We spend a lot of time studying all about Jesus’ birth. We even dedicate a whole season where we focus on His birth and our incredible hope because Jesus came to earth. However, we do not talk as often about His second coming. This coming will be far different than the first coming of Jesus. You see, when Jesus came the first time, He came as a baby in the humblest circumstances. When Jesus returns this time, He is going to come as King. He is going to set everything right.
BREAK THE ICE
What are the most bizarre misconceptions you have heard about the return of Jesus?
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
Bible Study Questions
1. When it comes to the timing of Jesus’ return, why do you think so many people want to know the timing of when that day will come?
WATCH SERMON RECAP
2. Read 2 Peter 3:3-10. What do we learn about the timing of Jesus’ return in these verses?
2 Peter 3:3-10
"Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 4 They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” 5 They deliberately forget that God made the heavens long ago by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. 6 Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. 7 And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed. 8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment."
"Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 4 They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”
5 They deliberately forget that God made the heavens long ago by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. 6 Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. 7 And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.
8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment."
3. Read 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10. What things do these verses specifically teach us about what Jesus will do when He returns?
2 Thessalonians 1:6-10
"In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you. 7 And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power. 10 When he comes on that day, he will receive glory from his holy people—praise from all who believe. And this includes you, for you believed what we told you about him."
"In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you.
7 And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power. 10 When he comes on that day, he will receive glory from his holy people—praise from all who believe. And this includes you, for you believed what we told you about him."
4. What is one of the things that this passage of Scripture teaches that His people do when Jesus returns? (See also Philippians 2:9-11.)
Philippians 2:9-11
"Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names,10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Application
1. How does the truth that Christ’s return will be unexpected affect the way you want to live your life now?
2. The Scripture we studied today clarifies that God is a God of justice. What is a way that you can be a part of justice here and now while we are waiting for Jesus to return?
3. When you think about your own life, are you living to glorify God? What is one way that you can improve?
MOVING FORWARD
We must be ready for Jesus’ return, which also means sharing our faith with others. So take a few minutes, break up into groups, and share your two-minute story. As you practice sharing your story, you will become more comfortable and ready to share your story with someone who is far from Christ when they ask.
Going Deeper
Scripture clarifies that Jesus will judge those who never placed their faith in Him when He returns. This is when unbelievers will be held accountable for their decision to say “no” to following Him. Knowing that this judgment is coming encourages us to both pray for unbelievers that they would turn to Christ and share our faith with those around us who are far from Him.
Judgment for Unbelievers:
1. Read Revelation 20:11-15. On what basis will those at this judgment be judged?
2. Look back at 2 Peter 3:9. What perspective does this provide regarding this particular judgment?
3. Read Romans 1:19-20. How does this verse impact your understanding of this judgment?
Judgment for Believers:
Scripture teaches that one day, followers of Christ will face judgment when Jesus returns. Although the blood of Christ forgives us, we will be judged and held accountable for how we lived our lives. Those whose actions are judged as valuable will be rewarded.
1. Read 2 Corinthians 5:6-10. What do these verses teach is the goal of followers of Christ? Why?
2. Read 1 Corinthians 3:9-15. How will followers of Christ be judged?
3. What happens to those whose work shows value? What happens to those whose work is not judged as valuable?
4. How does understanding this judgment day motivate you as you think about how you live your life each day?
Reflect:
One day we will all be judged. As followers of Christ, we will be held accountable for how we lived our lives. As you evaluate your life, what step can you take to better love and obey God this week, knowing that you will one day be judged for how you lived? Share this with your group.
As His followers, we also get to be a part of sharing Christ with the people around us. Think of one person you can reach out to with the hope of Christ this week. Share this person with your group. After everyone has shared, pray together that God would help you as you seek to love and obey Him and that He would work in the lives of the people you shared who do not know Him yet.
Christ is coming again. Let’s prepare now, loving and serving Him and making Him known to the people around us.
MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)
1 Corinthians 2:9 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
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