Living in Expectation: The Imminent Return of Jesus
Summary
### Summary
Today, we concluded our series, "The Target," by discussing our beliefs about the future, specifically the return of Jesus. Since Jesus' ascension, people have been obsessed with knowing when He will return. However, Jesus made it clear that the timing is not for us to know; our focus should be on being His witnesses and living in the power of the Holy Spirit. The return of Jesus is imminent and will be a real, visible event. Paul addressed this in his letter to the Thessalonians, assuring them that the "day of the Lord" will come like a thief in the night, unexpectedly.
Paul emphasized that believers should not be surprised by Jesus' return because they are children of the light, not of the darkness. This means living in a state of readiness and spiritual alertness. Jesus also taught that no one knows the day or hour of His return, and we should live with expectancy, staying awake and sober-minded. This spiritual vigilance should influence every aspect of our lives, from our daily worries to our long-term priorities.
Living in anticipation of Jesus' return should shape our decisions, our reactions to world events, and our personal struggles. It calls us to focus on eternal matters rather than temporary concerns. Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to build each other up with this hope, reminding them that they are destined for salvation, not wrath.
In light of this, we must ask ourselves if we truly believe in Jesus' return and if we are living in a way that reflects that belief. For those who haven't yet received Jesus' mercy and grace, today is an opportunity to do so. For those who have, it's a call to stay spiritually awake and ready, focusing on what truly matters for eternity.
### Key Takeaways
1. Stay in Your Lane: Jesus emphasized that the timing of His return is not for us to know. Our focus should be on living out our calling as His witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This means trusting God with the future and dedicating ourselves to the mission He has given us. [01:40]
2. The Imminent Return of Jesus: The return of Jesus is a real, visible event that could happen at any time. This belief should instill a sense of urgency and hope in us, motivating us to live in a way that reflects our anticipation of His return. [04:59]
3. Children of the Light: As believers, we are not in darkness but in the light. This means we should not be surprised by Jesus' return. Our lives should be marked by spiritual readiness and alertness, living in a way that honors God and reflects our faith. [13:47]
4. Living with Expectancy: We are called to stay awake and be sober-minded, living with a constant expectancy of Jesus' return. This spiritual vigilance should influence our daily decisions, priorities, and how we handle life's challenges, keeping our focus on eternal matters. [19:40]
5. Encouraging One Another: Paul urged the Thessalonians to encourage each other with the hope of Jesus' return. We need to remind each other of this reality, helping one another stay focused on what truly matters and supporting each other in our spiritual journey. [29:28]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:51] - The Obsession with "When"
[01:40] - Jesus' Directive: Stay in Your Lane
[02:43] - The Promise of Jesus' Return
[03:51] - Misguided Predictions
[04:59] - The Imminent Return of Jesus
[06:25] - Paul's Letter to the Thessalonians
[08:09] - Like a Thief in the Night
[11:38] - Jesus' Teachings on His Return
[12:38] - Be Ready and Stay Awake
[13:47] - Children of the Light
[15:59] - Receiving Mercy and Grace
[17:45] - Living in Expectancy
[19:40] - Spiritual Vigilance
[21:08] - Waiting Up for Jesus
[23:07] - The Impact of Eternal Perspective
[25:26] - Influence on Daily Life
[27:22] - Facing Life's Challenges
[29:28] - Encouraging One Another
[31:27] - Personal Reflection and Prayer
[33:04] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:6-8 - "So when they had come together, they asked him, 'Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?' He said to them, 'It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.'"
