Living in Anticipation of Christ's Return
Summary
The return of Jesus Christ is a profound and often overlooked aspect of our faith. As we reflect on the past year, it's crucial to ask ourselves if we have truly been living in anticipation of His return. The early church, the prophets, and the apostles all emphasized this event, yet it can easily slip from our minds amidst the busyness of life. The return of Christ is not just a theological concept; it is a reality that should shape our daily lives and priorities.
Jesus Himself spoke extensively about His return, urging us to be ready and watchful. In Matthew 24, He compares His return to the days of Noah, where people were caught unaware, living their lives without regard for the impending flood. Similarly, many today live without consideration of Christ's return, focusing solely on earthly matters. However, as believers, we are called to be different, to live with a heavenly perspective, eagerly awaiting our Savior.
The world may scoff at the idea of Christ's return, dismissing it as a myth or superstition. Yet, we must not let this mockery silence us. We are called to boldly proclaim the truth of His return, even if it seems foolish to others. The patience of God, as described in 2 Peter 3, is not a sign of His delay but of His desire for all to come to repentance. His timing is perfect, and His return is certain.
As we enter a new year, let us commit to living with an eternal perspective. Let us hold each other accountable, reminding one another of the hope we have in Christ's return. This anticipation should lead us to live holy and godly lives, ready to meet our Savior. Let us confess our sins, seek His forgiveness, and strive to live in a way that honors Him, knowing that one day all will be revealed.
Key Takeaways:
- The return of Jesus Christ is a central theme in Scripture, emphasized by the prophets, apostles, and Jesus Himself. It should be a focal point in our lives, influencing our actions and priorities. Reflect on whether you have been living with this anticipation. [01:13]
- Jesus warned that His return would be unexpected, like a thief in the night. We must be vigilant and ready, living lives that reflect our hope in His return. Consider how you can live more intentionally in light of this truth. [05:45]
- The world may mock the idea of Christ's return, but we must stand firm in our faith. Do not let scoffers silence you; instead, boldly proclaim the truth of His return and live in a way that honors Him. [18:50]
- God's patience is an expression of His love, giving people time to repent. Reflect on His kindness and use this time to turn away from sin and live a life pleasing to Him. [30:18]
- As we enter a new year, let us confess our sins and seek God's forgiveness. Embrace the opportunity for a fresh start, living with an eternal perspective and eagerly awaiting Christ's return. [39:35]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:17] - Introduction to the Return of Christ
[01:13] - Living with Anticipation
[02:41] - Understanding the Return of Jesus
[04:17] - Scriptural Emphasis on Christ's Return
[05:45] - Be Ready and Watchful
[07:27] - Reflecting on Readiness
[09:14] - A Personal Story of Anticipation
[11:35] - The Current State of the World
[13:30] - The Importance of Being Prepared
[15:00] - Stirring Up Sincere Minds
[17:42] - The Reality of Scoffers
[20:28] - Boldly Proclaiming the Truth
[24:07] - The Liberation from Morality
[30:18] - God's Patience and Our Repentance
[34:11] - The Certainty of Christ's Return
[39:35] - Embracing a Fresh Start
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 24:36-44 - Jesus speaks about His return, emphasizing the need to be ready and watchful.
2. 2 Peter 3:8-9 - God's patience is not a delay but an opportunity for repentance.
3. Malachi 4:1-3 - The day of the Lord is coming, bringing both judgment and healing.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus compare His return to in Matthew 24, and why is this significant? [05:03]
2. How does 2 Peter 3 describe God's perspective on time, and what is the purpose of His patience? [29:18]
3. According to the sermon, how often is the return of Christ mentioned in the New Testament, and why is this important? [04:33]
4. What imagery does Malachi 4 use to describe the day of the Lord, and what does it signify for believers? [16:45]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How might the unexpected nature of Christ's return, as described in Matthew 24, influence a believer's daily life and priorities? [05:45]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the anticipation of Christ's return should differentiate believers from the rest of the world? [01:13]
3. How does the sermon explain the role of scoffers in the last days, and what impact might they have on a believer's faith? [18:08]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between God's patience and human repentance, as seen in 2 Peter 3? [30:18]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your past year. How often did you think about the return of Christ, and how did it affect your actions and decisions? [01:28]
2. Jesus warns that His return will be like a thief in the night. What practical steps can you take to live more intentionally in anticipation of His return? [05:45]
3. The sermon mentions the world's mockery of Christ's return. How can you stand firm in your faith and boldly proclaim this truth in your community? [18:50]
4. Consider God's patience as an expression of His love. How can you use this time to turn away from sin and live a life that pleases Him? [30:18]
5. As we enter a new year, what specific sins do you need to confess and seek forgiveness for? How can you embrace the opportunity for a fresh start? [39:35]
6. How can you hold yourself and others accountable to live with an eternal perspective, eagerly awaiting Christ's return? [08:50]
7. Think of a moment in your life when you were not ready for Christ's return. What changes can you make to ensure you are prepared in the future? [07:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Living with Anticipation
The return of Jesus Christ is a central theme in Scripture, emphasized by the prophets, apostles, and Jesus Himself. It should be a focal point in our lives, influencing our actions and priorities. Reflect on whether you have been living with this anticipation. The early church lived with a constant expectation of Christ's return, which shaped their daily lives and decisions. This anticipation is not just about waiting but actively living in a way that reflects the hope and certainty of His return. [01:13]
"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: What specific changes can you make in your daily routine to live more intentionally with the anticipation of Christ's return?
