Living in Expectation: Embracing Biblical Prophecy Today
Summary
Today’s focus is on the certainty and significance of biblical prophecy, especially as it relates to the times we are living in. The Word of God is clear: there are things that have been foretold which have not yet come to pass, and it is crucial for us to be aware, discerning, and prepared. We are reminded that the last days are marked by the rise of false teachers and deceiving spirits, and that many will seek out teachings that suit their own desires rather than the truth. This is why it is so important to know the Scriptures for ourselves, to be rooted in what God has actually said, and to be vigilant against the subtle distortions of truth that are so prevalent in our world.
The pattern of God’s dealings with humanity is consistent: what He says, He will do. Just as the world in Noah’s day was warned and then judged, so too our world is reserved for a coming judgment—not by water, but by fire. Yet, God’s timing is not like ours; a thousand years is as a day to Him. He is patient, not wanting any to perish, but calling all to repentance. The “lease” that the enemy has on this world is almost up, and soon, Christ will return to establish His kingdom and bring true rest to His people.
We are called to live in expectation of Christ’s return, not just as a doctrine, but as a daily reality that shapes our choices, our families, and our standards. The example of Enoch, who walked with God and was taken up, serves as a prophetic picture of the rapture and a challenge to us: are we walking in agreement with God? Are we living in such a way that we would not be ashamed should Christ return at any moment? There is a clear distinction between the worldly and the godly, and we must choose daily which path we will walk.
Ultimately, the call is to ask for the help of the Holy Spirit, to agree with God’s direction, and to live with a heart that is always looking for His appearing. This is not a message of fear, but of hope and comfort for those who are truly seeking Him. Let us be a people who are not just hearers, but doers—always looking, always ready, and always walking with God.
Key Takeaways
- Discernment in the Last Days: The rise of false teachers and deceiving spirits is a hallmark of the last days. It is not enough to simply attend church or listen to popular voices; we must know the Scriptures for ourselves and be vigilant against teachings that twist or dilute the truth. The enemy’s strategy is to make us comfortable with a version of faith that suits our desires rather than God’s standards. [02:21]
- God’s Timing and Faithfulness: God operates outside of our concept of time. What seems delayed to us is not delayed to Him; His promises are sure, and His patience is for our benefit, giving more people the opportunity to repent. The “lease” of evil on this world is almost up, and God’s plan for ultimate justice and restoration is right on schedule. [08:44]
- Living in Expectation: True believers live as if Christ could return at any moment. This expectation shapes our daily decisions, our relationships, and our standards. It is not enough to look the part; only those who are truly looking for His return—living in readiness and obedience—will be taken when He comes. [16:40]
- Walking in Agreement with God: Enoch’s life is a prophetic picture of what it means to walk with God. Agreement with God is not just about asking for His opinion, but about aligning our lives with His will, even when it challenges our preferences. The depth of our walk is measured by our willingness to agree with and obey God, not just to consult Him. [31:57]
- The Power and Necessity of the Holy Spirit: We cannot live this life or walk in readiness by our own strength. The Holy Spirit is given to help us, to empower us to live in a way that pleases God, and to keep us looking and longing for Christ’s return. Our daily prayer should be for His help, knowing that with Him, we can do all things. [39:37]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Introduction to Prophecy and the Last Days
[02:21] - Warning Against False Teachers
[05:15] - Deceiving Spirits and Doctrines of Demons
[08:44] - God’s Timing and the Certainty of His Promises
[12:30] - The Devil’s Lease and the Coming Rest
[16:40] - Living in Expectation of Christ’s Return
[17:19] - Personal Responsibility and Christian Freedom
[19:25] - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Daily Life
[21:46] - Enoch: A Prophetic Picture of the Rapture
[23:31] - The Two Bloodlines: Worldly and Godly
[25:31] - Enoch’s Transformation and Walk with God
[29:41] - Pleasing God: The Example of Enoch and Jesus
[31:57] - Walking in Agreement with God
[36:32] - The Challenge of Agreeing with God
[39:37] - Prayer for Help and Closing Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living in Expectation—Certainty and Significance of Biblical Prophecy
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### Bible Reading
- 2 Peter 3:1-13 (Main text; the certainty of God’s promises, the last days, and living in expectation)
- Genesis 5:21-24 (The walk of Enoch with God)
- Hebrews 11:5-6 (Enoch’s faith and pleasing God)
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### Observation Questions
1. In 2 Peter 3, what reasons does Peter give for reminding believers about the words of the prophets and apostles? What are the “last days” signs he mentions? [02:21]
2. According to Genesis 5:21-24, what is unique about Enoch’s life and how does the text describe his relationship with God? [21:46]
3. In Hebrews 11:5-6, what is said about Enoch’s faith and the result of his walk with God? How does the passage connect faith and pleasing God?