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 - "Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 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. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
3. Matthew 24:36-44 - "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. 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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus tell His disciples about knowing the times or seasons of His return in Acts 1:6-8? [01:40]
2. How does Paul describe the return of Jesus in 1 Thessalonians 5:2? What metaphor does he use? [08:09]
3. According to Matthew 24:36-44, who knows the day and hour of Jesus' return? [11:38]
4. What are believers called to do in 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 to prepare for Jesus' return? [18:29]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized that the timing of His return is not for us to know? How does this affect our daily lives? [01:40]
2. What does it mean to be "children of the light" as described in 1 Thessalonians 5:5? How should this identity influence our behavior? [13:47]
3. How does the metaphor of a thief in the night help us understand the nature of Jesus' return? What implications does this have for our readiness? [08:09]
4. In what ways does living with expectancy of Jesus' return shape our priorities and decisions according to the sermon? [25:26]
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus told His disciples to focus on being His witnesses rather than knowing the timing of His return. How can you stay focused on your mission as a witness in your daily life? [01:40]
2. Reflect on your current state of spiritual readiness. Are there areas in your life where you feel spiritually "asleep"? What steps can you take to stay spiritually awake and alert? [19:40]
3. How does the hope of Jesus' imminent return influence your reaction to world events and personal struggles? Can you think of a recent situation where this perspective could have changed your response? [25:26]
4. Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to build each other up with the hope of Jesus' return. How can you encourage someone in your small group or community this week with this hope? [29:28]
5. The sermon mentioned that living in anticipation of Jesus' return should influence our long-term priorities. What are some long-term goals or plans you have that might need to be re-evaluated in light of eternity? [23:50]
6. Jesus' return is described as coming unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. How can you cultivate a lifestyle of readiness and expectancy in your daily routine? [08:09]
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of not getting wrapped up in temporary concerns. Identify one specific worry or concern you have right now. How can you shift your focus to eternal matters instead? [23:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God's Timing
Our focus should be on living out our calling as Jesus' witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit, rather than obsessing over the timing of His return. Jesus made it clear that the exact time of His return is not for us to know. Instead, we are to trust God with the future and dedicate ourselves to the mission He has given us. This means living in the power of the Holy Spirit and being His witnesses in our daily lives. By staying in our lane and focusing on our calling, we can live with a sense of purpose and direction, knowing that God is in control of the future. [01:40]
Acts 1:7-8 (ESV): "He said to them, 'It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.'"
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to live out your calling as a witness for Jesus, trusting Him with the future?
Day 2: Living with Urgency and Hope
The return of Jesus is a real, visible event that could happen at any time. This belief should instill a sense of urgency and hope in us, motivating us to live in a way that reflects our anticipation of His return. Knowing that Jesus' return is imminent encourages us to prioritize our lives around eternal matters rather than temporary concerns. It calls us to live with a sense of purpose, making decisions that honor God and reflect our faith. By living with this urgency and hope, we can be a light to those around us, pointing them to the hope we have in Jesus. [04:59]
1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How can you adjust your daily priorities to reflect the urgency and hope of Jesus' imminent return?
Day 3: Spiritual Readiness and Alertness
As believers, we are children of the light, not of the darkness. This means we should not be surprised by Jesus' return. Our lives should be marked by spiritual readiness and alertness, living in a way that honors God and reflects our faith. Being spiritually awake and sober-minded involves staying vigilant in our faith, being aware of the spiritual battles we face, and living in a way that is pleasing to God. By doing so, we can be prepared for Jesus' return and help others to be ready as well. [13:47]
1 Thessalonians 5:5-6 (ESV): "For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to be more spiritually alert and ready for Jesus' return?
Day 4: Influencing Daily Decisions with Eternal Perspective
We are called to stay awake and be sober-minded, living with a constant expectancy of Jesus' return. This spiritual vigilance should influence our daily decisions, priorities, and how we handle life's challenges, keeping our focus on eternal matters. By living with an eternal perspective, we can navigate the ups and downs of life with a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that our ultimate hope is in Jesus. This perspective helps us to make decisions that align with God's will and to handle challenges with faith and trust in Him. [19:40]
1 Peter 4:7-8 (ESV): "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."
Reflection: How can you let the expectancy of Jesus' return influence a specific decision or challenge you are facing today?
Day 5: Encouraging One Another with Hope
Paul urged the Thessalonians to encourage each other with the hope of Jesus' return. We need to remind each other of this reality, helping one another stay focused on what truly matters and supporting each other in our spiritual journey. By encouraging one another, we can build each other up in faith and keep our eyes fixed on the hope we have in Jesus. This mutual encouragement strengthens our community and helps us to persevere in our faith, knowing that we are not alone in our journey. [29:28]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who can you encourage today with the hope of Jesus' return, and how can you do it in a meaningful way?
