Understanding Divine Delays: Anticipating Christ's Return
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound theme of "Dealing with Divine Delays," focusing on the anticipation of Christ's return and the implications of what is often perceived as a delay in His second coming. This discussion is rooted in the scripture from 2 Peter 3:8-13, where the apostle Peter addresses the patience of God and the concept of divine timing, which differs vastly from human understanding of time.
I began by setting the stage with the context of the early Christian church, which was marked by a fervent expectation of Christ's imminent return. This belief was so strong that the early Christians, including the apostles, anticipated witnessing Christ's return within their lifetimes. This expectation was based on Jesus' teachings and was a central element of their faith and daily lives.
However, as years turned into decades without the fulfillment of this expectation, the early church faced what came to be known as the "delayed parousia." This term describes the period of waiting beyond what was initially expected for Christ's second coming. This delay posed significant theological and existential challenges for the early Christians, impacting their faith and the church's teachings.
In addressing these challenges, I highlighted how the early church leaders, including Peter and Paul, reassured the community through their writings. Peter, in particular, emphasized that "with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." This was to underline that God’s perception and measurement of time are not akin to human understanding. God's timing is perfect, aimed at allowing as many as possible to come to repentance.
This perspective was crucial not only for sustaining the early Christians' faith but also for shaping the Christian doctrine of watchfulness and preparedness. It fostered a mindset of living a holy and godly life, constantly ready for the eventual return of Christ, regardless of human timelines.
Moreover, the concept of divine delay also influenced the New Testament's formation. The Gospels were written as a response to the realization that the apostles who had firsthand experiences of Jesus' teachings and miracles were passing away. The need to preserve these teachings accurately for future generations became imperative, leading to the documentation of Jesus' life and ministry.
In conclusion, the sermon delved into how these historical and theological insights apply to our modern Christian life. We are encouraged to live with a constant awareness of Christ's return, fostering hope, help, and holiness in our daily endeavors. This mindset prepares us for the eventual fulfillment of God's promises, in His perfect timing.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding Divine Timing
The early Christians' anticipation of Christ's return teaches us about the nature of divine timing. God's time is not our time. This understanding helps us remain patient and faithful, even when our expectations are not met within our desired timelines. This perspective is crucial for maintaining faith during prolonged periods of waiting. [01:46]
2. The Role of Scripture in Sustaining Faith
The delayed parousia led to the writing of the Gospels, which were crucial for preserving the teachings and life of Jesus. This underscores the importance of scripture in sustaining faith across generations, providing a foundation of truth that remains constant even as human interpretations and conditions change. [14:21]
3. Living in Readiness
The expectation of Christ's return should influence our daily conduct. Living in readiness, or what I referred to as being caught doing the right things, cultivates a lifestyle of holiness and godliness. This readiness is not driven by fear but by a loving anticipation of Christ's return. [05:12]
4. The Impact of Theological Understanding on Church Practices
The early church's response to the delayed parousia shaped many practices and doctrines that define modern Christianity. Understanding this historical context enriches our appreciation of why certain doctrines are emphasized in Christian teaching and how they serve to keep the faith alive and relevant. [10:23]
5. Embracing Truth Over Accuracy
The discussion on the dating of Christmas illustrates the distinction between truth and historical accuracy. While dates and details may vary, the truth of Christ's incarnation and its significance remains unchanged. This teaches us to focus on the essence of our faith over the precision of details, which can often be a distraction. [28:46]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:46] - The Promise of Christ's Return
- [03:23] - The Early Church's Expectation
- [05:12] - Living in Readiness for Christ's Return
- [06:59] - Unity in the Expectation of Return
- [08:49] - The Reality of the Delayed Parousia
- [10:23] - Theological Implications of the Delay
- [12:03] - Historical Context of the New Testament
- [14:21] - The Writing of the Gospels
- [16:04] - The Role of Scripture in Sustaining Faith
- [18:26] - Challenges Inside and Outside the Church
- [19:45] - Peter's Explanation of Divine Timing
- [22:24] - Misunderstanding God's Timing
