Preparing for Christ's Return: Faithfulness and Hope

In preparing for the second coming of Christ, we are guided by three key impulses that shape our readiness. First, the impulse that arises from the glorious prospect of seeing the Lord. As 1 John 3:2-3 reminds us, we are God's children now, and when Christ appears, we shall be like Him. This hope compels us to purify ourselves, striving to become radically pure, holy, loving, and sacrificial, mirroring Christ's character. Our desire to be like Him when He returns fuels our pursuit of Christ-likeness in the present.

Second, we must acknowledge the necessity of suffering before Christ's return. Acts 14:22 and 2 Thessalonians 2:8 highlight that through many tribulations, we enter the kingdom of God. As lawlessness increases, the love of many will grow cold. Therefore, we must remain spiritually and mentally alert to deception, fully submit to God's Word, and cultivate strong faith in His sovereign goodness. This preparation enables us to endure to the end, even amidst suffering.

Third, we are called to be found faithful and vigilant in our particular callings. The parable of the ten virgins illustrates the importance of being ready, not through artificial vigilance, but by faithfully fulfilling our God-given assignments. We are to be morally, spiritually, and professionally awake, diligently using our gifts, resources, and opportunities for Christ's sake. As Luke 12:42-43 emphasizes, blessed is the servant whom the master finds faithfully doing his work upon His return.

By aligning our lives with these impulses—anticipating the joy of seeing the Lord, enduring suffering with faith, and faithfully fulfilling our callings—we prepare ourselves for Christ's return. In doing so, we will hear Him say, "Enter into the joy of your master."

Key Takeaways

• 1. The hope of seeing Christ compels us to pursue purity and Christ-likeness now. Our anticipation of being like Him when He returns should drive us to embody His character in our daily lives, striving for holiness and sacrificial love. [02:17]
• 2. Suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian journey, especially as we approach the end times. We must remain alert to deception, submit to God's Word, and strengthen our faith to endure trials, knowing that through tribulations, we enter God's kingdom. [04:08]
• 3. Lawlessness and the denial of divine standards are prevalent in our world today. As Christians, we must resist the temptation to create our own truths and instead submit to God's absolute standards, fostering warm love rather than cold indifference. [05:31]
• 4. Being ready for Christ's return means faithfully fulfilling our callings. Like the wise virgins, we must be prepared, not by staying awake physically, but by diligently doing our assigned tasks with faithfulness and vigilance. [08:09]
• 5. Our readiness for the second coming is demonstrated through our faithfulness in everyday life. By using our gifts and resources wisely and serving others, we align ourselves with God's purposes and prepare to enter into the joy of our master. [09:36]
  ** [09:36]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:12] - Introduction to Preparing for Christ's Return
• [00:26] - Three Key Impulses for Readiness
• [01:08] - The Impulse of Seeing the Lord
• [02:34] - Pursuing Christ-likeness Now
• [02:46] - The Necessity of Suffering
• [03:42] - Enduring Through Tribulations
• [04:23] - Lawlessness and Creating Our Own Truth
• [05:31] - Submitting to God's Standards
• [05:47] - Faithfulness in Our Callings
• [06:17] - The Parable of the Ten Virgins
• [07:33] - The Call to Watchfulness
• [08:09] - Doing Our Job Well for Christ
• [09:09] - Faithfulness in Everyday Life
• [10:07] - Conclusion and Final Encouragement

1. 1 John 3:2-3
2. Acts 14:22
3. Matthew 24:11-13

1. According to 1 John 3:2-3, what transformation is promised to believers when Christ appears? How does this promise influence our current behavior? [01:23]
2. In Acts 14:22, what does Paul say is necessary for entering the kingdom of God? How does this relate to the concept of suffering mentioned in the sermon? [02:46]
3. What does Matthew 24:11-13 warn about the state of love among believers as lawlessness increases? How does this relate to the necessity of being spiritually alert? [03:29]
4. How does the parable of the ten virgins illustrate the concept of being ready for Christ's return? What does it mean to be "wise" in this context? [06:17]

1. How does the hope of becoming like Christ when He returns motivate believers to pursue purity and Christ-likeness now? What practical steps can be taken to embody this hope? [02:17]
2. What are some modern examples of "lawlessness" as described in Matthew 24:11-13, and how can believers resist the temptation to create their own truths? [04:39]
3. In what ways can suffering be seen as a preparation for Christ's return? How does enduring through tribulations strengthen a believer's faith? [03:42]
4. How does the concept of being found faithful in our callings relate to the parable of the ten virgins? What does it mean to be "professionally awake" in our spiritual lives? [08:23]

1. Reflect on your current pursuit of Christ-likeness. What specific areas of your life need more alignment with Christ's character, and what steps can you take this week to address them? [02:17]
2. Consider a recent challenge or suffering you have faced. How did you respond, and what did you learn about your faith and reliance on God's Word during that time? [03:42]
3. Identify a situation where you might be tempted to create your own truth or standard. How can you submit to God's absolute standards instead, fostering warm love rather than cold indifference? [05:31]
4. Think about your God-given assignments and callings. Are there areas where you need to be more faithful and vigilant? What practical steps can you take to fulfill these responsibilities diligently? [08:09]
5. Reflect on the relationships in your life. How can you use your gifts and resources to serve others and align yourself with God's purposes? What specific action can you take this week to demonstrate faithfulness in these relationships? [09:36]
6. How can you remain spiritually and mentally alert to deception in today's world? What practices can you implement to strengthen your faith and submission to God's Word? [03:42]
7. Consider the parable of the ten virgins. What does it mean for you personally to be ready for Christ's return, and how can you ensure you have "oil in your lamp"? [06:17]