Living in Anticipation of Christ's Return

Summary

In the midst of our busy lives, it’s easy to get distracted and forget the reality that Jesus is coming back. Just like a classroom that erupts into chaos when the teacher steps out, we can lose sight of the fact that our Lord’s return is not just a distant theological idea, but a truth that should shape every moment of our lives. Scripture is not subtle about this—over and over, we are exhorted to stay awake, be alert, and live in anticipation of Christ’s return. The call is not to a passive waiting, but to an active, watchful readiness, living as a bride eagerly awaiting her groom.

We live in the tension between grace and glory. Grace has appeared, offering salvation to all, and it doesn’t just save us—it trains us. Grace changes our identity, making us heirs to a future kingdom, and empowers us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions. Because we know our inheritance is secure, we don’t have to chase every fleeting pleasure this world offers. We can live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives, knowing that we have forever with Christ.

The future glory of Christ’s return is not meant to be a distant hope, but a present motivation. Jesus is coming back, not as a humble baby, but as a victorious King. This reality should move us to do good now, to build the kingdom, and to be about the Father’s business. Our readiness is not measured by how much we know about end times, but by whether we are found faithfully doing what He has called us to do.

Living ready means helping others get ready. It’s not about shouting warnings on street corners, but about living in such a way that others see we belong to another kingdom. Our lives should provoke questions and curiosity, opening doors to share the hope we have. The world may scoff, and we may be tempted to grow cynical or distracted, but the truth remains: we are closer today to Christ’s return than we were yesterday.

May we be found faithful, alert, and watchful, living each day as if Jesus could return at any moment. Let’s be a people who are not lulled to sleep by the world, but who live with eyes fixed on our coming King, eager to do good, and ready to welcome Him home.

Key Takeaways

- Grace is not just a ticket to heaven; it is a teacher that shapes our daily lives. When we truly grasp that we are heirs to an eternal kingdom, we find the strength to say no to the fleeting passions and temptations of this world. Our identity in Christ empowers us to live differently, not out of fear, but out of the security of what is to come. [10:09]

- The certainty of Christ’s return is anchored in the faithfulness of God’s promises. Just as over 300 prophecies foretold Jesus’ first coming and were fulfilled, there are even more pointing to His return. If we trust the God who never misses, our lives should reflect a deep anticipation and readiness, not a casual indifference. [12:09]

- Future glory is meant to move us to present action. The hope of Christ’s victorious return is not a reason to withdraw from the world, but a call to engage it with good works, building the kingdom here and now. Our watchfulness is expressed not in idle waiting, but in faithful service and obedience to what God has entrusted to us. [22:22]

- Readiness for Christ’s return is not about predicting dates or obsessing over signs, but about living consistently with what we profess to believe. When our lives are marked by integrity, love, and a visible hope, we become living invitations for others to seek the truth we have found. The most compelling witness is a life that quietly but unmistakably points to another world. [28:49]

- The nearness of Christ’s return should awaken us from spiritual complacency. Whether He comes tomorrow or a thousand years from now, we are called to faithfulness in every season. Our response to this truth—whether excitement, fear, or skepticism—reveals what we truly believe, and invites us to examine our hearts and align our lives with the hope of His coming. [44:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - The Fourth Grade Classroom Story
[03:30] - Are We Living Like Jesus Is Coming Back?
[05:00] - Scriptural Warnings to Stay Awake
[07:36] - Titus 2: Grace and Glory
[10:09] - How Grace Trains Us
[12:09] - The Certainty of Christ’s Return
[15:11] - Living with an Eternal Perspective
[18:21] - What Are We Missing Out On?
[19:00] - God’s Patience and Our Waiting
[20:34] - The Difference Between Christ’s First and Second Coming
[22:22] - Let Future Glory Move You to Do Good
[23:38] - Parables of Watchfulness
[27:44] - Living Ready: Offense and Defense
[28:49] - Helping Others Get Ready
[34:47] - Are We Closer Than Ever?
[38:13] - Signs of the Times: Red Heifers and the Temple
[39:05] - What Should We Do With This?
[44:03] - A Prayer for Faithfulness
[45:19] - Closing and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living Ready for Christ’s Return