4. The sermon mentions two “bloodlines” or ways of living (worldly and godly). What are some characteristics of each, as described in the message? [23:31]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Peter emphasize the importance of remembering the words of the prophets and apostles in the context of the last days? How does this help believers face false teaching? [02:21]
2. The sermon draws a parallel between the days of Noah and the present. What is the significance of this comparison, and what does it teach about God’s faithfulness and judgment? [08:44]
3. Enoch’s life is presented as a prophetic picture of the rapture and walking with God. What does it mean to “walk in agreement” with God, and how is this different from simply asking for God’s opinion? [31:57]
4. The message says that only those who are “looking” for Christ’s return will be taken when He comes. What does it look like, practically, to live in expectation of Christ’s return? [16:40]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon warns about the rise of false teachers and the temptation to seek out teachings that suit our desires. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to “find a version of faith” that is more comfortable rather than true to Scripture? How can you guard against this? [02:21]
2. God’s timing is described as different from ours—“a thousand years is as a day.” When have you struggled with God’s timing in your life? How can remembering His faithfulness and patience help you trust Him more? [08:44]
3. The example of Enoch challenges us to walk in agreement with God, not just consult Him. Is there a specific area where you know what God wants, but you’re struggling to agree and obey? What would it look like to take a step of agreement this week? [31:57]
4. The message says that living in expectation of Christ’s return should shape our choices, families, and standards. What is one practical change you could make in your daily routine or family life to reflect this expectation? [16:40]
5. The sermon highlights the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s help. Do you regularly ask the Holy Spirit for help in your walk with God? What would change if you started each day with a simple prayer for His guidance and strength? [39:37]
6. The distinction between the worldly and godly “bloodlines” is clear in the message. In what ways do you see the pull of the world in your own life? What is one step you can take this week to choose the godly path? [23:31]
7. The pastor shared that “there’s not but two” ways—right and wrong, godly and worldly. Is there an area where you’ve been living in the “in-between”? What would it look like to make a clear choice for God in that area? [34:21]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray, asking the Holy Spirit for help to walk in agreement with God, to live in expectation of Christ’s return, and to be rooted in the truth of Scripture.
Devotional
Day 1: Beware of False Teaching and Remain Rooted in Truth
In these last days, many will be tempted to follow teachings that suit their own desires rather than the truth of God’s Word. The world is full of voices that twist Scripture to fit personal preferences, but believers are called to remain vigilant, discerning, and anchored in the teachings of the prophets and apostles. It is crucial to read the Bible for oneself, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and guard against deception, especially as false teachers and deceiving spirits become more prevalent. [05:15]
2 Peter 3:1-7 (ESV)
"This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, 'Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.' For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly."
Reflection: Are you actively seeking the truth of God’s Word for yourself, or are you letting the world’s opinions shape your beliefs? What step can you take today to deepen your discernment?
Day 2: Living with Expectation of Christ’s Return
The promise of Jesus’ return is not meant to scare but to comfort and motivate believers to live holy and expectant lives. Those who truly believe in Christ’s coming shape their daily actions, relationships, and standards around this hope, striving to be found ready and faithful. Living with this expectation means making choices that reflect readiness, not just outwardly but from a heart that is genuinely looking for the Lord’s appearing. [16:40]
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (ESV)
"For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."
Reflection: If Jesus were to return today, would you be living in a way that reflects your hope in Him? What is one area of your life you need to align with this expectation?
Day 3: Walking with God Requires Agreement and Daily Surrender
To walk closely with God, as Enoch did, means to agree with Him—not just to ask for His guidance, but to accept and obey His answers. True intimacy with God is built on daily surrender, honest conversation, and a willingness to let go of personal preferences in favor of God’s will. This kind of walk transforms a person’s life, making them distinct in a world that often chooses its own way. [32:40]
Amos 3:3 (ESV)
"Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?"
Reflection: What is one area where you have resisted God’s direction because you didn’t want to agree with Him? Will you surrender that area to Him today and walk in agreement?
Day 4: The Testimony That Pleases God
Enoch’s life is a prophetic picture of those who will be taken up because they have a testimony that pleases God. Pleasing God is not about perfection but about faith, obedience, and a heart that seeks to walk with Him daily. Just as God was pleased with Jesus, He is pleased with those who trust Him, seek His presence, and live by faith, even when surrounded by a worldly society. [29:41]
Hebrews 11:5 (ESV)
"By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God."
Reflection: What would it look like for you to have a testimony that pleases God in your workplace, home, or community today?
Day 5: Relying on the Holy Spirit for Daily Help
Living a godly life is not about striving in your own strength but about daily dependence on the Holy Spirit. Just as a child asks for help, believers are invited to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance, strength, and transformation. God delights in helping His children, and with His help, it is possible to live in readiness, obedience, and victory over the challenges of this world. [40:54]
Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
Reflection: What specific challenge or weakness do you need to bring to the Holy Spirit today, asking for His help instead of trying to handle it on your own?
Quotes
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