- [24:32] - The Relationship Between Truth and Accuracy
- [28:46] - The True Meaning of Christmas
- [30:48] - Historical and Astronomical Insights
- [32:35] - The Influence of Roman and Jewish Traditions
- [34:34] - The Significance of the Winter Solstice
- [36:35] - The Christianization of Pagan Festivals
- [38:05] - The Alignment of Crucifixion and Incarnation Dates
- [40:06] - Establishing the Date of Christmas
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Dealing with Divine Delays
#### Bible Reading
- 2 Peter 3:8-13 (NIV)
> "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Peter mean when he says, "With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day"? How does this relate to the concept of divine timing? ([01:46])
2. How did the early Christians' expectation of Christ's imminent return shape their daily lives and faith practices? ([03:23])
3. What were some of the challenges faced by the early church due to the "delayed parousia"? ([08:49])
4. How did the delayed return of Christ influence the writing and preservation of the Gospels? ([12:03])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for Christians to understand that God's timing is different from human timing? How does this understanding help in maintaining faith during prolonged periods of waiting? ([19:45])
2. How does the concept of living in readiness for Christ's return influence a believer's daily conduct and lifestyle? ([05:12])
3. In what ways did the early church leaders, like Peter and Paul, reassure the community about the delayed return of Christ? ([06:59])
4. How does the distinction between truth and historical accuracy, as discussed in the sermon, impact our understanding of biblical events and teachings? ([24:32])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt impatient waiting for God's timing. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from that experience? How can you apply this lesson to your current situation? ([19:45])
2. The sermon emphasized living a holy and godly life in anticipation of Christ's return. What specific changes can you make in your daily routine to align more closely with this teaching? ([05:12])
3. How can the understanding of divine timing help you remain patient and faithful in your personal and spiritual life, especially when your expectations are not met within your desired timelines? ([01:46])
4. The early church faced significant challenges due to the delayed return of Christ. How can you draw strength from their example when facing your own spiritual or existential challenges? ([08:49])
5. The sermon discussed the importance of scripture in sustaining faith across generations. How can you make scripture a more integral part of your daily life to strengthen your faith? ([12:03])
6. How does the distinction between truth and historical accuracy affect your understanding and acceptance of biblical teachings? Can you think of any specific instances where focusing on the essence of faith over precise details helped you in your spiritual journey? ([24:32])
7. Considering the sermon’s message about the true meaning of Christmas, how can you focus more on the essence of Christ's incarnation and its significance in your celebrations this year? ([28:46])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Timing Over Ours
Understanding divine timing is crucial for maintaining faith during prolonged periods of waiting. Often, we find ourselves impatient, questioning why our prayers and desires are not fulfilled on our timelines. However, the early Christians also faced this challenge, expecting Christ's return within their lifetimes. This anticipation teaches us about the nature of divine timing, which is vastly different from human timing. God's time is not our time, and this understanding helps us remain patient and faithful. The early church leaders, like Peter, reassured their communities by emphasizing that "with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day," encouraging believers to trust in God's perfect timing for all things, including the ultimate promise of Christ's return. [01:46]
2 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How can you practice patience and trust in God's timing in a current situation where you are eagerly awaiting a resolution?
Day 2: The Sustaining Power of Scripture
The delayed parousia led to the writing of the Gospels, which were crucial for preserving the teachings and life of Jesus. This underscores the importance of scripture in sustaining faith across generations. The early Christians' realization that the apostles were passing away without Christ's return prompted them to document Jesus' teachings and miracles, ensuring that the truth of His message would endure through the ages. Scripture serves as a foundation of truth that remains constant, providing guidance and reassurance even as human interpretations and conditions change. This historical context enriches our appreciation of the Bible as a vital tool in maintaining our faith and connection with God. [14:21]
Romans 15:4 (ESV): "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your engagement with Scripture to strengthen your faith during times of uncertainty?
