How can we prepare for the "time came for the saints" to reign? The Prophetic Promise • Daniel 7:22 looks ahead to the moment “until the Ancient of Days came … and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom”. • This is a literal, future event: genuine authority will be placed in the hands of redeemed believers to share in Christ’s rule (cf. Revelation 20:4, 6). Foundations for Readiness • Receive new life in Christ (John 3:3). No one reigns with Him without first being born again. • Embrace Scripture as sufficient and true. “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Hold to sound doctrine; resist “every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14). Personal Holiness: Training for Royal Service • “Be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Holy living now forms habits fit for the throne later. • Daily repentance keeps the conscience clear (1 John 1:9). • Pursue the Spirit’s fruit—love, joy, peace… (Galatians 5:22-23). These qualities will mark the coming kingdom. Faithful Stewardship of Today’s Assignments • Jesus’ parable of the minas (Luke 19:11-27) links present faithfulness with future rulership. • Manage time, money, and abilities as trust funds from the King. • Small, unseen obediences (“a cup of cold water,” Matthew 10:42) are noticed and rewarded. Endurance Through Testing • “If we endure, we will also reign with Him” (2 Timothy 2:12). • Trials refine character; they are not interruptions but internships for kingdom leadership (James 1:2-4). • Keep a worshipful attitude in hardship—Paul and Silas sang in prison (Acts 16:25). Active Service in Christ’s Body • Engage in a local church. “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Use spiritual gifts for building others up (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Practice mutual submission and accountability; future rulers must first be faithful servants (Mark 10:43-45). Kingdom Mind-Set in a Fallen World • View work, family, and community involvement as arenas to showcase Christ’s character. • Speak of His coming reign: “We are ambassadors” (2 Corinthians 5:20). • Cultivate detachment from earth’s fading systems; store treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). Watchfulness and Hope • Jesus warns, “Stay alert” (Matthew 24:42). Maintain expectancy; complacency dulls spiritual senses. • Guard against drifting—regular self-examination keeps faith vibrant (2 Corinthians 13:5). • Anchor hope: “I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have” (Revelation 3:11). Summary Checklist for Preparation – New birth and assurance of salvation – Daily Scripture intake and obedience – Pursuit of holiness and repentance – Faithful stewardship of resources – Perseverance through trials – Active service in the church – Kingdom-centered outlook – Constant watchfulness and hope Live these truths now, and when “the time came for the saints to reign,” you will be ready to step into the role the King has prepared. |
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