Day 2: Be Ready and Watchful
Jesus warned that His return would be unexpected, like a thief in the night. We must be vigilant and ready, living lives that reflect our hope in His return. This readiness is not about fear but about living with purpose and intentionality. It involves aligning our lives with God's will and being prepared to meet Him at any moment. The call to be watchful is a reminder to prioritize spiritual readiness over earthly distractions. [05:45]
"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: Identify one area of your life where you feel spiritually unprepared. What steps can you take today to become more vigilant and ready for Christ's return?
Day 3: Boldly Proclaiming the Truth
The world may mock the idea of Christ's return, but we must stand firm in our faith. Do not let scoffers silence you; instead, boldly proclaim the truth of His return and live in a way that honors Him. This boldness is not about being confrontational but about living authentically and sharing the hope we have in Christ. It involves being a witness to His love and truth, even when it is unpopular or ridiculed. [18:50]
"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is skeptical about Christ's return. How can you share your faith with them in a gentle and respectful way this week?
Day 4: God's Patience and Our Repentance
God's patience is an expression of His love, giving people time to repent. Reflect on His kindness and use this time to turn away from sin and live a life pleasing to Him. His delay is not a sign of forgetfulness but of His desire for all to come to repentance. This understanding should lead us to gratitude and a renewed commitment to live according to His will. [30:18]
"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." (2 Peter 3:9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one sin or habit you need to repent of today? How can you actively seek God's forgiveness and make a change in your life?
Day 5: Embracing a Fresh Start
As we enter a new year, let us confess our sins and seek God's forgiveness. Embrace the opportunity for a fresh start, living with an eternal perspective and eagerly awaiting Christ's return. This new beginning is a chance to realign our lives with God's purposes and to live with renewed hope and expectation. It is a call to live each day with the awareness that our Savior could return at any moment. [39:35]
"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: As you reflect on the past year, what is one area where you desire a fresh start? How can you invite God into this process and begin anew with His guidance?
Quotes
The return of Jesus Christ is a profound and often overlooked aspect of our faith. As we reflect on the past year, it's crucial to ask ourselves if we have truly been living in anticipation of His return. The early church, the prophets, and the apostles all emphasized this event, yet it can easily slip from our minds amidst the busyness of life. [00:00:04]
Jesus Himself spoke extensively about His return, urging us to be ready and watchful. In Matthew 24, He compares His return to the days of Noah, where people were caught unaware, living their lives without regard for the impending flood. Similarly, many today live without consideration of Christ's return, focusing solely on earthly matters. [00:04:28]
The world may scoff at the idea of Christ's return, dismissing it as a myth or superstition. Yet, we must not let this mockery silence us. We are called to boldly proclaim the truth of His return, even if it seems foolish to others. The patience of God, as described in 2 Peter 3, is not a sign of His delay but of His desire for all to come to repentance. [00:18:50]
As we enter a new year, let us commit to living with an eternal perspective. Let us hold each other accountable, reminding one another of the hope we have in Christ's return. This anticipation should lead us to live holy and godly lives, ready to meet our Savior. Let us confess our sins, seek His forgiveness, and strive to live in a way that honors Him, knowing that one day all will be revealed. [00:39:35]
The return of Jesus Christ is a central theme in Scripture, emphasized by the prophets, apostles, and Jesus Himself. It should be a focal point in our lives, influencing our actions and priorities. Reflect on whether you have been living with this anticipation. [00:01:13]
Jesus warned that His return would be unexpected, like a thief in the night. We must be vigilant and ready, living lives that reflect our hope in His return. Consider how you can live more intentionally in light of this truth. [00:05:45]
God's patience is an expression of His love, giving people time to repent. Reflect on His kindness and use this time to turn away from sin and live a life pleasing to Him. [00:30:18]
As we enter a new year, let us confess our sins and seek God's forgiveness. Embrace the opportunity for a fresh start, living with an eternal perspective and eagerly awaiting Christ's return. [00:39:35]
The world may mock the idea of Christ's return, but we must stand firm in our faith. Do not let scoffers silence you; instead, boldly proclaim the truth of His return and live in a way that honors Him. [00:18:50]
The patience of God, as described in 2 Peter 3, is not a sign of His delay but of His desire for all to come to repentance. His timing is perfect, and His return is certain. [00:30:18]
As we enter a new year, let us commit to living with an eternal perspective. Let us hold each other accountable, reminding one another of the hope we have in Christ's return. This anticipation should lead us to live holy and godly lives, ready to meet our Savior. [00:39:35]
Let us confess our sins, seek His forgiveness, and strive to live in a way that honors Him, knowing that one day all will be revealed. [00:39:35]
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