YOUTHS STS LESSON 113 READINESS FOR CHRIST’S RETURN
TEXT: Luke 12:35-59
MEMORY VERSE: “Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not“ (Luke 12:40).
he teaching on Christ’s return opens up last days’ events known as eschatology. This is one of the cardinal doctrines that brings relief and comfort to Christian youths in this world of troubles, fears, uncertainty and recession. Christ’s return is in two phases:
(1) the rapture of the Church
(2) the Second Coming of Christ.
Christian youths need not be confused about the two phases of Christ’s return as they are separate and distinct events, which will occur at different times in God’s time-table.
Question 1(a): What are the two phases of Christ’s return? (b) Give one clear difference between the two.
The rapture is the greatest event the Church awaits. It is the sudden catching away of all true believers in Christ to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). It will involve the raising of the dead in Christ and translating of Christians who are alive. This event can happen any time from now, “in the twinkling of an eye…” (1 Corinthians 15:52) without further warning. The Second Coming of Christ after the rapture will just be as literal and visible as His ascension. His feet will touch the earth (Mount Olivet) and His coming will be ” that are ungodly among themTo execute judgment upon all, and to convince all of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him” (Jude 1:15); and to set up His kingdom on earth to reign a thousand years. This is known as Christ’s millennial reign. The rapture will precede the second coming of Christ.
It is worthy of note that Christ’s return will be a glad day to the Christian youth, but a sad day for the unbelieving youth. Our text reveals Christ’s exhortation to His disciples to be ready for His return. At His return, faithful servants shall be rewarded with crowns of glory, praise and honour while unfaithful servants shall be punished accordingly. Based on this truth, the word of God expressly admonishes all saved youths to be ready for His return at all times (1 Corinthians 15:58).
PROPHECY AND REVELATION OF CHRIST’S RETURN (Luke 12:35-39; Zechariah 14:4; Malachi 3:2,3; Acts 1:10,11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Mark 13:24-27; John 14:1-3; Matthew 25:1-13; Revelation 1:7; 2:25; 3:11; 16:15; 22:7,12,20)
“And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:10,11).
Question 2: What gives Christian youths the assurance that Christ will come again?
Christ’s return has been predicted both in the Old and New Testaments. Prophecy is the prediction about future occurrences. It is telling beforehand what is certain to happen. It can also be described as divine revelation, foreseeing what must surely happen. Thus, it behaves Christian youths to accept and believe the revealed truth in God’s word concerning Christ’s return. They must, therefore, beware of false prophets and teachers who cajole people to believe that Christ’s return is invalid. They are warned against “…ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4).
55 Bible scholars observed that in the Old Testament alone, over 1,500 passages made reference to the coming of Christ. Also, in the New Testament, one out of every twenty-five verses directly refers to His second coming. Jesus Christ Himself mentioned His second coming twenty-nine times. In addition, there are over fifty exhortations to the believers in the New Testament to be ready for the return of Christ. Every time His first coming is mentioned once, His second coming is mentioned eight times.
The following facts also give credence to biblical claims that Christ will come again:
One, the unity of the writers on the subject.
Two, the infallibility of the Scriptures.
Three, the teachings of Christ, the Truth personified.
Four, the fulfilment of virtually all prophecies about His return.
Five, biblical terms used in describing His return: “Hold fast till I come“, “Behold I come quickly“, “Behold I come as a thief“, “Surely I come quickly”, “I will come again”.
PREPARATION AND READINESS FOR CHRIST’S RETURN (Luke 12:35-40; Matthew 25:1-13 Mark 13:32-37 Luke 21:34- 36; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8)
“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not” (Luke 12:40). The imminent coming of our Lord Jesus is a wake up and sundry call for all to prepare. Sinful and backslidden youths are charged to repent urgently and return to Christ to be qualified to meet with Him at His return.
