Waiting For His Coming 1 Cor. 1: 7 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO
Often when I write someone at this time of year, I like to say “maybe this will be the year of our Lord’s return.” We are “waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” [1 Cor 1:7]. How shall we conduct ourselves while we are waiting?
Persevere in holiness – 1 Cor 1:4-8 – that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. To “confirm” unto the end is to strengthen. So, the Lord strengthens us by his grace to remain holy while waiting for his return. See 1 Jn 3:1-3, while waiting for Jesus we are to purify ourselves. The temptation before the return of the Lord is to slack in holiness, as others are becoming more unholy.
Abound in love – 1 Thes 3:12-13 we are to be unblameable in holiness through our love for others. As you see in Matt 24:12, before the Lord’s return the love of many shall wax cold because iniquity shall abound. We must be more fervent in our love for each other and for others.
Endure persecutions – 2 Thes 1:3-10 – heretofore, we have had very little persecution compared to the generations of Christians before us. Nevertheless, before the Lord returns, we will undoubtedly see an increase in persecution and we must endure it. You must kick at the end of a race or you will lose.
Resist worldliness – Titus 2:11-15; deny ungodliness 1 Thes 5:5-8. The church has invited the world into the church to attract larger crowds. In fact, the church has become more worldly. We must fight worldliness in our lives an in our homes and in our church.
Keep working till he comes – Lk 19:13 – keep doing the work that God has given you to do; don’t slack off near quitting time. Keep sowing; keep witnessing 1 Thes 2:19-20. Keep giving. There are still missionaries to support on the field and there are still souls to win at home. Remember Col 3:23-25, whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. There is a reward for faithfully discharging your responsibility.
Conclusion: According to 2 Tim 4:7-8, Paul finished his course. And there was a crown of righteousness awaiting him because he loved the Lord’s appearing. Likewise, there will be a crown of righteousness for you if you love the Lord’s appearing enough to finish your course by persevering in holiness, abounding in love, enduring persecution, resisting worldliness, and working till he comes.