Waiting for Christ's Return

Introduction

During Christmas, we remember and celebrate Christ’s first coming here on earth. He came that we might have life and hope. The hope that He gives is that we will eventually spend eternity with Him, because He has given us eternal life. Therefore, as Christians, we look forward to Christ’s return so that He may gather us to Himself, and establish His rule over the whole of creation.

But we do not know when Christ will return. While we await His return, what are we to do as believers? Peter gave believers some instructions through his letter. In 1 Peter 4, Peter talked about suffering. He began by saying that because Christ suffered, believers should expect that they too will suffer in this world. In the last portion of the chapter, he encouraged them to persevere in suffering and entrust their souls to God. In the middle of these two portions of scripture, Peter talked about the believer’s hope of Christ’s return, and how they are to act because of this hope. We believers can persevere in suffering for the name of Christ because of our hope in Christ.

English Standard Version Chapter 4

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Eternity is at Hand (v. 7)

Christ may return at any time (v. 7a)

(cf. Mt. 24:42-44; 1 Thess. 5:1-2) (E. Dylan’s example of teen planning to party while parents were away)

Be Self-controlled and sober-minded in prayer (v. 7b)

Be self-controlled (to be of sound mind, to use sound judgment and moderation, to be self-disciplined) and sober-minded (to be watchful, circumspect) in prayer (v. 7b) (cf. Mt. 26:41;1 Thess. 5:4-6)

Timeless truth: Believers should watch and pray for Christ’s return

Application: Let’s be sober of mind and pray as we await Christ’s return. (unlike doomsday preppers or those who do nothing because they think Christ is coming soon)

Love One Another (vv. 8-9)

Love One Another Earnestly (v. 8)

Love one another earnestly (love allows us to forgive others’ sins) (v. 8) (cf. Jn. 13:34-35; Rom. 12:9-10)

Show Hospitality to One Another (v. 9)

Show hospitality to one another (v. 9) (cf. Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:2)

Timeless truth: Believers should love one another

Application: As Christ’s followers, let’s outdo one another in showing love. This should be our distinctive trait as Christians.

Serve One Another (vv. 10-11)

Be Stewards of God’s Gifts (v. 10)

Be stewards of God’s gifts (v. 10) (cf. 1 Cor. 12:7; Eph. 4:11-13)

Be It Through Speaking or Serving (v. 11a)

Be it through speaking or serving (v. 11a)

Speaking God’s words (cf. 1 Cor. 2:1-4; 2 Cor. 4:5)

Serving by God’s strength (cf,. Col. 1:29)

So That God May Be Glorified (v. 11b)

So that God may be glorified (v. 11b) (cf. 1 Cor. 10:31)

Timeless truth: Believers love one another by serving one another using God’s gifts

Application: Let’s be good stewards of God’s gifts by serving one another in love

Conclusion

As we wait for our hope of Christ’s return, we must not be idle nor should we be panicking. We are to keep alert and pray, making sure that we are ready when Christ returns. And as we watch and pray, we are to love and serve one another. As we do this, God will be glorified in our midst.