Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Jesus is Returning

Bryan Schneider · June 26, 2021

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

sharonrpc.org/sermons/jesus-is-returning

Summary

Jesus will return, but Scripture forbids attempts to calculate the date or claim secret knowledge of the Father's timing.
The sudden Day of the Lord brings unavoidable judgment upon those lulled by darkness, spiritual sleep, intoxication, and false security.
Christians were once in darkness but have been made children of light through Christ, who bore divine wrath so they might receive salvation.
Waiting faithfully means remaining alert and sober while putting on faith, love, and the sure hope of salvation.
Because the Holy Spirit comforts and builds his people, believers should speak hope, pursue holiness, and strengthen one another as the Day approaches.

Am I more interested in end-times speculation than in the obedience Christ commands today?
Where have complacency or hidden deeds of darkness dulled my spiritual alertness?
Do I rest my escape from wrath entirely on Christ's death, or on my own readiness and performance?
How are faith, love, and hope shaping the way I wait for Jesus?
Whom can I comfort or build up with the promise of Christ's return this week?

Day of the Lord: Christ's certain and public return, bringing resurrection, judgment, salvation, and the final defeat of evil.
Children of light: People rescued from spiritual darkness and given new identity and life in Christ.
Watchfulness: Alert, sober obedience shaped by the certainty of Christ's return rather than speculation about its date.
Hope of salvation: Confident expectation grounded in Christ's death and promise, pictured as a helmet protecting the mind.