“Let your loins be girded…” (Verse 35). In his epistle to the Ephesians, Paul admonished them to “Stand therefore having your loins gird about with truth...” (Ephesians 6:14). The charge reveals the importance of standing and upholding the truth while waiting for Christ’s return. We live in a world of moral decadence, where the truth of God’s word has been relegated to the background in so many so-called Christian gatherings. The world, without Christ, is indescribable darkness. Many youths are living in darkness without hope. Christian youths should emulate John the Baptist of whom the Lord testified that “He was a burning and a shining light” (John 5:35a).
Question 3: How can a Christian youth keep his light burning and shining as he awaits the Lord’s return?
If we must save our teeming lost youths from going to hell, then we should obey Christ’s injunction: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). The light here refers to the godly lifestyle of the believer that makes an impact. The Christian youth is expected to shine for Jesus and live a life free from any hidden work of dishonesty. As believers await Christ’s return, his light can get brighter and remain burning, through:
one, soul-winning serious involvement in schools’ outreach, Youth Home Success Fellowship, tracts and Youth Life magazine distribution.
Two, speaking the truth always.
Three, sincere life of righteousness in the open and in the secret.
Four, sound observance of a life of regular quiet time and devotion. However, the believer’s light can be dimmed through:
(1) secret sin, (2) unequal yoke with unbelievers, (3) evil communications, (4) involvement in examination malpractice and (5) backsliding. Furthermore, Christ exhorts on the need for watchfulness and vigilance. Christian youths need to watch over their (1) words (Matthew 12:36), (2) actions (Colossians 3:17), (3) thoughts (Proverbs 24:9), (4) conversations (Philippians 1:27), (5) heart (Proverbs 4:23). “Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not” (Luke 12:40).
PRIZES IN RECOGNITION OF FAITHFUL STEWARDS AT CHRIST’S RETURN (Luke 12:41-44; John 14:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 2:7,11,17,26-28; 3:5,12,21; 22:12)
“And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (Luke 12:42,43).
Question 4: Who is a steward?
A steward is one who is responsible for carrying out an assigned task. Therefore, believers today can be called the stewards of Christ. The Lord committed much into the hands of His children before He left the world. He told them, “…Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13). Christian youths are expected to be stewards of Christ. A wise steward, therefore, is one who knows his master’s will and does it faithfully. “Moreover, it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). The Lord demands faithfulness from Christian youths today as we wait for His return. The Lord wants us to demonstrate faithfulness in the following areas: (1) soul-winning, (2) fruit bearing, (3) tithing, (4) worship, (5) holiness, (6) daily cross- bearing, (7) earnestly contending for the faith. Holding forth till the masters comes.
Question 5: What profits await faithful servants when Christ returns?
“Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath” (verse 44). This is an encouragement to heaven-bound Christian youths to remain faithful at all times as they will be rewarded by the Master at His coming with the following: (1) crown of life (Revelation 2:10); (2) crown of rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19); (3) crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8); (4) crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4). Other great rewards await all faithful stewards of Christ. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
PUNISHMENT AND REJECTION OF THE UNFAITHFUL SERVANT AT CHRIST’S RETURN (Luke 12:45-49; Matthew 25:10-12; 42-46; 24:48-51; Revelation 3:15,16)
Failure to prepare for Christ’s return will result in severe punishment. No excuse shall be accepted by the King when He comes. Both servants (the one that knew his will and that which knew not) were punished for negligence and ignorance in stewardship. “And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 24:51). Eternal lake of fire shall be the portion of all unfaithful servants. However, there is hope for all sinning youths and backsliders if the sinner:
(1) acknowledge his sinfulness and helplessness,
(2) confesses and forsake all known sins (3), receives Christ by faith,
(4) lives the Christian life by trusting in the Saviour. The backslider must
(1) realise his backslidden state,
(2) repent of all backsliding,
(3) return to his first love, and
(4) get re-enlisted into God’s army.
Finally, as Christ rounds off His exhortation, He pointed out three important lessons the Christian youth should keep in mind while waiting for His return. (1) The fact that persecution comes along with our professed Christian faith. (verse 51-53). (2) The foresight of recognising and interpreting the signs of the time (verse 54-56). (3) The fortitude’ to be peace makers in the world (verse 58, 59).’Courage in pain or adversity.