Living in Anticipation: Embracing Christ's Promised Return
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound anticipation of Jesus' return, a promise that has been a cornerstone of Christian faith for centuries. This anticipation is not just a distant hope but a transformative force that shapes our daily lives. We began by acknowledging the global outreach efforts of our church, emphasizing the importance of spreading the good news of Jesus both locally and internationally. This mission is a reflection of our commitment to live out the teachings of Christ, who called us to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.
We delved into Matthew 24, where Jesus outlines signs of His return, such as false prophets, wars, and natural disasters. These signs, while daunting, remind us of the urgency to live with readiness and expectation. The essence of our faith is not to predict the exact time of His return but to live in a way that reflects our belief in His promises. This anticipation should inspire us to live with a vibrant faith, motivated by love, and anchored in hope.
The historical context of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection was revisited, highlighting His mission to rescue humanity and the promise of His return. This promise is not a mere theological concept but a reality that influences how we live today. We are called to live for the eternal line, not just the temporal dot of our earthly existence. This perspective encourages us to prioritize our relationship with Jesus and to live in a way that reflects His love and grace.
In 1 Thessalonians, Paul commends the believers for their faith, love, and hope, which were evident in their lives despite severe suffering. Their example challenges us to examine our own lives and consider how we are living in anticipation of Christ's return. Are we ready? Are we living in a way that reflects our faith in Jesus and His promises?
Ultimately, the message is one of hope and readiness. We are reminded that Jesus' return is not something to fear but to eagerly anticipate. It is a call to live with purpose, to love deeply, and to hold onto the hope that anchors our souls. As we await His return, may we be found faithful, living lives that honor Him and reflect His love to the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. Anticipation of Jesus' Return: Living in anticipation of Jesus' return is not about predicting the exact time but about being ready and living a life that reflects His teachings. This anticipation should inspire us to live with a vibrant faith, motivated by love, and anchored in hope. [37:03]
2. Living for the Eternal Line: Our earthly life is just a dot in the eternal line of existence. We are called to live for the eternal, prioritizing our relationship with Jesus and living in a way that reflects His love and grace. This perspective encourages us to make decisions that have eternal significance. [57:54]
3. Faith, Love, and Hope: The believers in Thessalonica were commended for their faith, love, and hope, which were evident in their lives despite severe suffering. Their example challenges us to examine our own lives and consider how we are living in anticipation of Christ's return. [50:35]
4. The Transformative Power of the Gospel: The gospel is not just words to believe but a transformation to experience. When we put our trust in Jesus, we receive a new status, a new family, and a new future. This transformation is evidence of God's love and power in our lives. [54:46]
5. Readiness for Jesus' Return: Jesus' return is not something to fear but to eagerly anticipate. It is a call to live with purpose, to love deeply, and to hold onto the hope that anchors our souls. As we await His return, may we be found faithful, living lives that honor Him and reflect His love to the world. [01:05:09]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [17:08] - Global Outreach and Missions
- [19:00] - Faith in Challenging Times
- [19:30] - Connecting and Growing in Faith
- [34:02] - Anticipation of Jesus' Return
- [35:27] - Signs of the End Times
- [37:03] - Historical Context of Jesus' Promise
- [38:29] - The Resurrection and Its Significance
- [40:01] - Jesus' Assignment and Promises
- [41:29] - Trusting Jesus' Word
- [42:58] - Living in Anticipation
- [44:34] - Insights from 1 Thessalonians
- [45:59] - Living with Anticipation
- [47:28] - Marks of a Faithful Life
- [49:05] - Readiness for Jesus' Return
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 24:4-14
2. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
3. 2 Peter 3:3-9
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Observation Questions:
1. What are some of the signs of Jesus' return mentioned in Matthew 24, and how do they relate to current global events? [34:02]
2. How did the believers in Thessalonica demonstrate their faith, love, and hope according to 1 Thessalonians 1? [47:28]
3. What does 2 Peter 3 say about the perception of time from God's perspective, and how does this relate to the promise of Jesus' return? [41:29]
4. How does the sermon describe the transformative power of the gospel in the lives of believers? [54:46]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the anticipation of Jesus' return influence a believer's daily life and priorities? [37:03]
2. In what ways does the historical context of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection provide assurance of His promised return? [38:29]
3. How does the example of the Thessalonian believers challenge modern Christians to live out their faith amidst suffering? [50:35]
4. What does it mean to live for the "eternal line" rather than the "temporal dot," and how can this perspective impact decision-making? [57:54]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are living more for the "temporal dot" than the "eternal line"? What changes can you make to prioritize eternal values? [57:54]
2. How can you actively cultivate a vibrant faith, motivated by love and anchored in hope, in your daily interactions and decisions? [49:05]
3. Consider the signs of Jesus' return mentioned in Matthew 24. How do these signs affect your sense of urgency in sharing the gospel with others? [34:02]
4. In what ways can you be more involved in your church's global outreach efforts, reflecting the mission to be witnesses to the ends of the earth? [17:08]
5. How does the promise of Jesus' return provide hope and encouragement during challenging times in your life? [42:58]
6. Identify one specific way you can demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in your community this week. [54:46]
7. If Jesus were to return tomorrow, what is one thing you would want to change or make right in your life today? [42:58]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Living with Anticipation
The anticipation of Jesus' return is a central tenet of Christian faith, not as a prediction of a specific time but as a call to readiness and a life that mirrors His teachings. This anticipation is meant to inspire believers to live with a vibrant faith, motivated by love, and anchored in hope. It is a transformative force that shapes daily life, urging Christians to embody the teachings of Christ in every action and decision. The focus is not on the fear of the unknown but on the joy and hope that His return promises. This perspective encourages believers to live purposefully, with a heart full of love and a spirit anchored in hope. [37:03]
"For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape." (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: How can you live today in a way that reflects your anticipation of Jesus' return, focusing on love and hope rather than fear?
