Living in Hope: Preparing for Christ's Return

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Humility and Trust in God's Plan

In a world filled with uncertainty, it is essential to ground ourselves in humility and trust in God's sovereignty. The New Testament teaches us that we cannot predict the future, and any attempt to do so is an act of arrogance. Instead, we should live with the understanding that our lives are in God's hands, and we should say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." This mindset protects us from the pitfalls of pride and aligns us with God's will. By embracing humility, we acknowledge our limitations and place our trust in the One who knows all things. [03:19]

James 4:13-15 (ESV): "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's plan? How can you practice humility by surrendering this area to Him today?

Day 2: Live Fearlessly as God's Children

As believers, we are called to live without fear, trusting in our loving Heavenly Father. Fear and faith cannot coexist; when fear enters, faith departs. The New Testament assures us that as children of God, we are led by the Spirit and cry out, "Abba, Father," free from the spirit of slavery to fear. Our relationship with God is not one of fear but of love and trust, knowing that He will not harm us. Embrace the spirit of sonship and rest in His love, allowing faith to flourish in your life. [10:52]

Romans 8:14-15 (ESV): "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'"

Reflection: Identify a fear that has been holding you back. How can you replace that fear with faith and trust in God's love today?

Day 3: Forgiveness as a Path to Readiness

Forgiveness is crucial for readiness for Christ's return. Holding grudges will cause us to shrink away in shame at His coming. We must ensure our hearts are filled with love and forgiveness, reflecting the love of Christ. Abiding in Christ involves purifying ourselves and striving for His purity. This means keeping a clear conscience before God and man, as Paul did, to be ready for the resurrection of the righteous. Let go of any bitterness and embrace forgiveness as a path to spiritual readiness. [20:08]

1 John 2:28-3:3 (ESV): "And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?

Day 4: Strive for Purity in Anticipation of Christ's Return

As we prepare for Christ's return, we must strive for purity, keeping a clear conscience before God and man. This involves daily self-examination and cleansing from sin, preparing us for the resurrection of the righteous. Abiding in Christ means purifying ourselves and striving for His purity. By doing so, we align ourselves with His will and remain ready for His return. Let us commit to a life of holiness and purity, reflecting the character of Christ in all we do. [35:12]

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (ESV): "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it."

Reflection: What is one habit or sin you need to address to purify yourself for Christ's return? How can you take a step towards holiness today?

Day 5: Encourage One Another in Community

As the Day of Christ's return approaches, it is vital to encourage one another and prevent the hardening of hearts through sin's deceitfulness. Community and mutual support are essential in maintaining spiritual vigilance and readiness. By encouraging one another, we strengthen our faith and remain steadfast in our walk with Christ. Let us live as wise virgins, with our lamps burning and flasks full of oil, ready for the Lord's return. Embrace the power of community and support one another in the journey of faith. [52:55]

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 in your community can you encourage today? How can you offer support and strengthen their faith in a practical way?

Sermon Summary

In these times, as we reflect on the last days, it's crucial to ground ourselves in the teachings of the New Testament regarding the second coming of Christ. The world is filled with uncertainty and fear, but the Word of God provides clarity and guidance. We must be wary of deception, especially from those who claim prophetic insight without true divine revelation. The future is in God's hands, and we should live with humility, acknowledging that we do not know what tomorrow holds. James 4:13-17 reminds us of the arrogance in boasting about the future, urging us instead to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."

Humility is the cornerstone of the Christian life, and it protects us from many pitfalls. As we face global challenges, such as pandemics, we must not succumb to fear. Luke 21:26-28 speaks of men's hearts failing from fear, but as believers, we are called to lift our heads and await our redemption. Our focus should be on the sky, not the grave, as we anticipate Christ's return.

In the new covenant, we are called to serve God without fear. Fear and faith cannot coexist; when fear enters, faith departs. Romans 8:14-15 assures us that as children of God, we are led by the Spirit and cry out, "Abba, Father," free from the spirit of slavery to fear. Our relationship with God is not one of fear but of love and trust, knowing that He will not harm us.

