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1. We are all doing this in one way or another. Some watchful and faithful at our post, in the midst of a wicked world, like the sentry who died on guard in sinful Pompeii; some in slothful forgetfulness, like the foolish virgins; others in abject fear, like condemned criminals who wait the coming of the executioner; many, I trust, with patience, and hope, and peace.

2. Waiting is very hard work, far harder than doing. Waiting too for uncertainties, and better times which may never come; "hoping against hope," with that "hope deferred which maketh the heart sick," is one of the hardest of the tasks which we have to do. Waiting for the Lord Jesus Christ is also hard work, because of the sin which is in us and around us, but it is not hopeless or doubtful. "In due time we shall reap if we faint not."

3. How may we best wait for this?

4. Though we are waiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus, He is in a sense always with us.

5. We must wait for our Lord's coming with our armour girded on and in the front of the battle.

(H. J. W. Buxton, M. A.)

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KJV: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

WEB: so that you come behind in no gift; waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ;