In what ways can you live in anticipation of Christ's return as described? Firstfruits and Our Hope “Christ the firstfruits; then at His coming, those who belong to Him.” (1 Corinthians 15:23) • Because Jesus rose as the “firstfruits,” His return guarantees our own resurrection. • Living in anticipation starts with treasuring that promise—letting the certainty of our future with Him color every present decision. Daily Choices Shaped by the Coming King • Personal holiness: “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:3) – Guard eyes, words, and habits because the King is near. • Obedient stewardship: use time, talents, and resources knowing Christ could appear at any moment (Matthew 24:45-46). • Joyful worship: cultivate a thankful heart; praise keeps hope fresh. Cultivating Watchful Hearts • Stay spiritually alert: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42) – Begin each day asking, “What does faithfulness look like today?” • Patient endurance: “Strengthen your hearts, for the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:8) – Trials become reminders that relief is on the horizon. Engaging the World with Gospel Urgency • Evangelize compassionately: if Christ could return today, neighbors need to hear today. (2 Corinthians 5:20) • Serve sacrificially: acts of mercy display the coming kingdom’s character. • Face culture confidently: truth is unshaken because history is moving toward His reign. Strengthening One Another in Community • Gather faithfully: “Let us not neglect meeting together… and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25) • Encourage hope: remind one another of the resurrection promise (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). • Bear burdens: communal love models the family we will be forever. Keeping Eternity in View • Set priorities by what will last: “Since all these things are to be dissolved, what kind of people ought you to be?” (2 Peter 3:11) – Invest in character, people, and gospel ministries. • Long for His appearing: “We wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13) – Anticipation grows as you speak often of His return. Living this way turns ordinary moments into opportunities to echo the certainty of 1 Corinthians 15:23: Christ rose first; we’re next. So every day becomes a rehearsal for the moment we meet Him face-to-face. |
    |