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### Bible Reading

- Titus 2:11-15
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Titus 2:11-12, what does grace do for us besides offering salvation?
2. In the sermon, what was the main point of the fourth grade classroom story? How does it relate to the way we live as Christians? [[02:17]]
3. What is the “blessed hope” that Paul talks about in Titus 2:13?
4. How does Paul describe the difference between Christ’s first coming and His second coming? [[20:34]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says grace “trains us” to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions. What does it look like for grace to actually train someone in daily life? [[10:09]]
2. The certainty of Christ’s return is compared to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about Jesus’ first coming. Why is this comparison important for our faith and how we live? [[12:09]]
3. The sermon mentions that living ready is not about obsessing over end times details, but about being found faithful. What does it mean to be “found faithful” when Jesus returns? [[22:22]]
4. The pastor said, “Living ready means helping others get ready.” What are some practical ways this can happen without being “weird” or off-putting? [[28:49]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon compared our lives to a classroom that gets distracted when the teacher leaves. What are some specific distractions in your life that make you forget Jesus is coming back? How can you address one of them this week? [[02:17]]
2. Grace is described as a teacher, not just a ticket to heaven. Is there an area of your life where you need to let grace “train” you to say no to something? What would it look like to let grace shape your choices this week? [[10:09]]
3. The hope of Christ’s return is meant to motivate us to do good now. What is one good work or act of service you feel prompted to do in light of Jesus’ return? How can you take a step toward it this week? [[22:22]]
4. The sermon said our lives should provoke questions and curiosity in others. Is there someone in your life who has noticed something different about you because of your faith? How can you be more intentional about living in a way that points to Jesus? [[28:49]]
5. The pastor mentioned that we are closer today to Christ’s return than we were yesterday. Does this truth excite you, make you anxious, or leave you indifferent? Why do you think you feel that way? [[44:03]]
6. If Jesus were to return tomorrow, what would you want Him to find you doing? Is there anything you would change about your priorities or how you spend your time? [[44:03]]
7. The sermon encouraged us to ask God what faithfulness looks like for us. Take a moment to pray and ask God to show you one area where He wants you to be more faithful. What do you sense He might be saying? [[44:51]]

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Closing Prayer:
Lord, help us to be alert, watchful, and faithful. Show us what it means to live ready for your return, and give us the courage to do good and help others get ready too. Amen.

Devotional

Day 1: Live Alert: Jesus Is Coming Back

The Scriptures repeatedly urge believers to stay awake, be alert, and watchful for the return of Jesus, not as a distant or abstract idea, but as a reality that should shape daily life. Just as a classroom can become distracted when the teacher steps out, so too can Christians become distracted by the world, forgetting that Christ’s return is imminent and could happen at any moment. The call is not to be lulled to sleep by routine or worldly pursuits, but to live each day with the expectation that Jesus could return today, letting that anticipation impact every decision, relationship, and action. [07:40]

Matthew 24:42-44 (ESV)
"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. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can stay spiritually alert today, intentionally remembering that Jesus could return at any moment?

Day 2: Let Grace Train You to Say No Now

God’s grace is not only the means by which we are saved, but it is also the power that teaches and trains us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions. Grace changes our identity, making us heirs to a future kingdom, and gives us the strength to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age. Because we know our future is secure and eternal, we don’t have to chase every fleeting pleasure or fear missing out; instead, we can live differently, with a vision that stretches beyond this life. [15:11]

Titus 2:11-12 (ESV)
"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."

Reflection: What is one worldly passion or habit you sense God’s grace inviting you to say “no” to today, and how can you respond?

Day 3: Let Future Glory Move You to Do Good Now

The hope of Christ’s glorious return is not meant to make us passive or merely watch the skies, but to move us to action—doing good, building God’s kingdom, and living with purpose. Knowing that Jesus will return as a victorious King should inspire us to be found faithfully serving, loving, and working for His purposes, not wasting time or being distracted by lesser things. The anticipation of future glory is meant to energize us to do good now, eager to be found at our post when the Master returns. [22:22]

Titus 2:13-14 (ESV)
"Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."

