Living in Hope: Preparing for Christ's Return
Summary
In these challenging times, it's crucial to remember that we are part of a global community facing similar struggles. From political unrest in Hong Kong to economic hardships in Buenos Aires, and the housing crisis in Berlin, our Saddleback congregations worldwide are experiencing significant trials. Yet, amidst these difficulties, we are reminded of the hope we have in Christ. Knowing the end of the story gives us peace and assurance, as we are promised victory through Jesus' return.
The Book of James offers us guidance on how to live in anticipation of Christ's second coming. James emphasizes that Jesus will return, though we do not know when. This knowledge should influence how we live today. We are encouraged to clean out the garbage in our lives, stay close to Christ, use troubles to grow spiritually, practice loving everyone, invest in the bank of heaven, and use our gifts to reach others. These actions prepare us for Jesus' return and help us live a life that reflects His love and grace.
Understanding the signs of the last days, as described by Jesus, Paul, and Peter, helps us recognize the times we are living in. While we may not know if these are the last days, we are certainly in the later days, and it's crucial to be ready. Being ready means living a life that honors God and serves others, using the gifts and resources He has given us to make a difference in the world.
As we navigate these uncertain times, let us focus on what truly matters: our relationship with God and our love for others. By doing so, we not only prepare for Christ's return but also bring hope and light to a world in need.
Key Takeaways:
- Global Challenges and Hope in Christ: Despite the global challenges we face, such as political unrest and economic hardships, we find hope in knowing the end of the story. Our faith assures us of victory through Jesus' return, providing peace amidst turmoil. [05:35]
- Living in Anticipation of Christ's Return: The Book of James teaches us to live in anticipation of Jesus' return by cleaning out the garbage in our lives, staying close to Christ, and using troubles to grow spiritually. These actions prepare us for His coming and help us live a life that reflects His love. [06:27]
- Recognizing the Signs of the Times: Understanding the signs of the last days, as described by Jesus, Paul, and Peter, helps us recognize the times we are living in. While we may not know if these are the last days, we are certainly in the later days, and it's crucial to be ready. [09:10]
- Investing in the Bank of Heaven: We are encouraged to invest in the bank of heaven by using our resources to help others. This not only stores up treasure in heaven but also reflects God's generosity and love to the world. [27:27]
- Using Our Gifts to Reach Others: God has given us unique gifts and talents to serve others and reach them with His love. By using these gifts, we fulfill our purpose and prepare for Christ's return, making a difference in the world. [36:13]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Global Challenges
[02:49] - Five Factors of Stress
[05:17] - Staying Positive
[06:06] - A Faith That Knows the End
[08:00] - James on Jesus' Return
[09:10] - Last Days Descriptions
[10:29] - Jesus' Words on the Last Days
[11:38] - Paul's Description of the Last Days
[13:19] - Peter's Description of the Last Days
[16:22] - Be Ready for Jesus' Return
[17:27] - Clean Out the Garbage
[20:03] - Stay Close to Christ
[22:22] - Use Trouble to Grow Spiritually
[24:46] - Practice Loving Everyone
[27:27] - Invest in the Bank of Heaven
[36:13] - Use Gifts to Reach Others
[39:26] - Why Jesus Waits
[40:52] - Be Ready and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. James 5:7-9 (NIV) - "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!"
2. Matthew 24:7-14 (NIV) - "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
3. 2 Peter 3:10-13 (NIV) - "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to James 5:7-9, what are believers encouraged to do as they await the Lord's coming? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on patience and readiness? [08:00]
2. In Matthew 24:7-14, what are some of the signs mentioned that indicate the beginning of the end times? How do these signs relate to the current global challenges mentioned in the sermon? [10:29]
3. What does 2 Peter 3:10-13 say about the nature of the Lord's return and the transformation of the world? How does this passage encourage believers to live? [13:19]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of global challenges in understanding the times we are living in? [00:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the anticipation of Christ’s return, as described in James 5:7-9, influence a believer's daily life and decisions? [08:00]
2. What does the increase of wickedness and the cooling of love, as mentioned in Matthew 24:12, suggest about the spiritual climate of the last days? How should believers respond to this? [10:59]
3. In 2 Peter 3:10-13, what does it mean to "speed" the coming of the day of God? How can believers actively participate in this process? [14:02]
4. The sermon mentions using our gifts to reach others. How does this align with the biblical call to live holy and godly lives in anticipation of Christ’s return? [36:13]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the global challenges mentioned in the sermon. How can you find hope in Christ amidst these difficulties, and how can you share that hope with others? [00:09]
2. The sermon encourages believers to "clean out the garbage" in their lives. What specific habits or attitudes do you need to address to prepare for Christ’s return? [17:27]
3. How can you use current troubles to grow spiritually stronger, as suggested in the sermon? Identify a recent challenge and discuss how it has tested and strengthened your faith. [22:22]
4. The sermon emphasizes practicing love for everyone. Think of a person or group you find difficult to love. What steps can you take this week to show them love and grace? [24:46]
5. Consider the resources and gifts God has given you. How can you invest these in the "bank of heaven" by helping others in need? Identify a specific action you can take this week. [27:27]
6. Reflect on the unique gifts and talents God has given you. How can you use these to reach others and make a difference in your community? [36:13]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of being ready for Christ’s return. What changes can you make in your daily routine to ensure you are living a life that honors God and serves others? [16:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Hope Amidst Global Challenges
In these challenging times, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the political unrest, economic hardships, and housing crises affecting communities worldwide. However, as part of a global community, we are reminded of the hope we have in Christ. This hope is not just a vague wish but a confident assurance rooted in the knowledge of the end of the story. Our faith assures us of victory through Jesus' return, providing peace amidst turmoil. By focusing on this hope, we can find strength and encouragement to face the trials of today. [05:35]
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to shift your focus from the present challenges to the hope you have in Christ?
