WAITING FOR CHRIST'S RETURN

WAITING FOR CHRIST'S RETURN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 1:4-9

Key Verse: "So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." — 1 Corinthians 1:7-8 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Matthew 24:42-44; John 14:1-3; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; Titus 2:11-13; 2 Peter 3:10-14

Description: Every believer is called to live in readiness, holiness, and faithful service while eagerly awaiting the glorious return of Jesus Christ.

INTRODUCTION
The second coming of Jesus Christ is one of the greatest hopes of the Christian faith. Paul reminded the Corinthian believers that they were to wait expectantly for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, trusting that God would strengthen and preserve them until that glorious day. The promise of Christ's return should inspire confidence rather than fear for those who belong to Him.

Waiting for Christ's return does not mean becoming idle or withdrawing from life's responsibilities. Instead, it means living every day with spiritual alertness, faithful obedience, and joyful expectation. Believers are to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that the Lord will fulfil His promise to return for His people.

In a world filled with uncertainty, deception, and increasing moral decline, Christians must keep their eyes fixed on Christ. Those who live with eternity in view will pursue holiness, remain faithful in service, and encourage others to prepare for the coming of the Lord.

1. LIVE WITH EXPECTATION OF CHRIST'S RETURN
The return of Jesus Christ is a certain event that every believer should eagerly anticipate. Our hope is anchored in His promise to come again.

a) Believe Christ's Promise (John 14:1-3)
Jesus personally promised that He would return to receive His followers unto Himself. His promise is certain because He is faithful.

b) Watch And Be Ready (Matthew 24:42-44)
Believers must remain spiritually watchful because no one knows the exact day or hour of Christ's return.

c) Long For His Appearing (2 Timothy 4:8)
Those who truly love the Lord eagerly look forward to His appearing and the eternal reward that awaits them.

d) Keep Your Hope In Heaven (Philippians 3:20-21)
Our true citizenship is in heaven, and we should live with our hearts focused on our eternal home.

Biblical Example: The early disciples remained steadfast in the hope of Christ's return after witnessing His ascension, continuing faithfully in prayer and ministry (Acts 1:9-11).

2. LIVE A HOLY AND BLAMELESS LIFE
The expectation of Christ's return should motivate believers to pursue holiness. God desires His children to be found faithful and blameless when the Lord appears.

a) Pursue Holiness Daily (Hebrews 12:14)
A life of holiness reflects our readiness to meet the Lord and demonstrates our love for Him.

b) Put Away Every Sin (Hebrews 12:1)
Believers should remove every weight and sinful habit that hinders their spiritual progress.

c) Be Transformed By God's Word (Romans 12:2)
Continual renewal of the mind enables believers to live according to God's will rather than worldly standards.

d) Keep Yourself Pure (1 John 3:2-3)
The hope of seeing Christ should inspire believers to live lives of purity and righteousness.

Biblical Example: Enoch walked faithfully with God and pleased Him through a life of holiness before God took him (Genesis 5:21-24; Hebrews 11:5).

3. REMAIN FAITHFUL IN SERVICE
Waiting for Christ's return involves active service rather than passive expectation. God expects His people to be diligent in His work until He comes.

a) Use Your Spiritual Gifts Faithfully (1 Peter 4:10)
Every believer should use the gifts God has given for the benefit of the Church and the advancement of His Kingdom.

b) Be Steadfast In The Lord's Work (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Our labour for the Lord is never in vain because He rewards faithful service.

c) Share The Gospel Boldly (Matthew 28:19-20)
Believers must proclaim the message of salvation so that others may be prepared for Christ's return.

d) Encourage Fellow Believers (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Christians should strengthen and encourage one another as the day of the Lord draws nearer.

Biblical Example: Paul faithfully preached the Gospel, planted churches, and completed his ministry while eagerly awaiting the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

4. STAND FIRM UNTIL THE END
God promises to establish His people and keep them blameless until the return of Christ. Believers must therefore remain steadfast in faith despite opposition and trials.

a) Trust God's Keeping Power (1 Corinthians 1:8)
The Lord is able to establish and preserve His people until the end through His sustaining grace.

b) Endure Trials Patiently (James 1:12)
Those who remain faithful under trial will receive the crown of life promised by the Lord.

c) Hold Firm To Your Faith (Hebrews 10:23)
Believers should never abandon their confidence because God is faithful to fulfil His promises.

d) Finish Your Race Well (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Our goal should be to complete our Christian journey faithfully and receive the reward prepared by the Lord.

Biblical Example: Noah remained obedient to God throughout the years of building the ark, patiently waiting for the fulfilment of God's Word and receiving divine preservation (Genesis 6:13-22; Hebrews 11:7).

CONCLUSION
The return of Jesus Christ is a certain and glorious hope for every believer. As we wait for His coming, we are called to remain watchful, pursue holiness, serve faithfully, and stand firm in our faith. God has promised to strengthen and preserve His children until that great day.

Let us therefore live every day with eternity in view, making the most of every opportunity to honour God and serve others. May we be found faithful, blameless, and full of joyful expectation when our Lord Jesus Christ appears in glory.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for the blessed hope of the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to live every day in readiness for Your glorious appearing, in Jesus name.

3. Father, strengthen me to pursue holiness and righteousness until the end, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, keep me faithful in serving You with all my heart until You come, in Jesus name.

5. Father, preserve me from every deception that seeks to draw me away from the truth, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, help me to remain steadfast in faith regardless of the trials I may face, in Jesus name.

7. Father, empower me to use my spiritual gifts faithfully for the growth of Your Kingdom, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, give me boldness to preach the Gospel and prepare others for Your coming, in Jesus name.

9. Father, confirm me unto the end and keep me blameless in the day of Christ, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, may I finish my Christian race with joy and receive the crown of righteousness at Your appearing, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall remain steadfast in your faith, and the Lord shall preserve you blameless until the day of Jesus Christ.

2. You shall live in joyful expectation of Christ's return, and your hope shall never be put to shame.

3. The grace of God shall strengthen you to overcome every temptation and remain faithful to the end.

4. You shall walk in holiness, and your life shall continually reflect the character of Jesus Christ.

5. Every assignment God has committed into your hands shall be fulfilled with excellence before the Lord returns.

6. You shall not be deceived by the spirit of this age, but you shall stand firmly upon the truth of God's Word.

7. The Holy Spirit shall empower you to be a bold witness for Christ, and many souls shall come to the knowledge of the truth through your life.

8. You shall remain fruitful in the service of God, and your labour in the Lord shall never be in vain.

9. The Lord shall keep you spiritually alert, faithful, and victorious through every season of your life.

10. You shall be found ready, blameless, and full of joy when the Lord Jesus Christ appears in His glory, and you shall reign with Him forever.