Day 2: Prioritizing the Eternal
Our earthly life is but a fleeting moment in the grand scheme of eternity. Christians are called to live for the eternal, prioritizing their relationship with Jesus and making decisions that reflect His love and grace. This perspective encourages believers to focus on what truly matters, investing in relationships and actions that have eternal significance. By living for the eternal line rather than the temporal dot, Christians can find purpose and direction in their lives, aligning their actions with the teachings of Christ and the promise of His return. [57:54]
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." (2 Corinthians 4:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: What is one decision you can make today that prioritizes your eternal relationship with Jesus over temporary concerns?
Day 3: Embracing Faith, Love, and Hope
The believers in Thessalonica were commended for their faith, love, and hope, which were evident in their lives despite severe suffering. Their example challenges modern Christians to examine their own lives and consider how they are living in anticipation of Christ's return. Are they ready? Are they living in a way that reflects their faith in Jesus and His promises? This call to action encourages believers to embrace these virtues, allowing them to guide their actions and interactions with others, even in the face of adversity. [50:35]
"We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate faith, love, and hope in your daily interactions, especially when faced with challenges?
Day 4: Experiencing the Transformative Power of the Gospel
The gospel is not merely a set of beliefs but a transformative experience that changes lives. When individuals put their trust in Jesus, they receive a new status, a new family, and a new future. This transformation is evidence of God's love and power in their lives, encouraging them to live in a way that reflects His grace and mercy. By embracing the transformative power of the gospel, believers can experience a profound change in their lives, aligning their actions with the teachings of Christ and the promise of His return. [54:46]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: How has the gospel transformed your life, and how can you share this transformation with others today?
Day 5: Eagerly Anticipating Jesus' Return
Jesus' return is not something to fear but to eagerly anticipate. It is a call to live with purpose, to love deeply, and to hold onto the hope that anchors the soul. As believers await His return, they are encouraged to be found faithful, living lives that honor Him and reflect His love to the world. This anticipation is a source of hope and motivation, inspiring Christians to live with intention and purpose, embodying the teachings of Christ in every aspect of their lives. [01:05:09]
"Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into." (Matthew 24:42-43, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to live with purpose and readiness, eagerly anticipating Jesus' return?
Quotes
1) "When someone you really love has been away from you, you've been away from them for a long time, for a while, at least, you know, in a sense of visibly away, and you know that they plan to return, you just don't know when, that does something for you, right? Like you know that you want to be ready for that day, and what we know is this, whether it's going to be in the next six months, or six years, or 60 years, or whatever it might be, we know that we're closer to that day than we've ever been, right? Just as a matter of the way that history marches on." [37:03] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "The quick history is that our very good world, created by God, was broken by behaviors that dishonor God, dishonor other people, which we call sin. That was thousands and thousands of years ago. God made a promise soon after that, said, I'm going to make that right. And 2,000 years ago, Jesus, as God the Son, entered our world as one of us. He was fully God, He was fully human, and He came on a mission to rescue us, to pay the penalty for our sin, to bring us back into His family." [38:29] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "You need to decide if you can take Jesus at His word. Do you trust the word of Jesus? Do you trust the book? Because if it's true, if you believe like we do, that the Bible teaches that everybody lives forever somewhere, we're all going to live forever somewhere. Again, is the most important event in history. I'm going to see Him face-to-face one of two ways. I'm either going to, I'm going to come to the end of my own life, and my body's going to stop, you know, functioning." [41:29] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "It's why in 260 chapters of the New Testament, second part of the Bible, 260 chapters, you know how many times the second coming of Jesus is mentioned? 318 times. More than one for every chapter. It's one of the most common themes for Jesus and New Testament writers. And so what they're telling us is this. They're saying this promise that Jesus is going to come again can shape how you live, impact your behavior, determine your priorities, influence how you treat the people around you, and encourage you in times of difficulty and suffering, pain and disappointment, because Jesus is coming again." [42:58] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Would your choices change today if you knew Jesus might return tomorrow? Are you ready? In chapter 1 here, you say, okay, where does Paul mention the second coming in chapter 1? It's in verse 10. It's the very last verse of this chapter. He says, this is the New International Version, he says, you are serving God and you're waiting for His Son from heaven. The New Living Translation puts that verse this, you are looking forward to the coming of God's Son from heaven. They saw the world and their lives through that lens." [45:59] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Friends, whatever you are going through in life today, you are deeply loved by God. And if there's something within you that says, I have this desire to know God, that's evidence that he's chosen you. He's chosen you. It's the power of the gospel, the good news of Jesus, that when we put our trust in Jesus, in fact, you're going to, there's three things that happen. We were, if you're in the, our Bible reading plan for the year, they talked about this in the last week or two. Three things that you receive when you put your trust in Jesus." [53:32] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "So many people, all they think about, it's almost as like this is, they don't even think about that. And all they live for is this right here. All of their marbles are in this life. And it's like, accumulate as much as you can, enjoy everything you can, because when this is over, my existence is gone. And it's completely contradictory to what the Bible teaches, right? You don't live for the dot, you live for the, you live for the line. That's what Paul wants us to know. He's saying, Jesus is coming again. You're looking forward to that. You believe it. You're waiting for the day." [57:54] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "Friends, here's the tough news. For people who insist on their own way, who refuse Jesus in their lives and put up this big wall between them and God, one day they'll get their wish fulfilled if there's no change. God's presence, his goodness will be gone from their lives. C.S. Lewis put it this way. He said, throughout life, countless people ignore God and say to him, in effect, leave me alone. Hell, you could say, is God giving them what they have always asked for. That's the coming wrath." [01:03:38] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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