In what ways can we prepare for the fulfillment of Revelation 1:7? Anchoring on the Text “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.” (Revelation 1:7) Why Preparation Matters • His return is certain (Acts 1:11) • It will be visible to all (Matthew 24:30) • It brings both comfort and judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:7–10) Prepare by Cultivating a Watchful Heart • Stay awake and alert (Matthew 24:42–44) • Fix hope fully on His appearing (1 Peter 1:13) • Guard against spiritual lethargy (Revelation 3:2–3) Prepare by Walking in Practical Holiness • Pursue purity because “everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself” (1 John 3:2–3) • Live in holiness and godliness as you “look for and hasten the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11–12) • Deny ungodliness; live sensibly, righteously, and godly (Titus 2:11–14) Prepare by Holding Fast to Sound Doctrine • Guard the faith once for all delivered (Jude 3) • Test every spirit and teaching (1 John 4:1) • Devote yourself to Scripture, knowing it cannot be broken (John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:16–17) Prepare by Proclaiming the Gospel • Bear witness “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8) • Urgently plead for reconciliation before the Day arrives (2 Corinthians 5:20) • Shine as lights in a dark world (Philippians 2:15–16) Prepare by Encouraging One Another • “Encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24–25) • Build one another up with the promise of His return (1 Thessalonians 4:16–18) • Stir up love and good works (Hebrews 10:24) Prepare by Suffering Well • Endure hardships, knowing they refine faith (1 Peter 1:6–7) • Remain faithful unto death, expecting the crown of life (Revelation 2:10) • Rejoice that present trials are temporary and purposeful (Romans 8:18) Living Expectantly Every Day • Order time, talents, and resources as faithful stewards (Matthew 25:14–30) • Keep short accounts—repent quickly and forgive freely (Ephesians 4:32) • Pray “Come, Lord Jesus!” while laboring until He does (Revelation 22:20) |
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