Memory Scripture
To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
(Revelation 3:21)
The Bible calls us to live faithfully and with hope, preparing for Christ’s return and the eternal reign of His Church.”
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 7: Jesus Speaks Of Temple’s Destruction (Lk. 21:1-6)
Tue. 8: Jesus Speaks Of The Signs Of The End (1k 21:7-19)
Wed. 9: Jesus Speaks Of Jerusalem’s Destruction (Lk. 21:20-24)
Thu. 10: Jesus Speaks Of The Prior Signs (Lk. 21:25-28)
Fri. 11: Jesus Speaks Of Lessons By The Fig Tree (Lk. 21:29-33)
Sat. 12: Jesus Speaks Of Being On Guard (Lk. 21:34-37)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Christ’s victory is the peak of God’s salvation plan, bringing justice, restoration and eternal fellowship with God for believers.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCES: MATTHEW 16:16-19; 24:36-44; JOHN 14:1-6; EPHESIANS 5:25-27; I THESSALONIANS 4:16-17; 2 PETER 3:1-10; REV. 21:1-5)
Last week, we studied Christians’ role in applying biblical principles to promote justice, peace, and mercy, under the topic “The Bible and Justice: Christians As Change Agents” empowered by the Holy Spirit. May all that we learned continue to bless us.
Today’s study focuses on Christ’s final victory, urging believers to watch for the reality that will bring the current age to an end. Jesus promised His return, and the angels testified to this during His ascension (Acts 1:10-11). The apostles also emphasised it in their writings (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 2 Thess. 2:1-4).
The defeat of evil, sin, death, and Satan, along with the formation of the future Church, is closely tied to the full manifestation of Christ’s return (Rev. 20:1-10). At that time, believers who are dead will be resurrected and transformed, receiving new, glorified bodies (1 Cor. 15:50-54; Php. 3:20-21). The Church will then reign with Christ in His kingdom, which will be established on earth.
LESSON OUTLINE
- THE IMMINENT RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST
- THE FUTURE OF CHRIST’S CHURCH
LESSON EXPOSITION
THE IMMINENT RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST (Matt. 24:36- 44; 1 Thess. 4:16-17; 2 Pet. 3:1-10)
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
(Matt 24:44)
a) Christ’s return, i.e. the Second Coming, is prophesied in both the Old and New Testaments (Dan. 9:27; Matt. 24:3-14, 29- 30; 13:24-27; Lk. 21:25-28; Rev. 1:7).
b) 1 Thess. 4:16-17: This event (Grk. Parousia) refers to Christ’s glorious return, marking His second coming On. (Jn. 14:3).
c) 2 Pet. 3:1-10: Where is the promise of His coming? (v. 4), shows that while Christ’s return has long been promised, some mock this certain and unstoppable event. Hope you aren’t part of them? The Bible can’t be broken (Jn. 10:35).
d) Matt. 24:36-43: No one knows the exact day or hour of Christ’s return. Many have tried to predict it throughout history, but to no avail (Isa. 55:8-9).
e) Verse 42 calls for urgency and anticipation. We are not just to wait for His return, but to live to please God (1 Cor. 16:13-14; 1 John 2:28).
f) We must be fully prepared for His return; this is very important (v. 43; cf. Lk. 12:35-36; 1 Thess. 5:2-4; 1 Pet. 5:8).
The parable of the 10 virgins (Matt. 25:1-13) teaches us this lesson.
THE FUTURE OF CHRIST’S CHURCH (Matt. 16:16-19; Jn. 14:1-6; Eph. 5:25-27; Rev. 21:1-5)
And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.
(Rev. 21:3)
a) Matt. 16:16-19: I will build my church… (v. 18). The Church is founded on Christ’s promise to build it, ensuring its existence will continue forever, no matter what trials of faith may come.
b) Eph. 5:25-27: He wants to present the Church to Himself as a glorious Church. This shows how much God cares for
Christ’s Church, both now and in the future.
c) Jn. 14:1-6: The Church’s hope is to reign with Christ when He establishes His Kingdom, both during the millennium and in eternity (2 Pet. 3:13).
d) Rev. 21:1-5: …The tabernacle of God is with men… God will make everything new and dwell with His people. The future of the Church is secure with God.
e)This also marks the restoration of creation to its original perfect state (Isa. 25:8; 2 Cor. 5:17; Rev. 20:14), bringing a
time of great joy, comfort, and new beginnings.
LESSONS DERIVED
- The promise of Christ’s return is a wakeup call for believers to live in faith and preparedness.
- The Church, as Christ’s bride, will be united with Him in glory, transformed into an eternal state to worship and fellowship with God in the new creation.
QUESTIONS
- Describe how the Bible has educated the believers on Christ’s return.
- How is the future of Christ’s Church going to look like?
