Living with Hopeful Expectation of Christ's Return
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound anticipation of Jesus' return and how it shapes our lives. Reflecting on my own journey, I shared how an early fascination with biblical prophecy led me to faith, yet also to an obsession that distracted me from living a grounded Christian life. This experience serves as a reminder that while we eagerly await Christ's return, we must not lose sight of our present calling to live in holiness and godliness.
We delved into 2 Peter 3:8-14, where the Apostle Peter addresses the skepticism surrounding Jesus' return. He reassures us that God's timing is perfect, emphasizing His patience and desire for all to come to repentance. This patience is not a sign of forgetfulness but of God's merciful nature, allowing more people the opportunity to turn to Him. As believers, we are called to live with a hopeful expectation, not just waiting passively but actively engaging in lives of holiness and godliness.
The passage challenges us to consider how we live in light of Christ's promised return. We are encouraged to be diligent, living without spot or blemish, and at peace. This means embracing a life set apart for God, characterized by reverence and faithfulness in every aspect. Our anticipation of Jesus' return should inspire us to serve others, reflecting God's love and grace in our daily interactions.
In sharing Carl Shimomura's testimony, we witnessed a powerful example of living with hopeful expectation despite life's challenges. His story reminds us that even amidst suffering and loss, God's faithfulness remains steadfast. We are called to live fully devoted lives, serving God and others, and embracing the eternal hope we have in Christ.
As we partake in communion, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus, who forgave our sins and offers us eternal life. This act of remembrance is a celebration of the hope we have in Him, a hope that sustains us through every trial and triumph. Let us live each day with the joyful anticipation of His return, knowing that our lives are but the beginning of an eternal journey with God.
Key Takeaways:
- God's timing is perfect, and His patience is a testament to His mercy, allowing more people the opportunity to repent and turn to Him. We must trust in His timing and remain faithful, knowing that He has not forgotten us. [27:48]
- Living with hopeful expectation means actively engaging in lives of holiness and godliness. This involves being set apart for God, characterized by reverence and faithfulness in every aspect of our lives. [32:44]
- Our anticipation of Jesus' return should inspire us to serve others, reflecting God's love and grace in our daily interactions. Serving God is an act of worship, and through service, we live fully devoted lives. [56:24]
- Even amidst suffering and loss, God's faithfulness remains steadfast. We are called to live with hopeful expectation, knowing that this world is not our only life and that Jesus is preparing a place for us. [54:06]
- Communion is a celebration of the hope we have in Christ, a reminder of His sacrifice and the eternal life He offers. It is an opportunity to reflect on His goodness and live each day with joyful anticipation of His return. [58:53]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [11:18] - Christmas Song Fellowship
- [12:12] - Announcements
- [18:14] - Christmas Eve Service
- [20:19] - Traffic and Life's Delays
- [21:31] - Early Fascination with Prophecy
- [23:24] - Questions About Jesus' Return
- [24:06] - 2 Peter 3:8-14 Reading
- [26:04] - God's Timing and Patience
- [27:48] - Living with Hopeful Expectation
- [29:38] - Self-Centeredness in Prophecy
- [30:23] - Jesus' Return as a Roaring Lion
- [31:37] - Diligence in Faith
- [32:44] - Living Holy and Godly Lives
- [34:03] - Hopeful Expectation in Daily Life
- [35:24] - Carl Shimomura's Testimony
- [54:06] - Living with Hopeful Expectation
- [56:24] - Serving God as Worship
- [57:42] - Communion Invitation
- [58:53] - Prayer for Communion Elements
- [01:14:58] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 Peter 3:8-14
Observation Questions:
1. What does 2 Peter 3:8-14 say about God's perception of time and His promise? How does this relate to the anticipation of Jesus' return?
2. According to the sermon, what are some reasons people might doubt the return of Jesus? [23:24]
3. How does the sermon describe the way believers should live while waiting for Jesus' return? [32:44]
4. What example from the sermon illustrates living with hopeful expectation despite challenges? [54:06]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of God's timing in 2 Peter 3:8-9 challenge or comfort believers in their daily lives?
