We Can Know the Truth about the Lord's Return (John 8:31-32)
Introduction:
1. In these verses Jesus stated that His disciples can know something that is very special --"the truth." 2. Jesus revealed the key to knowing the truth -- "continuing in His word." 3. Knowing the truth is essential because the truth makes us free. 4. The theme of our lesson is: "we can know the truth about the Lord's return." 5. It seems that the Lord's return is presently receiving attention because of world events. 6. To know the truth about this important subject we must continue in the Lord's word. Discussion: I. THE LORD'S WORD TEACHES THAT JESUS WILL RETURN
A. Jesus promised His apostles that He will return (John 14:1-4). B. In addition to the Lord, other messengers revealed the same information, including: 1. two angels (Acts 1:10-11) 2. the apostle John (Revelation 1:7). II. THE LORD'S WORD TEACHES WHEN JESUS WILL RETURN
A. God has "appointed a day" for Jesus' return (Acts 17:30-31). B. However, Jesus said that no man knows when He will return (Matthew 24:36, 42, 44; 25:13; Mark 13:32-33). 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 24:3-35; however,: 1. they do not apply to His return 2. they applied to the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. III. THE LORD'S WORD REVEALS ADDITIONAL DETAILS THAT RELATE TO JESUS' RETURN
A. "The holy angels" will accompany Jesus when He returns (Matthew 25:31). B. Jesus will "descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God" (1 Thessalonians 4:16). C. Jesus will return "with clouds; and every eye shall see Him" (Revelation 1:7). D. When Jesus returns everything will be burned up (2 Peter 3:10). E. Jesus' return should motivate His followers to live right (2 Peter 3:11-14). Conclusion:
1. In Matthew 24:35 Jesus explained why we must continue in His word -- His words will not pass away. 2. Let us heed His instruction to always: a. "watch" (Matthew 24:42) b. "be ready" (Matthew 24:44).