Reflection: What is one good work or act of service you can do today, motivated by the hope of Christ’s return?

Day 4: Live Ready and Help Others Get Ready

Living ready for Christ’s return means living a life that matches what we say we believe, setting an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. It also means helping others get ready—not through fear or shouting, but by living differently, loving well, and sharing the hope of the gospel in everyday relationships. The world notices when someone lives as if they truly believe the King is coming back, and this opens doors for others to be drawn to Christ. [28:49]

1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV)
"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."

Reflection: Who in your life might be watching your example, and how can you intentionally help them get ready for Jesus’ return through your actions or words today?

Day 5: Faithfulness in the Waiting

Faithfulness is not about predicting dates or being consumed by sensational news, but about living each day as though Jesus could return, bringing your time, attention, and heart to God. Whether Christ returns tomorrow or in a thousand years, the call is to be found faithful—doing what He desires, stewarding resources, and living like you belong to another kingdom. Ask God what faithfulness looks like for you in this season, and let that shape your priorities and focus. [44:51]

Hebrews 10:23-24 (ESV)
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works."

Reflection: As you pray today, ask God to show you what faithfulness looks like in your current season—what is one area where you sense Him calling you to greater faithfulness?

Quotes

What would you do different if you knew he was coming back tomorrow? What would you do different today if you knew that Jesus was coming back tomorrow? And the reality of it is is as followers of Jesus we are called to live like that because the Bible, the scripture is very loud on this issue. It's not a whisper, it's not a faint hey one day Jesus is gonna come back, it admonishes us over and over exhorts us stay awake be alert be watchful be looking for him over and over and over and over this is really clear message of this scriptures that we say we hold in high regard Jesus is coming back and you are to be alert and watchful because he's not coming back to a sleepy crowd of people he's coming back to a bride who is carefully watching with alertness for her groom to return. [00:04:48]

As followers of Jesus, we're to live like he's coming back tomorrow. Today even. I pray I don't even finish the sermon. He just comes back. [00:07:26]

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It, the it there, is the grace of God that has appeared. It teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self -controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age. [00:09:28]

Grace makes you an heir to a future kingdom. Grace changes your identity. It changes who you are and what you belong to. It changes your future. It changes your destiny. Grace changes where you're going to be forever and ever and ever and ever and ever. So if you know that you have an inheritance here, you can say no to worldly passions. [00:10:56]

You don't have to live like the world is your only playground like you only got 76 years here to soak it all up as much as you can so it teaches you and and it gives you a vision that you can be verse 12 self -controlled upright and live godly lives and so my first point let grace train you to say no now let grace train you to say no now. [00:11:33]

How can you and I trust that Christ is coming back why do we why can we trust that because he came the first time because he said the first time I'm going there listen listen to me there are 300 prophecies Old Testament prophecies that told us that foretold us written hundreds of years before Christ shows up that told us when he was coming where he was going to be born who he was going to be born home to whom he was born where he would live how he would die that he would resurrect I mean they told us some over 300 prophecies that has now been established as a scientific impossibility that one person would fulfill all 300 of those prophecies. [00:12:03]

There are over okay let me say it again 300 prophecies pointing to Christmas there are over 1500 Old Testament prophecies pointing to the second coming of Jesus over 300 New Testament prophecies pointing to the second coming of Jesus one in every 13th verse one in every 13 verses in the New Testament is talking about the second coming of Christ. [00:13:12]

It means that you don't have to experience all the pleasures here. What it means for you is you can miss out today because you know something that the pagans don't know. You're going to live forever. [00:15:11]

I don't know how long you've been doing this church thing. I don't know if you're aware that the new heavens and the new earth, like heaven, it's going to be here one day. Like it'll be reestablished, the kingdom here on the earth. And that means like you can miss out a little bit because you're not trying to cram everything. It's not like, oh man, we've got to do all of this before. You know, no, you've got forever. You've got forever. That changes everything. [00:15:30]