2. In what ways might an obsession with end-time prophecy distract from living a grounded Christian life, as mentioned in the sermon? [21:31]
3. How can the anticipation of Jesus' return inspire believers to serve others, according to the sermon? [56:24]
4. What does it mean to live a life "without spot or blemish, and at peace" as described in 2 Peter 3:14?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you were impatient with God's timing. How can you cultivate trust in His perfect timing this week? [27:48]
2. The sermon warns against becoming self-centered in our anticipation of Jesus' return. How can you shift your focus to serving others in your community? [29:38]
3. Identify one area of your life where you can actively pursue holiness and godliness. What steps will you take to make this a reality? [32:44]
4. How can Carl Shimomura's testimony inspire you to live with hopeful expectation despite personal challenges? [54:06]
5. Communion is a celebration of hope in Christ. How can you incorporate this sense of hope into your daily routine and interactions with others? [58:53]
6. Think of someone in your life who does not know Christ. How can you be a patient and loving witness to them, reflecting God's desire for all to come to repentance? [27:48]
7. What practical steps can you take to live a life fully devoted to Jesus, as encouraged in the sermon? [54:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing
God's timing is perfect, and His patience is a testament to His mercy, allowing more people the opportunity to repent and turn to Him. We must trust in His timing and remain faithful, knowing that He has not forgotten us. God's timing often challenges our understanding, especially when we face delays or unanswered prayers. However, His patience is not a sign of neglect but a profound expression of His mercy. He desires that all come to repentance, offering everyone the opportunity to turn to Him. This perspective invites us to trust in His perfect timing, even when it seems contrary to our desires or expectations.
As believers, we are called to remain faithful, trusting that God has not forgotten us. His timing is a reminder of His sovereignty and love, encouraging us to live with patience and hope. In moments of doubt or impatience, we can find solace in the knowledge that God's plans are far greater than our own, and His timing is always for our ultimate good. [27:48]
"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." (2 Peter 3:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life are you struggling to trust God's timing? How can you actively choose to trust Him today, even when the outcome is uncertain?
Day 2: Living a Life Set Apart
Living with hopeful expectation means actively engaging in lives of holiness and godliness. This involves being set apart for God, characterized by reverence and faithfulness in every aspect of our lives. The anticipation of Christ's return calls us to live lives that are distinct and set apart for God. This means embracing holiness and godliness in every aspect of our lives, from our thoughts and actions to our relationships and decisions. Living with hopeful expectation is not passive waiting but an active pursuit of a life that reflects God's character.
Being set apart involves a commitment to reverence and faithfulness, allowing God's presence to permeate every area of our lives. It challenges us to examine our priorities and align them with God's will, seeking to honor Him in all we do. As we live with this hopeful expectation, we become beacons of God's love and grace, drawing others to Him through our example. [32:44]
"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct." (1 Peter 1:13-15, ESV)
Reflection: What specific changes can you make in your daily life to live more set apart for God? How can you demonstrate holiness and godliness in your interactions today?
Day 3: Serving Others as an Act of Worship
Our anticipation of Jesus' return should inspire us to serve others, reflecting God's love and grace in our daily interactions. Serving God is an act of worship, and through service, we live fully devoted lives. The promise of Christ's return is not just a future hope but a present call to action. It inspires us to serve others, reflecting God's love and grace in our daily interactions. Serving God is an act of worship, a tangible expression of our devotion and gratitude for His love.
Through service, we live fully devoted lives, embracing the opportunity to be His hands and feet in the world. This involves looking beyond ourselves and seeking ways to bless and uplift those around us. As we serve others, we embody the love of Christ, drawing others to Him through our actions and words. Our service becomes a powerful testimony of God's transformative power in our lives. [56:24]
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Galatians 5:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you serve today as an act of worship? What practical steps can you take to reflect God's love and grace in your interactions with them?
Day 4: Hopeful Expectation Amidst Suffering
Even amidst suffering and loss, God's faithfulness remains steadfast. We are called to live with hopeful expectation, knowing that this world is not our only life and that Jesus is preparing a place for us. Life's challenges and sufferings can often cloud our vision, making it difficult to see God's faithfulness. Yet, even amidst suffering and loss, His faithfulness remains steadfast. We are called to live with hopeful expectation, knowing that this world is not our only life and that Jesus is preparing a place for us.
