Living in Hope: Embracing Christ's Promised Return
Summary
Paul’s words to the Thessalonians remind us that our hope is not rooted in the circumstances of this world, but in the unshakeable promise of Christ’s return. While the world is often gripped by fear and anxiety—especially when talk of the end times fills our newsfeeds and conversations—those who belong to Jesus are called to a different posture. We are not to be people of fear, but people of hope, because we know the One who holds the future. The return of Christ is not meant to terrify us, but to encourage us, to lift our eyes above the chaos and uncertainty, and to anchor our hearts in the faithfulness of God.
It’s easy to get caught up in speculation about when Jesus will return, but Paul makes it clear: the timing is not for us to know. Instead, we are called to live in readiness, not by frantic preparation, but by daily faithfulness. Readiness means submitting our lives to the lordship of Jesus, making Him our highest love, and living out His command to make disciples. If the thought of Christ’s return stirs fear in us, it’s worth asking why. Is it because we doubt God’s goodness, or because we’re clinging too tightly to the things of this world? These are the questions we must bring honestly before God, trusting Him to meet us in our weakness.
Living as children of the light means walking in trust, not self-reliance. Too often, we carry the weight of our own provision, our own righteousness, and our own security. But the call is to lay down that burden and trust God for everything—our finances, our families, our future. When we do, the stress and anxiety that so often dominate our lives begin to melt away. Trusting God is not a one-time decision, but a daily practice, a continual turning from self to Christ.
The stories of faith—like George Mueller’s orphanage or Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace—remind us that God is faithful, even when the outcome is uncertain. Our role is not to control, but to trust and obey. The enemy would love to keep us paralyzed by fear, but we are called to put on the armor of faith, love, and hope, and to encourage one another as we wait for our Savior. In doing so, we become a people marked not by anxiety, but by the peace and joy that come from knowing Christ.
Key Takeaways
- Hope, Not Fear, in Christ’s Return
The return of Jesus is not a threat, but a promise of hope for those who belong to Him. If fear arises when thinking about the end times, it’s an invitation to examine our hearts—are we trusting God’s goodness, or are we clinging to the temporary comforts of this world? Our hope is anchored in the resurrection and the assurance that we will always be with the Lord. [05:36]
- Readiness Is a Way of Life, Not a Last-Minute Scramble
Scripture never calls us to “get ready” in a frantic sense, but to “be ready” by living each day in submission to Christ. Readiness is about making Jesus Lord, living out His command to make disciples, and letting our lives reflect His righteousness. If we would change our lives if we knew Jesus was coming next week, we should make those changes now, because His return could be at any moment. [13:49]
- Trusting God Over Self-Reliance
We often default to trusting ourselves for provision, security, and righteousness, but this only leads to stress and anxiety. True peace comes when we recognize our limitations and trust God to provide for every need. Shifting our trust from self to God frees us from burdens we were never meant to carry. [19:36]
- Faith Is Proven in the Ordinary and the Uncertain
Great acts of faith are not just for the dramatic moments, but for the daily decisions to trust God—whether in finances, relationships, or facing the unknown. The stories of George Mueller and the three men in the furnace show that faith is about obedience and trust, regardless of the outcome. God’s faithfulness is revealed as we walk with Him, not as we try to control every detail. [32:02]
- Encouragement and Community in the Waiting
Paul urges us to encourage and build one another up as we wait for Christ’s return. The enemy seeks to isolate us with fear and anxiety, but God calls us to walk together, supporting each other in faith, love, and hope. Living as children of the light means allowing God to have control, trusting Him, and helping others do the same. [34:50]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:06] - Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11
[02:07] - The Promise of Christ’s Return
[03:04] - Children of Light: Our Identity
[04:37] - Facing End Times Fear
[10:01] - What Would You Do If Jesus Returned Next Week?
[10:56] - The Thief in the Night: Unexpected Return
[12:13] - The World’s Surprise and Our Hope
[13:49] - The Call to Make Disciples
[16:27] - The Burden for Loved Ones
[17:44] - Righteousness and Trusting God
[19:36] - Provision: Trusting God, Not Ourselves
[22:14] - Lessons from Financial Struggles
[25:10] - Communication and Trust in Relationships
[27:10] - Living a Lifestyle of Trust
[30:20] - Faith Stories: George Mueller and the Fiery Furnace
[33:16] - Martyrdom and the Focus on God
[34:50] - Armor, Battle, and Living Without Fear
[35:30] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Hope, Readiness, and Trust in Christ’s Return
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### Bible Reading
1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11 (ESV)
> 13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 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. 17 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. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
> 1 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 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. 4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8 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. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, what is the reason Christians should not grieve “like the rest who have no hope”?
2. In chapter 5, what does Paul mean when he says the “day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night”? How does he contrast the experience of believers and non-believers?
3. What are the “armor of faith and love” and the “helmet of the hope of salvation” that Paul mentions, and why does he tell believers to put them on?