As we prepare for Christ's return, we must ensure our inner life is filled with love for Jesus and others. Forgiveness is paramount; holding grudges will cause us to shrink away in shame at His coming. 1 John 2:28-3:3 emphasizes abiding in Christ and purifying ourselves, striving for His purity. This involves keeping a clear conscience before God and man, as Paul did, to be ready for the resurrection of the righteous.

Finally, we must encourage one another as we see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 and 3:13 highlight the importance of mutual encouragement to prevent the hardening of our hearts through sin's deceitfulness. Let us live as wise virgins, with our lamps burning and flasks full of oil, ready for the Lord's return.

Key Takeaways

1. Humility and Trust in God's Sovereignty: Embrace humility, recognizing that we cannot predict the future. Trust in God's sovereignty, as He alone knows what tomorrow holds. This humility protects us from arrogance and aligns us with God's will. [03:19]
2. Living Without Fear: As children of God, we are called to live without fear, trusting in our loving Heavenly Father. Fear and faith cannot coexist; when fear enters, faith departs. Embrace the spirit of sonship, crying out "Abba, Father," and rest in His love. [10:52]
3. Forgiveness as a Path to Readiness: Forgiveness is crucial for readiness for Christ's return. Holding grudges will cause us to shrink away in shame. Ensure your heart is filled with love and forgiveness, reflecting the love of Christ. [20:08]
4. Purifying Ourselves for Christ's Return: Strive for purity, keeping a clear conscience before God and man. This involves daily self-examination and cleansing from sin, preparing us for the resurrection of the righteous. [35:12]
5. Encouragement and Community: Encourage one another as the Day approaches, preventing the hardening of hearts through sin's deceitfulness. Community and mutual support are vital in maintaining spiritual vigilance and readiness. [52:55]
** [52:55]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Reflecting on the Last Days
[00:42] - Warning Against Deception
[01:44] - Trusting God's Sovereignty
[02:28] - The Arrogance of Predicting the Future
[03:51] - The Importance of Humility
[04:54] - Facing Global Challenges Without Fear
[06:23] - Awaiting Christ's Return
[07:32] - Serving God Without Fear
[09:41] - Led by the Spirit as Children of God
[12:10] - The Assurance of God's Love
[15:21] - The Sovereignty of God
[19:32] - Abiding in Christ and Forgiveness
[23:39] - Purifying Ourselves for His Return
[34:52] - Encouragement and Community

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

James 4:13-17
Luke 21:26-28
Romans 8:14-15

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Observation Questions:

According to James 4:13-17, what is the attitude we should have towards planning for the future? How does this passage describe the nature of life? [02:28]
In Luke 21:26-28, what is the response that believers are encouraged to have when faced with fear and uncertainty? [06:23]
Romans 8:14-15 speaks about the spirit of sonship. What does this passage say about our relationship with God and how it affects our fear? [10:52]
The sermon mentions the importance of humility. How does humility protect us from arrogance according to the sermon? [04:21]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the concept of "If the Lord wills" in James 4:15 challenge our modern understanding of planning and control over our lives? [02:59]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that fear and faith are incompatible? How does this relate to the teachings in Romans 8:14-15? [08:35]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in preparation for Christ's return. How does holding onto grudges affect our spiritual readiness according to 1 John 2:28-3:3? [20:08]
How does the sermon describe the role of community and encouragement in maintaining spiritual vigilance as the Day approaches? [52:55]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you find yourself planning without considering "If the Lord wills"? How can you incorporate this mindset into your daily decision-making? [02:59]
Fear can often creep into our lives in subtle ways. Identify a specific fear you are currently facing. How can you actively replace that fear with faith, trusting in God's sovereignty? [08:35]
Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? What steps can you take this week to release any grudges and fill your heart with love and forgiveness? [20:08]
Consider your current spiritual community. How can you contribute to encouraging others as we see the Day approaching? What practical steps can you take to foster mutual support and encouragement? [52:55]
The sermon highlights the importance of humility. Can you recall a recent situation where pride may have influenced your actions or decisions? How can you practice humility in similar situations in the future? [04:21]
Reflect on your relationship with God as described in Romans 8:14-15. How does viewing God as a loving Father change the way you approach challenges and uncertainties in life? [10:52]
The sermon encourages us to live with our focus on the sky, not the grave. What does this mean for you personally, and how can you keep this perspective in mind during difficult times? [06:23]