This eternal perspective offers comfort and strength, reminding us that our present trials are temporary in light of eternity. It encourages us to persevere, trusting that God is with us in every circumstance. As we hold onto this hope, we find the courage to face each day with confidence, knowing that our future is secure in Christ. [54:06]
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God." (Romans 8:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: How can you hold onto hope amidst your current challenges? What steps can you take to remind yourself of God's faithfulness and the eternal hope you have in Christ?
Day 5: Communion as a Celebration of Hope
Communion is a celebration of the hope we have in Christ, a reminder of His sacrifice and the eternal life He offers. It is an opportunity to reflect on His goodness and live each day with joyful anticipation of His return. Communion is a sacred act of remembrance, a celebration of the hope we have in Christ. It reminds us of His sacrifice, the forgiveness of our sins, and the eternal life He offers. As we partake in communion, we are invited to reflect on His goodness and the profound hope that sustains us through every trial and triumph.
This act of remembrance is not just a ritual but a powerful reminder of the joyful anticipation of His return. It calls us to live each day with gratitude and hope, knowing that our lives are but the beginning of an eternal journey with God. As we celebrate communion, we are reminded of the depth of God's love and the promise of His eternal presence with us. [58:53]
"And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.'" (Luke 22:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: As you prepare for communion, how can you intentionally reflect on the hope and promise of eternal life in Christ? What steps can you take to live each day with joyful anticipation of His return?
Quotes
Thank you, Flo. Thank you, Gary. Well, good morning, everyone. Welcome to Victory Fellowship. Happy belated Thanksgiving. Hope you're having a wonderful, wonderful Sunday. It's great to see you. Thank you for joining us online as well. Well, as you know, our vision and mission at the church is grow in love and go in love. Grow in God's love, grow in love for each other. But we don't just contain it there. We grow. Go and grow. Go into community, grow into the world. Sharing that, sharing the hope and message of Jesus Christ. And with that, there are three values that we have. The first one is engage, that we engage in our relationship with God because God engages with us first. We engage with each other. We experience Christlike. We experience Christlike relationships. And lastly, we expand the kingdom of God. And so we take incremental steps. And one of the ways that we engage with each other is this five-minute fellowship time. [00:09:57] (55 seconds)
And believe me, I hate traffic. My whole life revolves around avoiding traffic. And to me, being stuck in traffic, it's just such a waste of time, especially if you have things to do. So you may be, well, what does Pastor Lon's trip home traffic delay have to do with our messes this morning? Well, years ago, during my late teenage years and my early 20s, I came across a book on my brother's bookshelf entitled The Late Great Life of Pastor Hal Lindsey. I didn't know what this book was about. It looked a little scary because of the cover, because it had fire and everything like that. And I remember I opened it up and I started reading. I was fascinated by it because the book focused on the book of Revelation and biblical prophecy. In it, you read about the Antichrist, the mark of the beast, the 10-headed beast, the return of Jesus, and all that. [00:20:46] (52 seconds)
And according to Hal Lindsey at that time, we were living in a time where we would see Jesus' return almost immediately. And we were going to experience it firsthand. I thought, wow, this is amazing. And that was instrumental for me coming to faith. At the age of 19, I dedicated my life to Christ and I eagerly anticipated Jesus' return. And for several years of my early Christian faith, I was obsessed with identifying the signs of the Antichrist. throughout society, that this book of Revelation is actually happening right now, and I look for signs daily. I even went to a church that focused on biblical prophecy back then, but I became overly obsessed with it, and unfortunately, it didn't allow me to ground myself in my faith. And when you think about it, 40 years have since passed since then, and I'm still here. All of us are still here. We're all still waiting for Jesus' return. [00:21:38] (64 seconds)
And when you think about it, it's been over 2,000 years since the Apostle John wrote the book of Revelation, and since that time, millions of people have been waiting for Jesus' return, yet it still hasn't happened. And all you have to do is just look at our society, right? We see just this darkness, this dark presence that's there, that society is getting worse, that it's spiraling out of control, and evil seems to be growing and running rampant. It appears that more and more people are becoming atheists, they're mocking God and Christians more than ever before. And I struggle with this, because I'm like, when are you returning, Jesus? You said this over 2,000 years ago, but it hasn't happened. And I was hoping to see or experience something of Jesus' return during my lifetime, but I'm still waiting. [00:22:41] (54 seconds)
