In what ways can believers prepare for their role in the "first resurrection"? The Promise of the First Resurrection “Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:6) • Share in blessing and holiness. • Immune to the second death. • Serve as priests and reign with Christ. Everything that follows simply unpacks how believers can live now in light of that breathtaking future. Why Preparation Matters • Scripture never treats future hope as passive; it fuels present obedience (1 John 3:2-3). • The first resurrection inaugurates priestly ministry and rulership; training starts here (1 Timothy 4:8). • Rewards are tied to faithfulness (Luke 19:17). Cultivating Holiness Now “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14) Practical steps: • Daily surrender—present your bodies “as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1-2). • Consistent Scripture intake—“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). • Quick repentance—keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9). Holiness is the dress rehearsal for resurrection glory. Living as Priests in Training “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.” (1 Peter 2:5) Priestly rhythms today: • Intercession—regularly lift others before the throne (1 Timothy 2:1). • Worship—offer “a sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15). • Mediation—share the gospel, bringing God to people and people to God (2 Corinthians 5:20). Reigning Begins with Servanthood “If we endure, we will also reign with Him.” (2 Timothy 2:12) • Embrace humble service—“the greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). • Practice faithful stewardship—manage time, talents, and treasure as kingdom resources (Luke 16:10). • Cultivate kingdom priorities—seek first His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Small acts of faithfulness become training grounds for millennial leadership. Staying Faithful under Trial “Do not fear what you are about to suffer… Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10) • View trials as refining fire (1 Peter 1:6-7). • Lean on the Spirit’s power (Galatians 5:16). • Encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13). • Remember future vindication—“the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing” (Romans 8:18). Anchored in Hope through Worship “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command… and the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16) • Regular fellowship—foretaste of the gathering to come (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Communion—proclaim the Lord’s death “until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Singing resurrection truths—builds faith and anticipation (Colossians 3:16). Hope-filled worship keeps hearts aligned with the promised resurrection. Encouragement to Persevere “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) Hold this assurance tightly: every step of obedience, service, and endurance is shaping you for the honor of rising first, serving as priests, and reigning with the King. Live today as citizens of that coming kingdom—eyes fixed on the dawn when “we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). |
    |