How can we live daily in anticipation of Jesus' return described in Matthew 24:30? The Promise in View “‘They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.’” (Matthew 24:30) Living Watchfully • Stay spiritually alert; Jesus warns, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42) • Build the habit of daily Scripture reading and prayer so your heart stays sensitive to His voice. • Evaluate choices—time, entertainment, finances—through the lens of readiness. If He returned today, would He find you faithfully occupied? (Luke 12:35-37) Cultivating Personal Holiness • “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:3) • Confess sin quickly; keep short accounts with God. (1 John 1:9) • Pursue the Spirit’s fruit—love, joy, peace, patience… (Galatians 5:22-23)—as visible evidence you belong to Christ. Engaging in Faithful Service • Use talents and opportunities for Kingdom work; the parable of the talents follows Jesus’ return discourse (Matthew 25:14-30). • Serve the local church—teaching, hospitality, mercy—“until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26) • See ordinary work as stewardship; excellence on the job honors the coming King. (Colossians 3:23-24) Displaying Active Love • Meet practical needs: food, clothing, visitation. Jesus links care for “the least of these” with readiness for His arrival. (Matthew 25:34-40) • Maintain reconciled relationships; forgive quickly, knowing the Judge stands at the door. (James 5:9) Guarding Sound Doctrine • False christs and prophets precede His return (Matthew 24:23-25). Test every teaching by Scripture. (Acts 17:11) • Hold fast to the gospel delivered “once for all to the saints.” (Jude 3) • Teach children and new believers what the Bible says about the Second Coming so they are not shaken. (2 Thessalonians 2:2) Strengthening Hope through Worship • Gather consistently with believers—“encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25) • Sing songs that celebrate His triumph (“He is coming with the clouds,” Revelation 1:7) to keep anticipation fresh. • Celebrate Communion reverently; it proclaims the Lord’s death “until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26) Encouraging One Another • Remind fellow believers, “The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:5) • Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness to fuel persevering faith. • Comfort the grieving with the promise: “The dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) Staying Alert amid Deception • Saturate your mind with truth; error gains ground where Scripture is neglected. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) • Reject date-setting; live ready every day instead. (Mark 13:32-33) • Discern world events without fear—“When these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28) Eyes Fixed on the Clouds • Keep longing alive: “There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness… for all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8) • Let the certainty of His visible, glorious return shape present priorities, fuel holy living, and ignite unwavering hope until we see “the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” |
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