Quotes
1. "Essentially what Jesus says is this, stay in your lane. Leave the future in God's capable hands and you stay in your lane. And your lane is you will receive the Spirit, go and be witnesses in all the earth. That's your lane. Do that. And leave the future up to my Father in heaven. That's not for you to know." [01:40] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We believe that the return of Jesus will happen. We believe that he will return and that his return is imminent. Which is just another word for it could happen at any time. And we believe that this will be a real event. That it will be visible just in the same way as he left that he will return. In other words, it's not going to be some spiritual reality. It will actually physically happen. The return of Jesus. He will come and he will complete what he has started." [04:59] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The day of the Lord will come. He assures them of that truth, and that's the truth that we believe, that the day of the Lord, that his return will come. Definitely come. And it's interesting because he says, listen, I don't really need to write to you about this, because I already told you. I was already with you. I already answered your questions. I already told you about this. I don't really need to write to you. I've already told you to be ready and waiting, and I don't know when. You know that the Lord will come, he says, and that he will come." [08:09] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "For those who have received God's mercy through faith, in Jesus, you are in the light. And so therefore, Paul says, you don't need to be surprised. You don't need to be surprised at the coming of Jesus. You can be prepared, in other words. And the way that we avoid a surprise, the way we are prepared for that day of the Lord, is by receiving, by faith, Jesus' mercy." [15:59] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The Bible is very clear that you are not saved by the stuff you do. And yet, there are millions of people, church-going people, who, have wrongly believed that if I try hard, if I do the right things and don't do the wrong things, then I can be ready. Always living on the edge of fear. Always wondering, well, maybe yes, maybe no. But if I try hard, and I live a pretty good life, then that's how I get ready. And that's the exact opposite of what Scripture says. It says, you can be ready and know it, because you have received mercy." [16:59] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Stay awake with expectancy of the return of Jesus. Live with expectancy of eternity. And Jesus said the exact same thing. In Matthew chapter 24. To be alert and to be ready. I know that all of us in this room at some point in life, you have probably waited up for something. Maybe you had some people come in town and they came in late and you had to wait up for them. Or maybe you waited up for New Year's Eve or whatever. But we've all probably waited up for something that's happening." [20:27] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Jesus wants to be ready and waiting. Staying awake. It's a metaphor for spiritual expectancy, for living in anticipation of the return of Jesus. That I'm going to see him whether he comes back. Like a thief in the night. Or whether my life is over. That either way, both of which we don't know exactly when, that we would be expected and ready and waiting for him." [23:07] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Can't you see how that kind of a life of living in expectancy of the return of Jesus would influence everything in our lives? I mean, I look at my own life and I say, if I actually lived like that, it would so impact the things I worry about and think about. Don't you think that it would impact the way we live? Watch the news or read the news? How many of us can so easily get spun up by what's going on in the news? Concerned about what's going to happen tomorrow. Concerned about the economy and all these things. And we get so wrapped up in that, that we lose sight of an eternal perspective." [25:26] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I just believe that if we actually lived like scripture calls us to, as followers of Jesus, awake and alert and waiting and ready, that it would influence our decision making. It would crystallize our priorities in life. We wrestle with what's, you know, our priorities and this. And if we're really honest, most of the things, like the top several things on the priority list, none of them really matter for eternity. It's stuff. What if we, what if we were to take this seriously and we're to live in light of the return of Jesus, in light of eternity?" [26:59] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I think it would change things for you when the doctor gives you a diagnosis. That you'd be able to say, okay, I'm not making light of that. I'm not pretending like that's not what the doctor just said. However, I know how this all ends. And I'm living in light of that. Don't you think that it ought to influence the loneliness that maybe you feel so deeply? That maybe it would influence the fact that you would be able to look at your loneliness and the struggle of that loneliness, and you would be able to look at the struggle of that loneliness, and say, but this isn't the end of my story." [27:22] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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