Day 3: Cultivating a Lifestyle of Readiness
The expectation of Christ's return should influence our daily conduct. Living in readiness, or being caught doing the right things, cultivates a lifestyle of holiness and godliness. This readiness is not driven by fear but by a loving anticipation of Christ's return. It involves actively engaging in acts of kindness, maintaining spiritual disciplines, and embodying the teachings of Jesus in our everyday lives. This approach not only prepares us for the eventual return of Christ but also enriches our lives and those around us by spreading love and hope. [05:12]
Titus 2:12-13 (ESV): "Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can live more intentionally in readiness for Christ's return starting today?
Day 4: Theological Insights Shaping Church Practices
The early church's response to the delayed parousia shaped many practices and doctrines that define modern Christianity. Understanding this historical context helps us appreciate why certain doctrines are emphasized in Christian teaching. It also shows how these doctrines serve to keep the faith alive and relevant. By recognizing the reasons behind these practices, believers can more deeply connect with their faith, understanding that these doctrines are not merely religious rituals but are rooted in profound theological truths that aim to sustain and grow the believer's faith in anticipation of Christ's return. [10:23]
Ephesians 4:14-15 (ESV): "So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
Reflection: How does understanding the historical and theological reasons behind church practices enhance your personal faith journey?
Day 5: Truth Over Historical Accuracy
The discussion on the dating of Christmas illustrates the distinction between truth and historical accuracy. While dates and details may vary, the truth of Christ's incarnation and its significance remains unchanged. This teaches us to focus on the essence of our faith over the precision of details, which can often be a distraction. Embracing the core truths of our faith, such as the incarnation, resurrection, and eventual return of Christ, allows us to remain focused on what truly matters: our relationship with God and our journey towards spiritual maturity. [28:46]
John 1:14 (ESV): "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Reflection: How can you better focus on the foundational truths of your faith, rather than getting caught up in the details that might lead to confusion or division?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When Christ comes back, justice will reign on the earth. When Christ comes back, we will be proven to be those who believed in the true and living God. That when Christ comes back, God is going to show himself strong and the world will know we are the chosen of God." [08:49]
2. "Good morning, Alfred Street. beg your patience this morning as I seek to build a foundation upon some of the things that were taught and shared on last week in the season of Advent. And if you were not able to be with us, it's my prayer that you'd be able to watch the service online and connect the dots between last week and this week." [03:23]
3. "The reality is you never know when the Lord is going to return. And I asked you last week what I ask you again today. What do you plan on being caught doing when the Lord shows up? And since there's no guarantee he's coming on Sunday, my best advice to you is to live holy every day as much as you can. Because you never know what you're going to be caught doing when the Lord shows up." [05:12]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The most defining dynamic of the early Christian church is something called the delayed parousia. Let the church say delayed parousia. Let somebody tell them welcome to seminary. Welcome to seminary. If you know that parousia is the second coming of Jesus, then you ought to know what the delayed parousia is. The second coming of Jesus, in their opinion, was delayed." [10:23]
2. "God's time is not our time. Somebody, you oughta write that down. Get that as your next tattoo. God does not operate under the same constraints of time that you and I do. Hear me, Saint of God, what makes God different than you and me is that God is not restricted by time. You and I are prisoners of time." [20:32]
3. "The delayed parousia was the inspiration for the writing of the Gospels. You would not have Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John if Jesus had come back when the disciples thought he would. But since he did not, they realized they had to get the story right so they wrote it down. That's how you got the Gospels in your Bible because Christ did not come back and we had to stop telling different stories." [16:04]
4. "The early Christians believed that the same date of the crucifixion aligned itself with the date of the incarnation. They believed that God worked in such a way that the day Jesus was crucified had to be the same date of the year that Jesus became incarnate, when Jesus became flesh." [38:05]
5. "In a real sense, a pagan holiday and a Jewish holiday got baptized. They were Christianized, to become the celebration of the birth of Jesus. So, back to our question, accuracy and truth. Is December 25th, the historically accurate date of the birth of Jesus? In the words of Mr. from Color Purple, could be, could be not. Who's to say?" [40:06]
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