How can we cultivate a longing for His appearing, as in 2 Timothy 4:8? The Promise of a Crown • “From now on the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8) • Paul links longing for Christ’s return with a tangible, future reward. Cultivating that longing is therefore neither optional nor merely emotional; it is an act of obedience that God delights to honor. Understanding “His Appearing” • The term points to the literal, visible return of Jesus to complete the work of redemption (Acts 1:11). • Titus 2:13 calls it “the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” • Hebrews 9:28 affirms He “will appear a second time…to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.” Why We Easily Lose Our Longing • Daily distractions (Luke 10:40–42). • A love of the present world (2 Timothy 4:10). • Unconfessed sin, which dulls spiritual appetite (Psalm 32:3–5). • Neglect of Scripture, which fuels hope (Romans 15:4). Practices That Rekindle Desire 1. Linger in Prophetic Passages – Read and meditate on texts like 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 21–22. – Memorize key verses; repetition stirs anticipation. 2. Fix Your Mind on Things Above – Colossians 3:1-4: “Set your minds on things above… When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” – Begin the day picturing that moment; end the day thanking Him it is one sunrise closer. 3. Pursue Holiness as Proof of Hope – 1 John 3:2-3: “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” – Confess sin quickly, practice integrity, guard your thought life. 4. Cultivate Intimate Fellowship with Christ – Regular, unhurried prayer and worship deepen love; longing grows naturally where love is strong (Philippians 3:8, 20-21). – Sing hymns and songs that highlight His return (“When We All Get to Heaven,” “Even So, Come”). 5. Fellowship With Others Who Share the Hope – Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to assemble, “encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Start a small group study on end-time passages; talk often about the return of Jesus. 6. Serve Faithfully While You Wait – Luke 12:42-44 praises the servant found working when the Master returns. – Engage in evangelism and acts of mercy; service keeps the heart oriented toward the coming Kingdom. 7. Keep Eternity in View During Suffering – Romans 8:18-25 links present groaning with future glory; trials can heighten anticipation if we let them redirect our hope. A Lifestyle Flowing From Hope • Joy: “Rejoice always” gains new strength when eternity is in sight (1 Thessalonians 5:16). • Perseverance: James 5:7-8, “Be patient… for the Lord’s coming is near.” • Witness: Living expectantly provokes questions that open doors for the gospel (1 Peter 3:15). Encouragement From Fellow Believers • Share testimonies of how remembering His appearing has transformed choices, priorities, and attitudes. • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper often; it proclaims His death “until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Closing Thoughts Longing for Christ’s appearing grows where hearts are saturated with His Word, separated from sin, and engaged in His work. The crown of righteousness awaits every believer who chooses, day by day, to love and anticipate the moment He breaks through the clouds. Let today’s decisions say, “Come, Lord Jesus.” |
    |