Hymn: “While shepherds watched their flocks”
CENTRAL THOUGHT
The coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is at hand; there is need for the believer to be ready.
TEXT: TEXT: REV.3:11, 22:7-12; 1 THESS.5:1-11.
INTRODUCTION:
Man was separated from God as a result of disobedience to God’s instruction. That action by man distorted the entire course of creation. In reaction, God had to immediately initiate a remedial plan for the return of man to true relationship with his maker. This plan of reconciliation was unfolded in the birth, ministry, death/sacrifice and resurrection/triumph of Christ for the redemption of man from eternal damnation. This restored to man the privilege and opportunity to be saved. At resurrection, Jesus ascended to the presence of God and left no doubt about His return, this time not as a sacrificial lamb, but as a king and judge of all creation.
The second coming of Christ is a subject not many are talking about today, even within the body of Christ. The pilgrim status of the church is fast fading and her mission to rescue the lost is being diluted. The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church that should attract enthusiasm and eagerness on the part of every believer. God’s program for the earth is gradually winding up. Every sign given by Christ is being fulfilled at a very rapid rate. This reminder of the second coming is a call to every believer to prepare adequately and be in constant vigilance for this long-expected event.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this lesson shall be to:
- Establish the meaning, reason for and timing of the second coming of Christ.
- Examine the signs heralding the second coming.
- List the expected conduct of believers in these last days.
- Discuss the benefits believers will get from the second coming of Christ.
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1) EXPLAIN THE MEANING, REASON FOR AND TIMING OF THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.
One of the cardinal articles of the Christian faith is that Christ is coming back to the earth, to judge the living and the dead. The second coming is the literal visible return of the Lord Jesus to the earth in company of his saints. The fact of this return was prophesized in Zech.14:4-5 and confirmed in Acts 1:11.
He is coming in His power and majesty to deliver an end the whole of creation from the bondage of disobedience and corruption into the glorious liberty of fellowship with God. His coming will establish His reign over nations and he shall set up an everlasting kingdom. He will put down every religion against God and institute a universal worship that recognizes the authority of God. He is coming to take vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the gospel. (2 Thess.1:8).
God has chosen to keep away from man the specific timing of the return. It will bear the elements of surprise and speed and will be universally acknowledged. However, out of love, Jesus Christ elected to reveal numerous signs that will signal his imminent return. This revelation is a package for the church to decode and sufficiently be in readiness to receive Him and be received of Him.
QUESTION 2) WHAT ARE THE SIGNS HERALDING THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST? MATT.24:3-14.
We will discuss these signs under three broad subheads, namely Spiritual signals, political signals and economic/natural signals.
On the spiritual scale, there will be unprecedented spread in the message of the gospel of Christ. Without doubt, the current information age of radio, television, satellite broadcasts, internet, GSM, and all the likes have made this a reality.
The rise and multiplicity of false prophets and false Christ all performing “wonders” are well known to us. They have the feat to perform lying signs and wonders so as to deceive the gullible. Massive discouragement and despair coupled with lukewarmness in the church is evident. Today not many believers can identify with the supreme task of winning souls for Christ. Our services are gradually approaching disco concerts and wild parties. The love of many for God has waxed cold. The love of pleasure is gradually taking over the love for God. There is the shift in emphasis of gospellers from the good news of soul salvation to unbridled material acquisition. The restoration of the state of Israel and the restoration of the Jews to the Abrahamic covenants are signs of the end time. In the political sphere, wars and rumors of wars abound in every corner of the earth. International wars, inter-ethnic wars, terrorism, hostage taking, overthrow of governments, internal rebellion and external aggression within and between nations are too numerous to count as of today. They are even near us. The seed of the bond woman has become a willing tool in the negative fulfillment of this sign.
On the economic sphere, great economies are failing and are turning out many jobless fellows. Shortage of food (famine), drought, earthquakes of high frequency and magnitudes, rebellion of the waters under the ground (tsunami) are all indicators that the Master is at the gate. The apparent drive for economic unions points to the predicted globalization with the resulting cashless economies, and sophisticated use of computer codes.
QUESTION 3) HOW ARE WE TO PREPARE FOR THE LORD’S COMING?
Because of the pervading influence of sin which will characterize the days before the coming of the Lord and the attendant conditions which will cause many to go into spiritual slumber, the believer must keep vigil to be spiritually alive and well. (Matt.25:13). The believer would need to keep vigil in prayers, steadfast in the service of the kingdom, knowledgeable in the word and faithful in fellowship.
By keeping alive these areas of spiritual walk with the Lord, we effectively prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord. We are to refrain from all unrighteousness and have His coming constantly in view. We must be occupied with His business our Master must meet us faithfully at our duty posts. We are to make converts for the kingdom and continuously sound the alarm of an imminent judgement on a recalcitrant world. Our labor will bear fruit for the kingdom and will be rewarded at His coming.
QUESTION 4) WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE SECOND COMING?
At the Lord’s return, believers shall put on immortality (1Cor.15:53). We shall be like Him-immortal and glorious. Our earnest expectation for transformation will then be fulfilled. At the Lord’s return all things will be made new and God shall comfort the believers for all the trauma of the earth. Sorrow and pain will be banished. The second coming will execute vengeance on the earth for all the blood of the martyrs of Christ, whose blood is still speaking. It will be a time of reward for faithful service and sacrifices made for Christ. Every act of love, service, kindness, deprivation on account of his name will be duly rewarded and bountifully compensated. Every believer must keep this hope alive so that he does not become fatigued in waiting.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
The imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ is attested to by the events being witnessed in the world today such as natural disasters, distress of nations (economic failures), wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, bomb blasts etc. This should motivate the believer to be steadfast, to faithfully and zealously spread the gospel of salvation and be well determined to live a righteous life for God. The perils will generate fear in the unbelieving but will serve as reminder to the believer that His Master’s return is imminent.
MEMORY VERSE:
1 JOHN 3:3
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Mon: The return of Christ demands watchfulness.
Matt 24:42-44.
Tue: The Lord will not slack in his promise. 2 Pet.3:8-10.
Wed: The glorious hope. Rom.8:29; Phil.3:21.
Thu: he is coming to reign. Matt.25:31-32.
Fri: Watch and pray. Luke 21:34-36.
Sat: Beware of deceivers. Matt.24:10-11.