Living in Eager Anticipation of Christ's Return

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound anticipation of Christ's return, likening it to the excitement and longing of an engaged couple eagerly awaiting their wedding day. This metaphor serves as a reminder of the deep love and commitment we, as the bride of Christ, should have towards our Savior. The Bible paints a vivid picture of this future union, urging us to live in constant anticipation and readiness for His return. However, many of us, myself included, often find ourselves distracted by the busyness and comforts of this world, losing sight of this glorious promise.

Reflecting on my own life, I realized that I don't think about Christ's return as often as I should. This lack of anticipation is not uncommon, as many of us become too comfortable with our earthly lives, forgetting that we are merely sojourners here. The Bible encourages us to remind one another of Christ's return, using it as a source of hope and encouragement, especially in times of trial and suffering.

We also delved into the reality of suffering and injustice in the world, which should drive us to yearn for Christ's return even more. The atrocities and pain we witness should not lead us to despair but rather to a deeper longing for the day when Christ will make all things right. James 5 reminds us to be patient and steadfast, like a farmer waiting for the harvest, trusting that the Lord's coming is near.

Moreover, we discussed the importance of perseverance, using Job as an example. Perseverance doesn't mean we won't falter or make mistakes, but it signifies holding onto our faith despite the trials. It's about enduring and remaining faithful, even when we stumble. This realization brings comfort, knowing that God is gracious and that our perseverance is not in vain.

As we conclude, let us examine our hearts and ensure that we are living in eager anticipation of Christ's return. If there are areas in our lives that need alignment with His will, let us address them earnestly. May we be a bride that is passionately in love with our Groom, eagerly awaiting the day we will be united with Him forever.

Key Takeaways:

- Anticipation of Christ's Return: Just as an engaged couple eagerly awaits their wedding day, we should live in constant anticipation of Christ's return, reflecting our deep love and commitment to Him. This anticipation should be a daily part of our lives, influencing our actions and thoughts. [02:07]

- Encouragement in Trials: The return of Christ should be a source of encouragement, especially during trials and suffering. Instead of focusing on temporary solutions, we should remind each other of the eternal hope we have in Christ's return. [07:10]

- Perseverance Amidst Imperfection: Perseverance doesn't mean perfection. Like Job, we may falter, but true perseverance is holding onto our faith despite our mistakes. God values our endurance and faithfulness, even when we stumble. [49:13]

- Dissatisfaction with Earthly Life: God doesn't want us to be satisfied with life on earth. Our longing should be for our heavenly home, recognizing that earthly comforts are temporary and should not distract us from our eternal hope. [18:58]

- Living in Light of Reality: Facing the harsh realities of the world should drive us to long for Christ's return. Instead of creating a bubble of comfort, we should engage with the world's suffering, which deepens our desire for His coming. [39:47]

YouTube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:23] - Engaged Couples and Anticipation
- [01:10] - The Return of Christ as a Wedding Day
- [02:07] - Living in Anticipation
- [03:25] - Personal Struggles with Anticipation
- [06:45] - Encouragement Through Christ's Return
- [08:33] - Sharing Excitement for Christ's Coming
- [12:07] - Living in Victory
- [16:10] - Earthly Satisfaction vs. Heavenly Longing
- [20:29] - The Danger of Earthly Satisfaction
- [25:10] - Encouragement for the Persecuted
- [31:29] - The Reality of Global Suffering
- [39:47] - Longing for Christ's Return
- [41:23] - Patience and Perseverance
- [49:13] - Perseverance Despite Imperfection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Thessalonians 4:17
2. 2 Corinthians 5:1-5
3. James 5:7-11

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Observation Questions:

1. How does the metaphor of an engaged couple eagerly awaiting their wedding day relate to the anticipation of Christ's return? [01:39]

2. What does 1 Thessalonians 4:17 suggest about how believers should encourage one another regarding Christ's return? [07:10]

3. In 2 Corinthians 5:1-5, what imagery does Paul use to describe our earthly life and our longing for the heavenly dwelling? [18:30]

4. According to James 5:7-11, what examples are given to illustrate patience and perseverance in the face of suffering? [43:14]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might the anticipation of Christ's return influence a believer's daily life and priorities? [02:07]

2. In what ways can the return of Christ serve as a source of encouragement during trials and suffering? [07:10]

3. How does the metaphor of being "naked" in 2 Corinthians 5:1-5 reflect our dissatisfaction with earthly life and our longing for the eternal? [18:30]

4. What lessons can be learned from Job's perseverance, and how does it redefine our understanding of endurance amidst imperfection? [49:13]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: How often do you think about Christ's return, and what might be distracting you from this anticipation? [04:20]

2. How can you incorporate the hope of Christ's return into your conversations with others, especially during times of personal or communal trials? [07:10]

3. Identify an area in your life where you feel too comfortable with earthly satisfaction. What steps can you take to shift your focus towards your heavenly home? [18:58]

4. Consider a current trial or challenge you are facing. How can the example of Job's perseverance encourage you to hold onto your faith despite imperfections? [49:13]

5. What practical actions can you take this week to live in light of the reality of global suffering, and how can this deepen your longing for Christ's return? [39:47]

6. Think of someone in your life who might be struggling. How can you use the promise of Christ's return to offer them hope and encouragement? [07:10]

7. Are there areas in your life that need alignment with God's will? What specific changes can you make to ensure you are living in eager anticipation of Christ's return? [51:27]

Devotional

Day 1: Living in Anticipation of Christ's Return
In the Christian journey, the anticipation of Christ's return should be as vibrant and eager as the excitement of an engaged couple awaiting their wedding day. This metaphor highlights the depth of love and commitment that believers, as the bride of Christ, should have towards their Savior. The Bible encourages living in constant readiness for His return, allowing this anticipation to shape our daily actions and thoughts. However, the distractions and comforts of the world often cloud this anticipation, making it essential to refocus our hearts and minds on this glorious promise. [02:07]

"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 daily habit can you incorporate to remind yourself of Christ's return and keep your anticipation alive?


