What does "confidence at His coming" mean for our daily lives? Confidence at His Coming (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.” — 1 John 2:28 The Foundation: Remaining in Him • “Remain” (or “abide”) means an ongoing, living connection with Jesus—daily surrender, obedience, and fellowship. • Confidence is not self-generated; it grows out of continual dependence on His life within us (John 15:4-5). • When we stay close to Him, shame evaporates and bold expectation fills its place. Confidence Defined: Fearless Joy at His Appearing • Greek term parrēsia conveys frankness, freedom of speech, bold courage. • Not presumption, but the settled assurance that the returning King is our Savior, Friend, and Advocate (1 John 2:1). • It is the opposite of shrinking back or hiding like Adam in the garden (Genesis 3:8-10). Daily Marks of Abiding • Consistent time in His Word: “If you remain in My word, you are truly My disciples” (John 8:31). • Quick, honest confession of sin (1 John 1:9). • Spirit-empowered obedience: “Whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him” (1 John 2:5). • Active love for brothers and sisters (1 John 4:12). • Persistent prayer that draws on His grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). Why Confidence Matters Right Now • Steadies us in trials—knowing the story ends in victory (Romans 8:18). • Fuels courageous witness—unafraid of rejection because His approval is sure (Acts 4:13). • Frees us from people-pleasing—our Judge is returning; His verdict alone counts (1 Corinthians 4:3-4). • Protects against despair—hope anchors the soul (Hebrews 6:19). Counterfeit Confidence: What to Avoid • Empty profession without obedience (Matthew 7:21-23). • Worldly security in wealth or reputation (1 John 2:15-17). • Comparing ourselves with others instead of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:12). Promises That Anchor Our Hope • John 14:3 — “I will come again and receive you to Myself.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 — “The Lord Himself will descend… and so we will always be with the Lord.” • 2 Timothy 4:8 — “Crown of righteousness… to all who crave His appearing.” • Hebrews 10:35 — “Do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward.” A Lifestyle That Greets Him With Joy 1. Pursue purity: “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure” (1 John 3:3). 2. Keep short accounts: repent quickly, forgive readily (Ephesians 4:32). 3. Love tangibly: serve, give, encourage—love perfected casts out fear (1 John 4:17-18). 4. Invest in eternal work: labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). 5. Anticipate daily: “You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate… the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11-12). The Result: Unashamed, Radiant Welcome • When the trumpet sounds, those who remain in Him will lift their heads, not lower them. • His appearing turns from a fearful event into the long-awaited reunion of child with Father. • “Love has been perfected among us, so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment” (1 John 4:17). Abide today; walk in tomorrow’s certainty. Confidence at His coming transforms every ordinary moment into joyful anticipation of seeing Jesus face to face. |
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