How can we ensure we "stand before the Son of Man" confidently? The Context: Jesus on the End Times “Keep watch, then, at all times, and pray that you may have strength to escape all that is about to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Jesus has just described overwhelming signs—wars, earthquakes, persecution, celestial upheaval—culminating in His visible return. His final exhortation is practical: keep watch, pray, and be ready to stand before Him. The Command: Stay Alert • “Keep watch” means a continuous, disciplined wakefulness. • 1 Thessalonians 5:6: “So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” • By taking Jesus’ words literally, we recognize that complacency is spiritual danger. How to practice alertness: – Daily Scripture intake (Psalm 119:105) – Regular self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5) – Sensitivity to prophetic fulfillment without sensationalism (Matthew 24:32-33) The Means: Prayer and Dependence • “Pray that you may have strength.” The strength is supplied, not self-generated. • Ephesians 6:18: “Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition.” • Prayer keeps our hearts soft, our wills aligned, and our dependence clear. Practical prayer focuses: – Protection from temptation (Matthew 6:13) – Boldness to witness (Acts 4:29-31) – Readiness for Christ’s appearing (Revelation 22:20) The Lifestyle: Pursuing Holiness • 2 Peter 3:11-12: “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.” • Holiness is separation from sin and devotion to God. Key habits: – Quick repentance and confession (1 John 1:9) – Active obedience to known commands (John 14:15) – Spirit-empowered moral transformation (Galatians 5:22-23) The Assurance: Confidence in Christ • 1 John 2:28: “And now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.” • Confidence rests on Christ’s finished work, not flawless performance. • Romans 8:1: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” What confidence looks like: – Peace rather than panic when prophecy accelerates – Joyful anticipation instead of dread (Titus 2:13) – Courage to serve sacrificially, knowing judgment seat rewards await (2 Corinthians 5:10) Putting It All Together To stand confidently before the Son of Man: 1. Stay spiritually awake through Scripture, self-examination, and discernment. 2. Persist in Spirit-led prayer for strength, protection, and readiness. 3. Cultivate holiness by continual repentance, obedience, and fruit of the Spirit. 4. Anchor assurance in Christ’s righteousness, walking in daily fellowship with Him. Live this way, and the moment you meet Jesus will be one of fearless joy—exactly as He intends. |
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