Sermon Clips

The future is in God's hands, and the Bible says you cannot even say what will happen tomorrow. That's how we live. It says in James, let me begin with that. James 4:13, "Today or tomorrow we'll go to such and such a city and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." Yet you don't know what your life will be like tomorrow. [00:01:56]

Humility is the secret. Like I often say, the three secrets of the Christian life are humility, humility, humility. Never forget that, and we would be preserved in these days because God gives grace to the humble, and we will overcome even if we don't get a reputation for predicting the future, and we don't want that reputation. [00:04:21]

Luke 21:26 says that men's hearts will faint from fear at the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. We haven't come to that point yet, for the powers of the heavens are shaken. That will happen, but right now, the expectation of things coming upon the world. [00:04:44]

We are to serve Him without fear. It's another verse that we must keep in mind. If a new covenant, my dear brothers and sisters, if you let fear come into your heart, faith will go out. I've repeated that many times. Fear and faith cannot dwell together in the same heart. When fear comes in, faith goes out. [00:08:17]

Romans 8:14-15 says, "We are led by the Spirit of God as sons of God. Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God." And if we are led by the Spirit, those who are born of the Spirit are the children of God, babies, but those who allow the Spirit to lead them, they are the mature sons of God. [00:09:55]

Little children, abide in Christ as the word for the last days. Remain there. Make Christ your permanent home so that when He appears, here are two groups of people among believers. There'll be two groups of people when He appears: the wise virgins and the foolish virgins. Here are the wise virgins. We have confidence when He comes. [00:16:58]

If there's anybody you have not forgiven when the Lord comes, I want to say to you in Jesus' name, you will shrink away from Him in shame, like it says in 1 John 2:28, because you will not be a forgiving person. It's very clear in Matthew 6 that if we do not forgive others, we will not be forgiven. [00:19:56]

1 John 3:3 says, "Everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." This is the test if you really have this hope. You will purify yourself until you reach His level of purity. And I haven't got there yet. That's why I'm purifying myself even today. [00:34:54]

Let us cleanse ourselves, perfecting holiness in the fear of God with a reverence for God. Again, like I've often said, there are two types of fear. One is the fear that God may hurt me, which I don't have. He will never hurt me. The second is the fear that I may hurt God. That I do have, and I always want to have it. [00:40:31]

Encourage one another all the more as you see the Day approaching. You see the Day approaching, all the more reason why we need to encourage one another. Don't be a busybody, but encourage one another. Encourage everyone you meet to press on to holiness, and that encouragement we are told in Hebrews 3:13. [00:52:35]

Encourage one another as you see that Day approaching because that is how, Hebrews 3:13, we can be protected from an unconscious hardening through the deceitfulness of sin. Sin is a very deceitful thing. I've discovered that so many times in my heart. Boy, I didn't realize that that was sin. I thought I was okay. [00:53:11]

Heavenly Father, the entrance of your word gives light, opposed to live in the light of your word, to meditate on your word so that it can go well with us, so that like it says in Psalm 1:3, everything we do will prosper, and like it says in Jeremiah 17, that may be like a tree that brings forth fruit in season. [00:54:47]

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Living in Hope: Preparing for Christ's Return

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Humility and Trust in God's Plan

Day 2: Live Fearlessly as God's Children

Day 3: Forgiveness as a Path to Readiness

Day 4: Strive for Purity in Anticipation of Christ's Return

Day 5: Encourage One Another in Community

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Living in Hope: Preparing for Christ's Return

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