The king told us he's coming back to take us home you got to let this experience heartsit in, the king's coming back to take you home. He's coming back for you. So, what are you bummed that you feel like you're missing out on because you follow Jesus? What does it feel like belonging to that future world has cost you in this present place? I wanna let you know God's got forever to sort that out. He's not working on a time clock. [00:18:18]

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promises as some understand slowness, but he's patient with you. Not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. That's for somebody. [00:19:07]

This is like a warrior on a horse kind of glory, great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is Revelations 19 kind of stuff. May I read it to you? Okay. I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the future of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has his name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. That's future glory. That's future glory. [00:21:12]

Let future glory move you to do good now. It's all the exhortation of being watchful. Let's do good now. Stay awake, be alert, watch, so what does God want us to do? Is it like, SpaceX, or is that, what does he want? Is that what, he wants us just to stargate, watch the cloud, maybe the day. That's not what he means by be watchful. He means that you are to do the Father's business, to understand that you say no to worldly passions here because you don't belong to the world here. [00:22:29]

It's not just what you're to go without. You go on offense. It's what you are to do. You are to build the kingdom that one day will be completed by Christ himself. But he starts it with you. [00:23:31]

How I feel depends on what I'm doing when he's away. Because he's coming back. And there's a defense, there's a don't do, but there's an offense. And a great reason not to do all the things that you're not to do is because there's not enough time. Because he's got things he wants you to do. [00:27:37]

All the things should be impacted by the reality of the returning of King Jesus. It needs to impact who we are and what we do. [00:29:10]

The way that you don't let anyone despise you is you live consistent to the belief that you say you have that as they examine your life they're like of course like this person they live like this king's coming back like it's it's wild like they're not just Christians who go to church they're actually Christians who are watching for the return of Christ. [00:30:04]

When you're navigating with moms and carpools and and you're working with with dudes and you're and you're going to class with peers and you treat them different like you know something they don't know and they're like wait man what do they know like they just seems to know something like this is not all there is like they like the king's coming back and you attach that to the saving truth of the gospel guys something's happening this is this is where it gets weird okay some you know hang in there with me don't leave today's not by the way I'm gonna say this earlier today's not what is typical eschatology or eschaton the end times by the study of the end times eschatology this is we're not going pre -trib a mill rapture today it's one simple message he's coming back but I will say this I'll go on record right now I think he's coming back soon okay I'm not date setting I'm not handing out Kool -Aid I'm not climbing towers okay I think he's coming back soon we are seeing things right now that I'm seeing for the first time in my life but as I research it's it's been a while and there's a rhythm to the things that God does and so hang in there with me because if right now you're like oh here we go stay I'm I got a message for you in just a minute specifically for you. [00:31:40]

Here is what I am certain of write it down takeit to the bank, tweet it out, post it on Instagram. This is what I am absolutely certain of, okay? We're closer today than we were yesterday. I'm certain of it. I'm 100 % positive. We are closer today than we were yesterday. [00:37:01]

I'm telling you the Bible doesn't whisper this it screams it it shouts it it says Christ does not want to come back to a sleepy congregation or a crowd lulled to sleep by the world he wants to come back to a bride waiting for him and he's not coming back humble in a manger with animals he's coming back as a warrior on a white horse to do good work and how you respond to that says everything everything about how you lived your life yesterday if that excites you if it awakens you if you're cynical if you're skeptical if you're afraid you And all of those emotions will point to most likely a belief that you have. [00:41:02]

So when he comes back, sneaks in the back of the classroom, let him find us doing exactly what it is that we're to be doing. With everyone that we're supposed to be with, thinking the things that we're supposed to be thinking, speaking the words that we're supposed to be speaking, funneling his resources where they're supposed to go, living like we belong to another kingdom. May he find us doing exactly what it is that he desires us to do. Which is what it means to be watchful, to stay waiting. [00:43:26]

Chatbot

What does grace teach believers to do?

How should future glory influence current actions?

What practical steps help others prepare for Jesus?