4. The sermon mentions that Paul tells us to “encourage one another and build each other up.” What does this look like in the context of waiting for Christ’s return? [03:04]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that the return of Christ is meant to encourage us, not terrify us. Why might some Christians still feel fear when thinking about the end times? What does this reveal about our trust in God or our attachment to the world? [05:36]
2. Paul says we are “children of light.” What does it mean to live as a child of the light, especially in a world filled with fear and uncertainty? [03:04]
3. The pastor points out that readiness is not about frantic preparation but daily faithfulness. How does this challenge common ideas about “getting ready” for Jesus’ return? [13:49]
4. The sermon shares stories like George Mueller’s orphanage and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. What do these stories teach us about trusting God in both ordinary and uncertain times? [32:02]
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### Application Questions
1. When you hear talk about the end times or see news stories about world events, do you feel hope or fear? If fear, what specifically causes that feeling? Is it a lack of trust in God’s goodness, or is it something else? [05:36]
2. If you knew Jesus was coming back next week, what would you change about your life? Why aren’t those changes a priority now? [10:01]
3. The sermon challenges us to make Jesus our highest love and to live out His command to make disciples. Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus, and what is one step you can take this week to share your faith with them? [13:49]
4. In what areas of your life do you tend to rely on yourself instead of trusting God—finances, family, security, or something else? What would it look like to lay down that burden and trust God instead? [19:36]
5. The pastor shared about stress and anxiety melting away when we trust God for provision. Can you share a time when you experienced God’s faithfulness in a practical way? How did it change your outlook? [27:10]
6. Paul urges us to encourage and build each other up as we wait for Christ’s return. What is one way you can encourage someone in your group or church this week? [34:50]
7. The sermon talks about putting on the “armor of faith, love, and hope.” What is one practical way you can put on this armor in your daily life, especially when facing fear or uncertainty? [34:50]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help you live as children of the light—full of hope, trust, and encouragement for one another.
Devotional
Day 1: Living with Hope, Not Fear, in Christ’s Return
As believers, we are called to face the future with hope rather than fear, especially when considering the return of Jesus. The world may be filled with anxiety and uncertainty, but those who belong to Christ have a secure hope that transcends the troubles of this life. Instead of being overwhelmed by fear of the unknown or the end times, we are invited to rejoice in the promise that Jesus is coming back for His people. This hope is not based on our circumstances but on the unchanging truth of Christ’s victory over death and His promise to be with us always. [05:36]
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (CSB):
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still 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. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Reflection: What is one specific fear you have about the future or Christ’s return, and how can you bring that fear honestly before God in prayer today, asking Him to replace it with hope?
Day 2: Be Ready, Not Just Getting Ready
The call for Christians is not to scramble to “get ready” for Jesus’ return at the last minute, but to live every day in a state of readiness—walking in relationship with Christ and fulfilling His command to make disciples. Readiness is not about knowing the timing of His coming, but about faithfully living out our calling, submitting to Jesus as Lord, and sharing His love with others. If there is something you would change if you knew Jesus was coming back soon, let that be the change you make today, not tomorrow. [13:49]
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (CSB):
About the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. When they say, “Peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the dark, for this day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness. So then, let us not sleep, like the rest, but let us stay awake and be self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled and put on the armor of faith and love, and a helmet of the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.
Reflection: If you knew Jesus was coming back next week, what is one thing you would do differently—and how can you start doing that today?
Day 3: Trusting God for Provision, Not Ourselves
It is easy to fall into the trap of believing that we are responsible for providing for ourselves and our families, but true peace comes from recognizing that all provision comes from God. When we shift our trust from our own efforts to God’s faithfulness, the burden of stress and anxiety is lifted. God invites us to bring our needs to Him, to seek His guidance before acting, and to rest in His ability to provide—even in the most uncertain times. [19:36]
Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV):
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Reflection: In what area of your life are you carrying the burden of provision or control, and how can you intentionally surrender that area to God’s care today?
Day 4: Living a Life of Righteousness by Trusting Jesus
Righteousness is not about striving to keep every rule or relying on our own strength, but about daily walking with Jesus, trusting in His righteousness, and allowing Him to transform us. When we focus on our own efforts, we become burdened and anxious, but when we look to Christ and trust Him, He leads us into a life that reflects His love and holiness. Living this way not only brings us peace but also becomes a testimony to those around us of God’s grace and power. [30:20]
Philippians 3:8-9 (ESV):
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.
Reflection: Where are you tempted to rely on your own goodness or effort, and how can you shift your focus to trusting in Jesus’ righteousness today?
Day 5: Encouraging Others and Building Each Other Up
As followers of Christ, we are called to encourage one another and build each other up, especially in times of uncertainty or fear. The enemy seeks to sow fear and division, but God’s people are to be a source of hope, comfort, and strength for each other. By sharing our faith, supporting one another, and pointing each other to Christ, we help dispel fear and foster a community marked by love and courage. [34:50]
Hebrews 10:23-25 (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, 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 is one person you can encourage or build up in faith today, and what specific step can you take to do that?
Quotes
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