Day 2: Encouragement in Trials Through Christ's Return
The promise of Christ's return serves as a profound source of encouragement, especially during times of trials and suffering. Instead of seeking temporary solutions, believers are urged to remind one another of the eternal hope found in His return. This hope provides strength and perspective, helping to endure hardships with patience and steadfastness. The reality of suffering and injustice in the world should deepen our longing for the day when Christ will make all things right, offering a powerful reminder of the eternal joy that awaits. [07:10]

"Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, 'Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay.'" (Hebrews 10:35-37, ESV)

Reflection: In what specific trial are you currently seeking temporary solutions? How can you shift your focus to the eternal hope of Christ's return?


Day 3: Perseverance Amidst Imperfection
Perseverance in the Christian faith does not equate to perfection. Like Job, believers may falter, but true perseverance is about holding onto faith despite mistakes and trials. God values endurance and faithfulness, even when we stumble, offering grace and strength to continue the journey. This understanding brings comfort, knowing that our perseverance is not in vain and that God is with us every step of the way. [49:13]

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a recent mistake or failure. How can you embrace God's grace and continue to persevere in your faith journey?


Day 4: Dissatisfaction with Earthly Life
God calls believers to recognize that earthly comforts are temporary and should not distract from the eternal hope of a heavenly home. The longing for Christ's return should surpass any satisfaction found in this world, reminding us that we are sojourners here. This perspective encourages a life focused on eternal values, rather than being consumed by the fleeting pleasures and distractions of earthly life. [18:58]

"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." (Hebrews 13:14-15, ESV)

Reflection: What earthly comfort or distraction is currently taking your focus away from your eternal hope? How can you realign your priorities today?


Day 5: Living in Light of Reality
Facing the harsh realities of the world should drive believers to long for Christ's return. Instead of creating a bubble of comfort, Christians are called to engage with the world's suffering, allowing it to deepen their desire for His coming. This engagement not only fosters compassion and action but also strengthens the hope and anticipation of the day when Christ will restore all things. [39:47]

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God." (Romans 8:18-19, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively engage with the suffering around you today, allowing it to deepen your longing for Christ's return?

Quotes



The Bible gives this picture of I'm coming back like a groom coming to get his bride. It's the idea of meeting you at the altar. It's the idea of man we're going to be caught up with him. We're going to come together and he describes it as this wedding Feast, this celebration, this wedding day of this coming together. [00:01:34]

I want to ask you how often do you think about your wedding day? How often do you anticipate oh man it's coming it's coming it's coming any day now? You know like the couples that are engaged there just they think about it it's on their minds it's like oh man I can't that day can't come soon enough. [00:02:11]

The Bible says in first Thessalonians 4:17 that we should encourage one another with these things and by these things he's talking about the return of Christ that we as Christians it should be a part of our dialogue that we lift people up based upon the return of Christ. [00:06:57]

The return of Christ should be something that we encourage one another with and I thought Wow have I ever in my life heard someone encourage me with the return of Christ? I mean it maybe it's happened to you a couple times in life but it's not a common thing. [00:08:00]

God does not want you to be satisfied with life on Earth. You understand that is a very important truth. God does not want you to be satisfied with life on Earth as we have it right now. In fact, if you turn to 2 Corinthians chapter 5 let me prove this to you. [00:16:37]

We want to be happy we want to make our family happy we want to be satisfied and a lot of times we make that our goal and the scary thing is often times we succeed and we become So Satisfied that we're not even sure we want Jesus to return yet. [00:19:33]

Everything in scripture tells me that we're supposed to be groaning and longing for his returning longing to see him face to face and and and and our problem is is once we set up this little bubble and we're satisfied we don't want anything to change. [00:20:31]

I can do that and then I don't need to think about the return of Christ then I don't long for the return of Christ because I can create an atmosphere where I'm satisfied it seems like I can do that and that's my choice or I live in light of reality. [00:39:30]

The only thing that brings any comfort is when you pray come Lord Jesus because there's no answers to that. I mean we'll try we'll do everything we can as a church that's why we talk about this whole idea of let's just give just as much as we can let's alleviate some of this suffering. [00:37:49]

James says two of the hardest words to hear the two hardest words to hear in verse 7 after all all that building that all up be patient are you kidding me be patient and that word for patient you got to understand the word for patient too that's what makes it worse. [00:40:22]

Perseverance does not mean that you didn't sin in the process perseverance does not mean that you made it through the situation perfectly but at the end of it you still held on to your faith this was this was huge to me this is huge to me you know why because I think back in my life. [00:47:04]

Job he said some crazy things but he never let go of his faith even amidst it all he fought it through it wasn't right God was angry but you know what he persevered because he kept believing he held on to his faith and some of you man you've made some mistakes in the past. [00:49:13]

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Transcript
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