who do not share your faith? [36:20]
7. How can you actively engage in sharing the hope of the gospel with others, especially in a world that often seems devoid of hope? What specific actions can you take this week? [26:56]
Devotional
Day 1: Hope Anchored in Christ's Return
The Christian's hope is not a fleeting optimism based on the temporary solutions of the world, but a profound assurance rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This hope is anchored in the promise of Christ's return, which offers a perspective that transcends the chaos and despair often found in the world. The world, without God, is devoid of true hope, but the believer's confidence lies in the eternal promise of Jesus' return, which transforms their outlook on life and the future. This hope is not passive but active, shaping the believer's life and directing their focus towards the eternal kingdom. [26:56]
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:11-13, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively live out the hope of Christ's return in your daily interactions and decisions today?
Day 2: The Centrality of Christ in Our Faith
At the heart of Christianity is not a set of philosophical teachings or vague idealism, but the person of Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of the Christian faith, and without Him, there is no true faith. The promise of His return is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, emphasizing that the work of Christ is not yet complete. The Apostle Paul highlights that Christ's return will bring about the final subjugation of all things under His authority, completing the redemptive narrative that began with His first coming. [28:00]
"And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." (Colossians 1:18-20, ESV)
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as central to your faith change the way you approach your relationship with Him today?
Day 3: The Glorious Return of Christ
Christ's second coming will be a visible and powerful event, marked by His authority to judge the world in righteousness. This event is the ultimate hope for believers, as it will establish His eternal reign and bring about the subjugation of all things under His authority. The world, currently under judgment, will be transformed as every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord. This hope is not in world reform but in the coming of the Savior, who will establish His eternal kingdom. [36:20]
"Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen." (Revelation 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to prepare your heart and life for the return of Christ?
Day 4: Transformation of Our Bodies
The hope of the Christian is deeply personal, promising not only the subjugation of all things but also the transformation of our own bodies. Our current bodies, subject to weakness and sin, will be changed to be like Christ's glorious body. This transformation is part of the believer's anticipation, as they eagerly await the return of their Savior. This hope completes the believer's salvation, offering a future where they are fully conformed to the image of Christ. [46:40]
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." (Philippians 3:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: How does the promise of a transformed body influence the way you view your current struggles and weaknesses?
Day 5: Living with Eternal Perspective
Christians are called to live with an eager anticipation of Christ's return, focusing on eternal realities rather than earthly concerns. This hope shapes their lives, directing them to live as strangers in this world, with their eyes fixed on the promise of a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. Despite the increasing chaos and moral decline, believers remain steadfast, knowing that Christ's return is imminent and that their true home is with Him. [50:23]
"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to shift your focus from temporary earthly concerns to eternal realities?
Quotes
The world tonight is without hope because it is without God. There is literally only one hope before us at this very minute. What is it? Well, here it is: our citizenship is in heaven, from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like to his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. [00:26:56]
You see, everything about Christianity always depends upon him. These people who preach vague idealism as if it were Christianity and who don't mention the name of Jesus Christ, they're the enemies of the Cross of Christ. There's no Christianity without him. Don't you notice how the Apostle goes on mentioning his name? He seems to like to say Lord Jesus Christ, and he says it again and again and again in all his Epistles. Why? Well, there is no Christianity apart from him. [00:28:00]
The Savior and the savior is the Lord, the Lord Of Glory, the second person in the Blessed Holy Trinity, the Everlasting Son of God. This is this great romance, this great dramatic incident: the Son of God comes into the world. Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh. You see, it's because the world doesn't know what this means that it's not Christian tonight. [00:29:53]
The work of the savior is not yet finished. Let's be clear about this. He's already done enough to save us from Hell by dying on that cross, on that tree. He has reconciled us to God. It's all right, my friend. In that sense, the work is already finished and complete. But looking at it from a bigger and a wider sense, his work is not complete. [00:32:00]
He will come again into this world in order to judge it. You remember this is this a puzzled preaching to the stoics and the epicureans, the great philosophers of the city of Athens. He said God has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom Heath appointed, whereof he hath given us assurance in that he hath raised him from the dead. [00:36:20]
He will subdue all things unto himself. What an interesting word this word subdue is. Listen to its meaning. Here it is: it's a military word. It means to arrange things under one's authority. The idea in this word translated subdue is this: it's that of a general arranging his regiment in an orderly manner. Subdue everyone in line, everyone in order. [00:39:55]
The Christian is a man, you see, who goes through this world. He does it. He does it his best in it to make it as good as he can. I'm not describing the Christian as a man who becomes a hermit and says let the world go to the devil. No, no, he engages in politics. He believes in education and all these things, not because he's going to make a perfect world but to try and keep evil within limits. [00:50:23]
He'll not only do all that, he's going to do something to us individually. What does all this mean to the Christian? Well, here is what it means. Those who here regularly will remember that as I was interpreting verse 11, I said I deal with it again. Paul says that his ambition is this: that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. [00:46:40]
The Natural Body is a body of flesh and blood, but that other body is not a body of flesh and blood. It's a body of Flesh and Bones. Do you remember how when he came to his disciples after his resurrection in the body of his glorification, he didn't say you see that I've got flesh and blood? He didn't say that. He said you see I've got Flesh and Bones. [00:48:00]
The Christian is a man who goes through this world. He does it. He does it his best in it to make it as good as he can. I'm not describing the Christian as a man who becomes a hermit and says let the world go to the devil. No, no, he engages in politics. He believes in education and all these things, not because he's going to make a perfect world but to try and keep evil within limits. [00:50:23]
The Christian is a man who goes through this world. He does it. He does it his best in it to make it as good as he can. I'm not describing the Christian as a man who becomes a hermit and says let the world go to the devil. No, no, he engages in politics. He believes in education and all these things, not because he's going to make a perfect world but to try and keep evil within limits. [00:50:23]
The Christian is a man who goes through this world. He does it. He does it his best in it to make it as good as he can. I'm not describing the Christian as a man who becomes a hermit and says let the world go to the devil. No, no, he engages in politics. He believes in education and all these things, not because he's going to make a perfect world but to try and keep evil within limits. [00:50:23]
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