What practical steps help us prepare for Christ's return as described here? Remain in Him—The Foundation “ 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) Daily Practices That Keep Us Abiding • Set aside unhurried time in Scripture; let His words abide in you (John 15:7). • Pray continually—conversation, praise, confession, petitions (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Obey what you read; love proves genuine abiding (John 15:10; 1 John 5:3). • Gather faithfully with believers for encouragement and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Keep short accounts with God—confess and forsake sin quickly (1 John 1:9). Living for Confidence, Not Shame • Pursue fruitful obedience; Jesus said, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit” (John 15:8). • Maintain a clear conscience by renouncing hidden sins (2 Corinthians 4:2). • Walk in the Spirit; His fruit crowds out the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:16, 22-23). Cultivating Personal Holiness • “Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15). – Guard your thoughts (Philippians 4:8). – Flee youthful passions; pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace (2 Timothy 2:22). – Redeem the time; make every opportunity count (Ephesians 5:15-16). Staying Alert and Hope-Filled • Jesus: “Be on the alert and pray, for you do not know when the time will come” (Mark 13:33-37). • Fix hope on “the blessed hope—the glorious appearing” (Titus 2:13). • Encourage one another: “You are all sons of light… so then let us not sleep as others do” (1 Thessalonians 5:5-6). Loving as the Family Mark • “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brothers” (1 John 3:14). • Meet practical needs—food, shelter, presence (Matthew 25:35-40). • Speak truth in love; restore gently when someone falls (Galatians 6:1-2). Spirit-Empowered Witness • Go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). • Live so that you “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15-16). • Be ready to give a reason for your hope, with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Holding Fast to Sound Doctrine • “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). • Guard the good deposit by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:13-14). • Watch for subtle compromise; cling to the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27-31). By remaining in Christ through these practical, Spirit-enabled steps, we cultivate lives that will meet Him with confidence and unashamed joy when He appears. |
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