1. These verses mention some special blessings that have been "given unto us," including: a. "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (vs.3) b. "exceeding great and precious promises" (vs.4). 2. Recently we have examined several promises that have been given to us. 3. Last Sunday we showed from the Scriptures that "God promised to send Jesus to earth." 4. Today we are concentrating on a promise made in John 14:1-4 -- "Jesus promised to come again." 5. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. THE LORD'S PROMISE HAS BEEN MISUNDERSTOOD BY MANY PEOPLE
A. According to 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, the Christians in Thessalonica misunderstood the Lord's promise. B. Some claim that Christ has already kept His promise (2 Timothy 2:16-18). C. Peter warned that scoffers would question the Lord's promise (2 Peter 3:3-4). D. Many predictions have been made about when the Lord will keep His promise. E. To properly understand we must follow the instructions given in 2 Peter 3:1-2. F. To illustrate why we must properly understand, . . . II. THE LORD'S PROMISE IS A GREAT SOURCE OF COMFORT
A. When Jesus made His promise in John 14:3, He was comforting the troubled hearts of the apostles (vs.1). B. A comforting message is given in: 1. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 2. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10. III. THE LORD'S PROMISE WILL COME TO PASS
A. We have read the Lord's promise to His apostles in John 14:3. B. In addition to the Lord, His promise was related by: 1. two angels (Acts 1:9-11) 2. an inspired apostle (Revelation 1:7).
IV. LET US DETERMINE WHEN THE LORD'S PROMISE WILL BE FULFILLED
A. No man or angel knows when Christ will return (Matthew 24:36, 42, 44; 25:13; Mark 13:32-33). B. However, God has "appointed a day" for the Lord's return (Acts 17:30-31). C. The day of the Lord's return will arrive "as a thief in the night." 1. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 2. 2 Peter 3:10a V. LET US CONSIDER ADDITIONAL DETAILS THAT RELATE TO THE LORD'S PROMISE
A. Christ will be accompanied by the holy angels (Matthew 25:31). B. He will "descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God" (1 Thessalonians 4:16). C. He will come "with clouds; and every eye shall see Him" (Revelation 1:7). D. Everything will be burned up when He returns (2 Peter 3:10). E. The Lord's promise to return should motivate us to live right (2 Peter 3:11-14). Conclusion:
1. The Scriptures teach us everything we need to know about the Lord's promise to come again. 2. Let us remember His warning in Matthew 24:4.
