BEHOLD, I COME QUICKLY

Title: BEHOLD, I COME QUICKLY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Revelation 22:12
"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."

Supporting Texts:
Matthew 24:42-44
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
2 Peter 3:10-11
Luke 12:35-40
1 Corinthians 15:52

INTRODUCTION:
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the return of Jesus Christ, highlighting that He will come quickly and unexpectedly. The promise of Christ’s return is both a warning and a comfort to believers, encouraging us to live ready, holy, and watchful lives. His imminent return should affect how we live, think, and relate to others. This study will explore what it means to live in anticipation of Christ’s coming and how we can be prepared for His return.

1. THE CERTAINTY OF CHRIST'S RETURN

The return of Christ is an essential part of the Christian faith. Jesus Himself repeatedly promised He would come again to establish His kingdom and reward the faithful.

a) Prophecies in the Scriptures
Both the Old and New Testaments speak of His coming (Isaiah 66:15-16; Matthew 24:30).

b) Christ’s Own Words
Jesus assures us of His return to bring believers to eternal life (John 14:3).

c) The Apostles' Teaching
The apostles taught that Christ's return was imminent, urging believers to live prepared (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

d) God’s Faithfulness
Just as all God’s promises have been fulfilled, so will the promise of Christ’s return (Hebrews 10:37).

Biblical Example:
The parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) illustrates the need for readiness, as five were prepared and five were not.

2. THE IMMINENCE OF HIS COMING

Jesus emphasized the suddenness and unexpectedness of His return. As such, believers are to stay vigilant, for no one knows the exact time of His coming.

a) Coming Like a Thief in the Night
His return will be sudden, catching many off guard (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

b) Living in Constant Readiness
Believers are to stay spiritually alert, not allowing complacency to take root (Matthew 24:42-44).

c) The Importance of Watchfulness
Staying watchful in prayer and holy living is essential as we await His return (Luke 12:35-40).

d) Avoiding Distractions of the World
The cares of this world can cause spiritual slumber, so believers must remain focused on Christ.

Biblical Example:
The people of Noah’s time were unprepared for the flood, which came suddenly upon them (Matthew 24:37-39).

3. THE REWARD FOR THE FAITHFUL

Jesus promises to bring rewards when He comes, according to the works of each person. This reward should motivate us to live godly and fruitful lives.

a) Rewards According to Works
Each person’s faithfulness and obedience will be rewarded (2 Corinthians 5:10).

b) The Crowns of the Faithful
The Bible speaks of various crowns for believers, such as the crown of life, righteousness, and glory (James 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:8).

c) The Joy of Being with Christ
Our greatest reward is eternal fellowship with Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

d) Serving God with an Eternal Perspective
Living for eternity, rather than the temporary things of this world, brings eternal rewards.

Biblical Example:
Paul speaks of his anticipation of a reward, knowing he has fought the good fight (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

4. THE CONSEQUENCES FOR THE UNPREPARED

Just as Christ’s coming brings rewards for the faithful, it also brings consequences for those who are unprepared or reject Him.

a) Separation from God
Those unprepared face eternal separation from God (Matthew 25:41).

b) Judgment for the Wicked
Christ’s return will bring judgment upon the wicked (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).

c) Eternal Regret
Many will experience regret for missed opportunities to accept and follow Christ (Luke 13:27-28).

d) The Need for Repentance
Those who are unprepared must repent and turn to Christ to escape judgment (Acts 3:19).

Biblical Example:
The rich man in Luke 16:19-31 faced eternal regret for a life lived without God, contrasting with Lazarus’s reward.

5. LIVING IN ANTICIPATION OF HIS RETURN

Knowing Christ is coming quickly should inspire us to live holy, purposeful lives, with our focus on pleasing God.

a) Living Holy and Godly Lives
Believers are called to live holy lives as we await His coming (2 Peter 3:11).

b) Spreading the Gospel
Christ’s return reminds us of the urgency to reach others with the gospel (Mark 16:15).

c) Growing in Faith and Obedience
We must continue to grow spiritually, walking in faith and obedience to God’s Word (Colossians 2:6-7).

d) Loving One Another
Living in love is essential as we prepare to meet Christ, for He commands us to love one another (John 13:34).

Biblical Example:
Simeon and Anna lived in anticipation of Christ’s first coming and were blessed to see Him (Luke 2:25-38).

CONCLUSION:
The message of “Behold, I come quickly” is a wake-up call to every believer. Jesus’ return is not only certain but also imminent, and it will bring both reward and judgment. We must be watchful, live holy lives, and keep our hearts focused on Christ, ready to meet Him at any moment. Let us live in the awareness that He is coming soon, ensuring we are found faithful and prepared when He returns.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to live in readiness for Your return.

2. Father, give me the grace to live a holy and obedient life daily.

3. Lord, let my focus be on eternal things and not the temporary.

4. Father, increase my desire to reach others with the gospel.

5. Holy Spirit, keep me spiritually awake and free from complacency.

6. Lord, help me to use my gifts and talents faithfully until You come.

7. Father, let my heart be full of love and anticipation for Your return.

8. Lord, strengthen my faith and help me remain steadfast in You.

9. Holy Spirit, convict those around me to prepare for Your coming.

10. Lord, grant me the joy of being found faithful when You return.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that you will be found ready and watchful for the Lord’s return.

2. May your heart stay fixed on Christ and not be distracted by worldly concerns.

3. I declare that your life will reflect holiness and dedication to God.

4. May you receive a glorious reward as you serve God faithfully.

5. I declare that the spirit of complacency will have no hold on you.

6. May you be a vessel that brings others to Christ before His return.

7. I declare that you will live with a sense of urgency, prepared for the coming of the Lord.

8. May your life shine as a testimony of God’s grace and power.

9. I declare that the love of Christ will compel you to live a life pleasing to Him.

10. May you be filled with joy, peace, and expectancy as you await the Lord’s return.