Little Red Book Ministry

C. Pray for His return
The overwhelming testimony of the scriptures is that we should watch for our Lord with longing in our heart. He wants us to want to be with Him more than we want any earthly thing. He wants His coming to be as important to us as it is to Him. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, he gave them a sample prayer in which praying for His return was second in order after praising God. Remember, the kingdom cannot come until the King comes to establish it!

Matthew 6:9–10; Luke 11:2; 21:36; Revelation 22:20

V. The Products of Knowledge About the Second Coming of Christ
A. Consolation for sorrowful saints
Living believers will be reunited with those who have departed this life, now raised from the dead and be “caught up together. . .”

4:13–18; Isaiah 40:1, 9–11; John 11:25–26

B. Motivation for fruitful service
Those servants who maintain an attitude of unceasing expectancy toward the Lord’s coming will inevitably seek to be faithful to the tasks assigned.

1. Fruit-bearing: 1 Thessalonians 1:6, 9–10; 2:19–20; 1 Corinthians 4:3–5
2. Fidelity: Luke 12:42–44; Matthew 25:19–21
3. Faithfulness: 2 Timothy 4:1–2, 8; 1 Peter 5:2–4

C. Inspiration for faithful living
The unfailing incentive of Christ’s return will produce devotion and constancy in life and action.

1. We should be patient: 2 Thessalonians 3:5; Hebrews 10:36–37; James 5:7–9
2. We should be sober: 1 Thessalonians 5:2–6; 1 Peter 1:13; 4:7
3. We should endure testing : 1 Peter 1:6–7; 4:13
4. We should abide in fellowship: 1 John 2:28
5. We should renounce fleshly desires: Colossians 3:3–5; 1 John 3:2–3
6. We should abide in love: 1 Thessalonians 3:12–13; 4:1, 10
7. We shall be blameless: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 5:23; Jude 24
8. We shall be preserved: Philippians 1:6; 1 Peter 1:5; Jude 24