Let me go ahead and start out by reading, beginning with verse 8. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that what the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a And then the heavens will pass away with a roar and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Verse 11. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved and the heavenly bodies will melt as they will burn, as they burn. [00:25:40] (56 seconds)
But according to his promise, we're waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish and at peace. So the first question is, did God forget us? Did God just forget us? Did we just, going through this life, is God not going to fulfill this? Is he just going to allow this world to continue at this fractional level? This gigantic pace, this ungodliness, this evil that runs rampant throughout our lives, throughout our society, throughout our world. Well, Peter addressed this. Look at verse 8. He said, but do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient towards you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. [00:26:36] (61 seconds)
The Lord is going to return, but it's according to his time. It's going to happen according to God's time. Why? As Peter stated this, that God is patient, that he is merciful, that his desire is to be patient because he desires people to repent and turn towards him. is not God's timing. Why? Because God is patient and kind. He is loving, and he is merciful. And I think about all the times that I've messed up, all the mistakes, all the failures that happened in my life, all the ways that I kind of shoved God aside, and God was patient with me, that he worked in my heart where I repented and I gave my life to him. That is the same patience that God is exercising in our world today. God didn't forget us. He is returning for us, but it's going to happen according to his time. [00:27:39] (69 seconds)
It's the same with all of us. We make mistakes. Not every single one of us is faithful all the time. We fall into temptation. We sin, but yet what we find is a kind, merciful God who leads us back into relationship with him. See, the problem is that when I became so obsessed with this end-time prophecy and looking for these signs, I became so self-centered that I was just thinking about myself. I wasn't thinking about the people who were struggling in sin, who were imprisoned in sin. I just wanted Jesus to hurry up and return so I can be with him. I just wanted to see all this stuff unfold before my very eyes without thinking about the people who are going to be judged and condemned because they were living in sin. See, God's heart is filled with kindness. He's filled with patience, and he desires every single one to repent, to turn to him, to turn to Jesus. [00:28:47] (62 seconds)
So we have to be aware of sometimes when we are so focused on biblical prophecy that we become so self-centered that we forget the very people that Jesus came to rescue and to save. Because there are many people, coworkers, family, and friends that don't know Christ, but God is patiently waiting for them, offering them opportunity after opportunity so that they will repent. Because once Jesus comes back, that's it. That's it. So the question is this, and I probably answered it, but is Jesus returning? Look at the next verse, verse 10. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done in it will be exposed. Yes, Jesus will return, but how is it going to happen? It's going to happen suddenly like a thief in the night when we least expect it. [00:29:49] (59 seconds)
What is Peter saying? Be prepared. Because the reality is the Bible will point all these different signs, but we don't know the exact time. We don't know when that's going to happen, but Jesus even himself said, be prepared. The last 2,000 years, people have been preparing for Jesus' return. Why? Because to God, 1,000 years is like a day. Jesus will return. But here's the thing. Jesus is not going to return like a tiny baby laying in the manger crying. He's not going to be this cute, cuddly little Jesus the first time around. No. He's coming back and returning as a roaring lion. He's coming back as a roaring lion. He's coming back as a roaring lion. Because there's going to be fire in his eyes. He's going to be radiant. He's going to be powerful. He's going to return as a victorious king, having conquered sin and death. [00:30:48] (56 seconds)
This is still the same gracious Jesus, but this is the powerful Jesus who is king, but he is also judge. And he'll also make a new heaven and a new earth. And so Peter's saying, we must be diligent in our faith. And our actions. And always anticipate being ready for his return. Because Jesus is coming back. And it's going to happen suddenly like a thief of the night when we least expect it. Third question is this. What should I do if he doesn't come back during my lifetime? What do we do? Peter has an answer for that. Look at the next verse. Verse 11. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people, focus on that, ought you be in lives of holiness and godliness? He's saying, what do you do? In anticipation of this incredible return of Christ, what do you do? How do you live? [00:31:43] (61 seconds)