Day 2: Living in Anticipation of Christ's Return
The Book of James offers practical guidance on how to live in anticipation of Christ's return. James emphasizes that while we do not know when Jesus will return, this knowledge should influence how we live today. We are encouraged to clean out the garbage in our lives, stay close to Christ, and use troubles to grow spiritually. These actions not only prepare us for His coming but also help us live a life that reflects His love and grace. By living with this anticipation, we align our lives with God's purposes and experience His peace. [06:27]
"Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." (Matthew 24:42, ESV)
Reflection: What is one "garbage" area in your life that you need to clean out to better prepare for Christ's return?
Day 3: Recognizing the Signs of the Times
Understanding the signs of the last days, as described by Jesus, Paul, and Peter, helps us recognize the times we are living in. While we may not know if these are the last days, we are certainly in the later days, and it's crucial to be ready. Being ready means living a life that honors God and serves others, using the gifts and resources He has given us to make a difference in the world. By recognizing these signs, we are reminded of the urgency to live faithfully and purposefully. [09:10]
"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty." (2 Timothy 3:1, ESV)
Reflection: How can you use your current circumstances as a reminder to live with urgency and purpose for God's kingdom?
Day 4: Investing in the Bank of Heaven
We are encouraged to invest in the bank of heaven by using our resources to help others. This not only stores up treasure in heaven but also reflects God's generosity and love to the world. By prioritizing heavenly investments over earthly ones, we align our hearts with God's values and participate in His work on earth. This perspective shift challenges us to evaluate how we use our time, talents, and treasures for God's glory. [27:27]
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven." (Matthew 6:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical way you can invest in the bank of heaven this week?
Day 5: Using Our Gifts to Reach Others
God has given us unique gifts and talents to serve others and reach them with His love. By using these gifts, we fulfill our purpose and prepare for Christ's return, making a difference in the world. This calling invites us to step out in faith and use what God has entrusted to us for His glory. As we do so, we become conduits of His love and grace, impacting lives and advancing His kingdom. [36:13]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: What specific gift or talent can you use this week to serve someone in your community?
Quotes
We are encouraged to invest in the bank of heaven by using our resources to help others. This not only stores up treasure in heaven but also reflects God's generosity and love to the world. [00:27:27]
The Book of James teaches us to live in anticipation of Jesus' return by cleaning out the garbage in our lives, staying close to Christ, and using troubles to grow spiritually. These actions prepare us for His coming and help us live a life that reflects His love. [00:06:27]
Understanding the signs of the last days, as described by Jesus, Paul, and Peter, helps us recognize the times we are living in. While we may not know if these are the last days, we are certainly in the later days, and it's crucial to be ready. [00:09:10]
God has given us unique gifts and talents to serve others and reach them with His love. By using these gifts, we fulfill our purpose and prepare for Christ's return, making a difference in the world. [00:36:13]
Despite the global challenges we face, such as political unrest and economic hardships, we find hope in knowing the end of the story. Our faith assures us of victory through Jesus' return, providing peace amidst turmoil. [00:05:35]
We should live Holy and Godly lives. We should look forward to the coming day of God and we should speed its coming. How do you speed the second coming of Christ? Well, we're gonna look at that in a minute. [00:13:54]
The last days will be very difficult times to follow Jesus. People will be self-absorbed thinking only of themselves and money. They'll use their time in prideful self-promotion. That sounds like social media to me. And enjoy insulting and demeaning others. That sounds like the internet. [00:11:38]
The spirit that God gave to live in us wants us for himself alone. So give yourselves completely to God. Draw close to God and He will draw close to you. Now, regardless of whether or not we're moving to the climax of history, that's good advice for any time of crisis or chaos. [00:20:03]
You know, you know that troubles test your faith and develop endurance. So let your endurance grow, for when it's fully developed, you'll be strong in character and you'll be ready for anything. That's what you should be doing. That's what I should be doing. [00:22:22]
May God, may God who makes everything Holy and whole, did you see that? God makes everything Holy and whole, make you Holy and whole. Put together, okay? Are you whole? Are you fragmented? Are you all chopped up? Or you have wholeness in your life? [00:24:46]
You know, one day a very wealthy man came to Jesus. And he asked Jesus for the best advice on how to prepare for eternity in heaven. How can I have eternal life? And he said, "What can I do?" And he said, "How do I prepare for eternity in heaven?" [00:27:27]
When God thought you up, He created you with a number of different gifts, useful gifts, talents, abilities, skills. There're certain ways that you think, there're certain things that you do. You're just naturally good at it. Now, God did not give you those gifts or what we call your shape for your benefit. [00:36:13]
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