1. When we study John 14-16 we must remember that Jesus was comforting His disciples. 2. He was comforting them because their hearts were troubled. 3. Jesus had informed the disciples that He was leaving them (John 13:33, 36). 4. In addition to telling the disciples, "Let not your heart be troubled," (vs.1a): a. Jesus told them to believe in God and in Him (vs.1b) b. Jesus spoke to them about the "Father's house" [heaven] (vs.2) c. Jesus said, "I will come again" (vs.3). 5. In our lesson we are concentrating on the Lord's statement, "I will come again." 6. To illustrate why we need to study this subject,: a. many have tried to predict when Christ will come again b. Peter warned of scoffers who would raise questions (2 Peter 3:1-4). Discussion: I. LET US FIRST ESTABLISH THE FACT THAT JESUS WILL COME AGAIN
A. We earlier read the Lord's statement in John 14:3. B. When Jesus ascended, two angels told the apostles that He will come again (Acts 1:9-11). C. The inspired apostle John said that Jesus will come again (Revelation 1:7). II. LET US NEXT ESTABLISH WHEN JESUS WILL COME AGAIN
A. No man knows when the Lord will come again (Matthew 24:36, 42, 44; 25:13; Mark 13:32-33). B. However, God has "appointed a day" when He will judge the world by His Son (Acts 17:30-31). C. That day will arrive "as a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10a). D. Jesus gave a number of signs in Matthew 24:4-35; however,: 1. they do not apply to the Lord's return 2. they applied to the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. III. FINALLY, LET US ESTABLISH WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN JESUS COMES AGAIN
A. The Lord 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 (2 Peter 3:10). Conclusion:
1. The Lord's return should motivate us to live right (2 Peter 3:11-14). 2. May we have the desire that John expressed in Revelation 22:20.