Peter said, live lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn. But according to his promise, we're waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish and at peace. There's two key words in this passage. The word is waiting. Word is waiting. It doesn't just mean to wait at a bus stop or to wait at a restaurant or to wait in line at Costco or the Costco gas station. It means more than that. The Greek word is pros doceo. It means hopeful. Hopeful expectation. This is what this waiting is, is that as we wait for the Lord, as we're waiting for the Lord's return, as we wait, as we live this life, we live with this incredible, hopeful expectation of Christ's return. [00:32:44] (70 seconds)
Just like one of my kids, when they were little, they anticipated Christmas morning with such expectation. Excitement. They had this. hopeful expectation in their lives. We too must live daily with this hopeful expectation of Jesus' return because it can happen at any time and at any moment. But this hopeful expectation that Jesus is going to return regardless if it's in our lifetime or not. Because our lifetime on earth is minimal compared to eternity with God. And as believers, our lives on earth are just the beginning of this eternity with God. And unfortunately for non-believers, their lives are the beginning of eternity that will be forever separated from God, encased in judgment and condemnation. See, whether Jesus returns tonight or 10 weeks from now or 500 years from now, 1,000 years from now, Paul, Peter is encouraging us to live with this constant, ready, hopeful expectation of his return. [00:33:54] (74 seconds)
This is why we celebrate Christmas, because we're always living daily with this hopeful expectation of Jesus' return. Right now, I want to invite a very good friend of mine to come forward to share his testimony. Let me help you get set up here. You want the music stand? All right. You want to stand right here? All right. Let me get out of the way. I want to introduce to you, if you haven't met him, it's Carl Shimomura. I've known Carl, what, for like 30 years now? Yeah. I feel sorry for you, by the way, if you've known me that long. Just a great brother. We really got reacquainted the last couple years, especially through Bright Futures Cambodia. He's the president of the board. And that's why I'm here today. I'm here to talk to you about the this brother is incredible. Just incredible. I just remember him as being just a funny guy way back when. He still is funny, but just a wonderful heart, a rich, deep heart. [00:35:08] (65 seconds)
And he's gone through some struggles, but I'm going to let you listen to his story as he shares about his life. So it's all yours, Carl. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Carl. Wow. Thank you for sharing. Just seeing how the Lord has worked in your life and the pain that you experienced and the loss that you experienced. But yet, just seeing. God's goodness and faithfulness through all that, having the worst of life being thrown at you, yet God transforming you and changing you and just using you in amazing ways and you're an amazing brother. You're in the soul of the Lord. Amen to that. So Carl lives and we're all called to live with this hopeful expectation that there's more to this world. Bad things are going to happen. Suffering is going to happen. Things are going to happen. But what we live with this expectation, this hopeful expectation in our relationship with Christ, knowing that this world is not the only life that we have. [00:36:13] (0 seconds)
That we have this eternal life. And that Jesus is coming back and he is going to make all things new. That he's preparing a place for us, a new heaven and a new earth. And so what do we do in the meantime? Do we just kind of just wait it out and just live our life just enclosed and encased behind this wall? No. We're called to live lives fully devoted to Jesus by Peter said to live holy and faithful. To embrace this life that's fully devoted to the Lord. Communing our lives to the Lord and living holy lives and being faithful in holiness and godliness. Holiness it means to be set apart for God in our hearts and our minds and our actions. Not to live according to the way that the world lives. And godliness means reverence. And we revere God by being faithful to him in every single aspect of our lives. And how do we do this? The application. We worship God daily through our thoughts and our actions. [00:54:50] (63 seconds)
We worship God. We praise God first by being thankful for him each and every moment before we go to sleep. And when we wake up, we're thankful to the Lord because he's so good and faithful. We worship God. In the Old Testament, the word for worship is avad. And it means to serve. Worship. Serve. There's a connection there. That when we worship God, we are serving God. And Carl has done that. He serves God by giving himself away to others. By being available to people. By taking people to their homes. By giving them their appointments. By serving on the BFC board. By serving in the options ministry. And doing all these things. To give ourselves away to others in service to God. This is how we live fully devoted lives. By living with this hopeful expectation. Moment by moment. Breath by breath. In the way that we live our lives. Fully devoted lives in holiness and faithfulness. This is what God has called us to do. To live in this constant hope of Jesus' imminent return. [00:55:53] (73 seconds)
